As tattoos become popular so does the need for tattoo removal. =This is a classic example of supply and demand. With more tattoos being sported on the arm, leg or back of the mainstream public, tattoo regret is on the rise. There seems to be an influx doctors jumping aboard the lucrative gravy train eager to fire up their new lasers to remove those unwanted tattoos.

It is important to know that the title "physician or surgeon" does not necessarily qualify the individual to perform tattoo removal laser surgery. This is often one misconception overlooked by the many looking to get their tattoo removed. Certified training, actual experience and proven results are all necessary for a safe effective laser treatment.

Although it may be legal for some physicians or nurses to perform laser tattoo removal treatments, it does not necessarily mean he or she has been qualified with the proper training to perform the task. Even worse, it doesn't mean that they have had hands on patient experience, and proven results under their belt to actually perform the treatment on you. As we all know, we have to get experience from somewhere, the question is do you want this experience to be experimented on you?

If you are thinking of getting a tattoo removed, the first step to removing an unwanted tattoo is researching the different options available to the remove tattoo. This includes surgical excision, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and even skin-peeling methods. Once you have determined which method or methods you think will work for you. It is important when making your decision to consider your budget and the estimated costs of each removal method. Think of your goals, your time frame- if you have one, the level of pain you can take and which method you can endure. You need to do your homework; tattoos are not easy to put on and are even worse when you are thinking of removing them.

If you are considering laser tattoo removal research the reputation of several doctors and medical practices offering this type of procedure. Keep in mind that you will be frequenting the practice often for numerous treatments so it is important not only to select a doctor with a good reputation, but one that is located near your home of place of work. This doctor also has to be one you are comfortable with so that you may ask questions and determine if this process is right for you.

Once you have narrowed your search down to a few local, reputable doctors, schedule an initial consultation with each doctor. This will allow you to gather some more information about the facility, the doctors, and the nurses assisting them.

Before your appointment write down a list of questions or concerns you may have about the procedure. Number each item on your list to review with the doctor in order of priority so that you can be sure to answer the most important questions first.

Include on your list such items as:

First, find out who will be administering the laser treatments? If he or she is not administering the treatments, ask to meet the person who will be, and ask for their title, training and qualifications.

Ask the doctor which tattoo removal option they would recommend for your skin type, size and location of your tattoo.

Ask if there any unique issues or risks you should be aware of.

Discuss the realistic expectations and outcome of procedure specific to your tattoo with the doctor. Since there are a variety of skin types and even a wider variety of tattoo ink pigments, it takes several different types of laser removal devices to remove all tattoo colors and inks. Be sure to ask the doctor to write down on your notes the name of each laser and what type of laser he or she will be using on each color in your tattoo.

Ask how many years have they been performing laser tattoo removal and how long they have been in business.

Ask them why type of certification training (if any) they have completed specifically for tattoo removal.

Find out how many patients have they fully completed laser tattoo removal. See if there any before and after photos of the patients you can review. Make sure that you are reviewing actual results from the doctor's patients and not before and after photos that given to the doctor when they purchased the laser.

Always be sure to ask for a copy of a price quote for each treatment. You need to know exact costs and how many treatments are expected to reach the desired outcome.

Lastly, ask the doctor if you can be put in contact with one or two of his former patients for referrals.

It's important to get your questions answered and always bring a pen so you can right down the answers to your questions. Take your notes out while you are in the waiting room, and keep them out. Review them while you are waiting so when they call you you're ready.