Thread: tattoo removal . . . ?

i have been doing some research online regarding tattoo removal & although i have yet to speak to a dermatologist, it seems as though laser removal is the best & yet most expensive option.

i have 4 tattoos i'd like to get rid of . . . i was 18 when i got them done & now that i'm getting older & trying to enter the professional world, it seems my tattoos may be an issue. i would like to remove:

* a hibiscus flower on my left forearm:
(about 3 1/2 in. wide, 2 1/2 in. tall; yellow, orange, green, blue, red & black).
* a rose & rosary on the back of my neck:
(about 5 - 6 in. tall, 3 or so in. wide; just black & it has faded significantly).
* a pin - up girl on my right calf:
(about 6 in. tall & 3 - 4 in. wide; black & red).
* a dark angel with roses on my right arm:
(same size as the pin - up girl but only black ink).

these tattoos are nearly 3 years old & in fairly good condition although they have faded quite a bit since i got them. they cause me some discomfort from time to time as they like to swell up and start to itch & burn, especially when i sweat. i just don't find it worth the pain and aggrivation anymore so i am exploring my options (& saving up some cash!) to get them removed.

i know health insurance does not generally cover the cost of tattoo removal, but since they cause me discomfort, is there any possibility they may help me pay for the laser surgery? how many sessions does it typically take to remove tattoos similar to mine and what is the typical cost per session? has anyone on this health forum had a tattoo removed that would be willing to share their experience or provide a before & after picture of their ink? do any of the tattoo removal creams (eg. wrecking balm) work or is it a waste of time & money? although i would like them completely removed, i would be more than happy if i could fade them enough to cover them up with something less vulgar. any comments are appreciated!