How to undo that tatoo: The once-cool butterfly on my ankle now looks tacky — what can I do?…. and more reader questions answered here - Beauty Q+A

Shape, May, 2002

Q I want to have my tattoo removed. What are my options?

A Until recently, the only options were surgery or dermabrasion (where skin is sanded" with a metal rotary brush to remove the surface and middle layers, diminishing the appearance of the tattoo after much pain). But these can cause scarring, which is why lasers are now the tool of choice, says Roy Geronemus, M.D., director of the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York and a clinical professor of dermatology at New York University. During the procedure, the laser penetrates the dermis (the skin's middle layer, where the tattoo ink has been absorbed), superheating and dispersing the pigment while leaving the epidermis (the skin's outermost layer) intact. Although not as painful as dermabrasion, the treatment may hurt and takes several sessions -- ranging from a few seconds to 20 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo -- spaced one to two months apart. Because black, red and blue ink absorb laser energy more readily than other colors like yellow do, it may only take about three sessions (at S300-$800 ea ch) to get rid of a tattoo with these shades.

For a less-expensive and quicker (although temporary) alternative, try body coverage makeup. Like the newest foundations, this makeup is made with light-reflecting particles, which creates a natural and sweat-, smudge- and waterproof finish. Try CoverBlend by Exuviance ($16-$22; 800-225-9411). - Geri Bird

Q I've heard about the risk of contracting infections from pedicure foot baths. How do I know the ones at my salon are safe?

A You're right to be concerned. Last year, health officials closed a California nail salon after more than 100 clients developed sores on their feet and legs, a result of bacteria found in foot spas not cleaned properly. Many state health agencies have since released advisories to salons about cleaning procedures, and at this point no other outbreaks have been reported. But that doesn't necessarily mean you're protected. You need to take some responsibility for yourself, says Julie Serquinia, owner of Paint Shop, a Los Angeles nail spa with an extensive celebrity following. Here's what you can do to help ensure a safe nail experience:

* Show up early. Watch the turnover to see how basins are cleaned, Serquinia says. Each should be drained, the surfaces cleaned with a detergent and rinsed, then sprayed with an EPA-registered disinfectant (label should read "bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal activity"). And the filters on stationary foot baths should be cleaned each evening.

* Look for a license. Salons and technicians must be state-licensed and post the license in plain view. This ensures that they've been trained in safety and cleanliness practices.

* Ask about what you can't see. Unsure about how instruments are sterilized/disposed of or what happens to foot baths in the back room? Ask. "If there's nothing to hide, it shouldn't be a problem," Serquinia says.

* Use common sense. If the salon looks messy, unclean and/or smells bad, it's a good indication that the facility isn't the only thing that's not cleaned well.

* Bring your own tools if necessary. Although almost all tools have disposable or sterilizable versions, this is another place where salons may skimp. If you're unsure, bring your own. Try the OPI Swiss Clean Personal Nail Healthcare Pack home-tool kit ($10; 800-34 19999), below right. -- Beth Janes

RELATED ARTICLE: 4 steps to beautiful feet

If you're uncomfortable about the cleanliness of salons, try this do-it-yourself pedicure.

1. Smooth calluses with a pumice stone (try Dr. Scholl's Pedicure Essentials Beauty Stone, $4; at drugstores), then smooth skin with an exfoliator like Earth Therapeutics Rx3 Foot Scrub ($8; 800-789-3579).

2. Moisturize cuticles with olive oil, then gently push them back with your fingers, says Oksana of the Julien Farel Salon in New York City. Follow with a warm-water soak.

3. Slather on a moisturizer like Barielle Time Release AHA Foot Cream ($19; barielle.com). Afterward, clean nails with an astringent like Clearasil Deep Clean Astringent ($4; at drugstores).

4. Apply a base coat like OPI Nail Envy ($15; opi.com), followed by a polish like Chanel Nail Colour in Samba ($16; qloss.com). Insider's tip: Before applying polish, slip into a pair of Beech Sandal Company Upscale Pedicure Sandals ($24; pedicuresandals.com), thonglike sandals that keep toes separated. -- B.J.