Photo Credit: Permanent Tattoos
Tattoos
are a prevalent part of our society. Many teens gift themselves with a tattoo
as soon as they turn eighteen. But tattoos aren’t only common among teens, but
among people of all ages. “It is estimated that close to 10% of the U.S.
population has some sort of tattoo”(Laser Tattoo Removal Procedure). The problem is, it’s permanent
and sometimes people think they want something on their body forever only to change
their mind later on. Because of this, laser tattoo removal has become one of the
fastest growing areas in the industry of dermatology. “According to the
American Society of Dermatological surgery, over 50% of everyone receiving a
tattoo wants it removed”(TATTOO). Laser tattoo removal is a complicated
process that affects people differently but is continually improving.
There are different types of lasers
used in tattoo removal, but the color of the tattoo determines the type of
laser necessary. Darker colors are generally easier to remove because they
absorb the light better. The depth and density of the ink is the biggest factor
in determining how successful the removal of a tattoo will be. After each
treatment, the laser fragments more ink and penetrates a little deeper into the
skin, often followed by blistering and scarring (Laser Tattoo Removal). Some tattoos
disappear after just a couple treatments, while others require more. Either
way, the tattoo should get increasingly lighter after each treatment.
There are some risks to getting
laser tattoo removal. The skin sometimes becomes more prone to infections if
not taken care of. The treated area
could also become lighter or darker compared to skin of the surrounding area. Laser
tattoo removal could also leave a patient with a permanent scar. It is very
important that a patient takes great care of the treated area by applying some
kind of antibiotic cream or ointment to aid the healing process.
Laser tattoo removal is a very painful
process to some people while to others, it feels similar to being snapped by a
rubber band. Technology is constantly improving making the process not only
less and less painful, but also more affective with less of a risk of scarring.
Laser removal is a safer method compared to others because the laser is able to
selectively treat the tattoo pigment.
Tattoos are fun, cool, and
dangerous. It’s something that most people find attractive. But before getting one, make sure it’s
something you’ll want on your body for a long time, because it sure is a waste
of money getting it done, just to have it removed a few years down the road.
I really enjoyed reading your blog post. I think it is fascinating how laser technology can remove something that is supposed to be permanent. I have many close friends that did exactly what you mentioned in your blog, they were so quick to get a tattoo just to be cool but realized down the road that it was a foolish idea and now regret it. I would like to know more about this technology including pricing and it’s affordability. You gave some great information especially about how darker colors are absorbed more effectively than lighter colors, I thought that was very scientific. Great post….enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteI see where you're coming from with people getting tattoos just to be cool, that's what everyone in my high school did. Do you think that it is becoming more of a statement for people to make about their individuality? And do you also think that this removal process could one day be self-applicable and cheap?
ReplyDelete