Tattoo Removal Getting More Popular

By: Jessica Meyer

With my laser tattoo removal process started, I’ve noticed the huge rise in popularity of laser tattoo removal. In the media especially, tattoo removal by all methods is being talked about more and more. Dr. Amy Derick has been interviewed regarding tattoo removal more this year than all previous years combined.

Some of the options out there beside laser tattoo removal include topical creams, dermabrasion, acid that removes layers of skin, salabrasion, or even excision. Dr. Derick has helped many patients with bad tattoo problems, people who come in with all sorts of homemade solutions that did not work. For example, a patient came in who tried to scrub their tattoo off with salt! This is a type of salabrasion, where you use something rough with a combination of salt and water to basically sand off the tattoo. This almost always results in scarring, is extremely painful, and needs multiple treatments.

Television shows highlighting these bad tattoos are also becoming more popular. On TLC, “America’s Worst Tattoos” has just premiered. In the episode I managed to catch, a woman was highlighted who actually tattooed herself- with a self-portrait. She thought the tattoos on her leg were “too evil” looking so she evened it out with a picture of herself praying and a bible verse. This woman obviously loved tattoos (she had them up to her chin); so maybe covering up the tattoo was a good option for her. But really, I was asking myself, if you don’t like it why don’t you get it removed?

There are studies that show 1 out of every 8 people regret a tattoo on their body. When choosing to get a tattoo to cover up a bad tattoo, it’s like starting the cycle all over again. What’s to say that these people will not regret the new cover up ink? Another key part of getting a new tattoo as a cover up is the fact that the new tattoo will need to be larger and darker in order to hide the old ink. Some people with bright tattoos have to get laser removal done to fade it before they can even get a cover up tattoo. Laser tattoo removal is by far the best option for anyone who has tattoo regret. A cover up tattoo is not going to get rid of the feeling someone might have about the stigma attached to having a tattoo in the first place.

Laser tattoo removal is the gold standard in tattoo removal, and for good reason. The procedure is done by a medical professional, which means any possible side effects will be managed correctly. Realistic results and an estimate of the amount of sessions necessary will be discussed with a credible medical provider. The proper laser will be used taking into account skin type, tattoo color, size, and location. Now a bad tattoo doesn’t have to be permanent.