May 2009 Blog Archive
Friday, May 29, 2009
Scared of Tattoos? Think Again
For those of you still fence-sitting about whether or not you want a tattoo
or not, Infinitink is a not so permanent alternative. According to it's
makers it's safe and effective for removing. It requires less treatments for
removal, which means less time for you under the laser and less money paid.
During times of penny pinching, it seems like an economically viable
decision to go with less permanent ink.
A Time Magazine article said, "Artists report that new customers requesting
Infinitink are most often part of the 'fence-sitter' group, those who have
considered getting a tattoo, but have not gotten one because of concerns
about permanence," said Martin Schmieg, Chairman and CEO of Nuvilex, Inc.
"According to market surveys, this group represents 25% of the over
18-year-old U.S. population. Therefore, we expect strong demand for our
solution."
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tattoo Highway
A Newport Beach, California resident who is a tattoo artist will be going
around the country in his tattoo-mobile bringing tattoos to people's
doorsteps. The bus has turned into a customized tattoo parlor, and Thomas
Pendalton wants to show the world on television what tattooing means to me.
Tattoo Highway the show will be premiering on A&E is bound to make a mark in
television with it's crafty idea.
The Orange County Register said of the series, "The series captures
Pendelton as he provides a memorial tattoo for a mother who, at 16, gave her
newborn up for adoption. He tattoos prostitutes outside a well-known brothel
in Nevada. For a man grieving the recent loss of his wife, he mixes her
cremated ashes into black ink and uses that ink in a portrait tattooed on
the widower's chest. The experience brings Pendelton to tears."
Thursday, May 28, 2009
NBA Tattoos
Yet again a series of news articles have been released about the influx of
players clad with tons of tattoos all over their arms, necks and legs. But
is this truly as distracting to the game as some people say? Just today one
writer said he hated watching the NBA that it had lost the wholesomeness it
once had.
The Minneapolis Examiner article said, "It's actually a novelty to find
players who aren't tattooed. I can think of Dwight Howard, Tony Parker,
and......does Wally Szerbiak have one? I've been watching the conference
finals the past week, and the games have been pretty exciting/ Not many
people would have guessed that the Orlando Magic would be a Lebron
three-pointer away from leading three games to none. But....I can't get
past these tattoos."
I want to know what most sports-fans think. Is there really a loss of
viewership due to the obscene amount of tattoos adorning the players?
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Teenagers and Tattoos
Recent surveys have shown that nearly 36% of young Americans between 18-25
have tattoos. The numbers seem astronomically high in comparison to just a
decade ago, when tattoos still carried a taboo. But with the accessibility
of tattoo removal, teenagers know they can easily remove it if they have a
case of buyers remorse, or worse their parents find their mark of
rebellion. For most parents of teenagers the dreaded words are "I want a
tattoo," but clearly it seems as though parents have lost the leverage to
forbid body art. As tattooing has boomed in popularity many of the
stereotypes of gangs, drugs and deviance have disappeared while also the
opportunities to remove them are just as prevalent.
The New York Daily News said of this phenomena, "That tells you all you need
to know about the changed cultural meaning of the American tattoo. It has
become just as common among women as among men. Most of all, though, it has
gone 100% mainstream. If even Barbie is getting inked, and it's totally
stylin', we can be sure that there's nothing remotely rebellious about it."
So if you're one of the thousands of parents fretting your child's
inevitable tattoo, then perhaps explain to them now the options, prices and
time involved in tattoo removal, so they are aware alternatives do exist
when you want to remove the tattoo.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Removal in the Big Apple
Despite a gloomy economy and failing industries around the corner, tattoo
removal is said to be booming in the Big Apple. New York City based
dermatologists have been saying they are finding a growing number of
patients seeking out body-ink removal. Most agree that an increase in
competitiveness in the job market is inciting much of the popularity, as
more jobless are vying for coveted positions where employers may look down
upon tattoos.
The United Press International said, "People can't afford to handicap
themselves because of a tattoo in a tight job market," Rand said. "We're
seeing a huge surge right now in people getting rid of their tattoos." Mercy
College graduate student Mobeen Yasin admitted he was concerned how the
script tattoo around his neck might look to potential employers."
This increase in removal popularity also may have to do with the so-called
boom in tattoos among the younger demographics. As more people get body-art,
within a few years removal is likely to happen, especially with over 45
million Americans who have at least one tattoo.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Recession Calls for Removal
For those people feeling the brunt of the global financial crisis and vying
for positions after being made redundant, is it worth investing in removing
our tattoos? Some people say that at this juncture actually getting a job is
so difficult you don't want any external factors negatively impacting your
chances of landing that coveted position. The tattoo industry has held
strong during the recession, and now some observers say the removal industry
may be in for a mid-recession boost as well.
In many states government agencies, police force and fire departments have
all deployed initiatives to have current employees and new ones remove
tattoos or hide visible ones. Many other organizations have taken the same
mandate and implemented more stringent tattoo regulations.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Team Tattoos
Rather than sizing up tonight's Lakers versus Denver Nuggets Western
Conference finals game, some headlines are instead discussing the tattoos on
the Nuggets team. For years sportsman have adorned body art, whether it be
homage to their team or simply a personal symbol, tattoos have long clad the
arms and legs of athletes in American sport. What do parents think of their
children idolizing players with much of their bodies tattooed?
The AZ Central said, "After all, the *Denver Post *likened the Nuggets
locker room to The Louvre, what with all the body art in there. We have no
way to measure this, nor would we care to try, but we're guessing that, as a
team, the Nuggets lead the NBA in largest total body percentage covered by
ink. And in the NBA, well, that's saying something. Some folks are put off
by all the tattoos, but as Suns swingman Matt Barnes* *told us last season,
it's a generational thing."
If the NBA and other leagues follow on the path of some government agencies
athletes would be forced to remove or conceal visible tattoos. I wonder if
that would ever happen? Or is our sporting culture too engrained with
tattoos?
Monday, May 18, 2009
Tattoo still Taboo?
Do tattoos and tattoo removal still carry an aura of negativity? For years
tattoos were considered taboo and for the very artsy or the very disturbed.
But today, we see tweens, teens and twentysomethings lining up by the droves
for a dose of body ink. And now we see these same people getting older and
flocking to removal clinics to erase their stamp of the past. Tattoos in
some parts of the world may still be taboo, but surely people realize the
pervasiveness of the tattoo removal industry.
If people are unaware of the options, perhaps the tattoo removal industry
should do as the fertility and vein health communities and organize
awareness and education months and weeks to promulgate the treatments and
symptoms and risks associated with tattoos and tattoo removal.
Friday, May 15, 2009
A Fond Farewell
Over the course of the past 4 weeks I have personally noticed a number of
tattoo removal clinics pop-up in and around Sydney. From the central
business district to beachside locales, removal clinics seem to be the hot
new trend of the winter here in Australia. Everywhere you look there are
loads of twentysomethings and teenagers with body-art, but it seems like
many are looking to get them removed.
The market is flooded with people with tattoos, so it's no wonder that there
are a large number of people are looking to get their signs of youth
removed.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Health Tattoos
A large number of people have begun a new trend in the tattooing industry:
health related tattoos. Many people are tattooing the name and type of
disease they have in a visible spot in case one day in an event of an
emergency or accident people are aware of their medical condition.
The USA Today said, "There's a tattoo trend surfacing - one that could save
lives. Like it or not, a lot of people are resorting to this way of medical
identification," Aldasouqi says. "It's not that we (doctors) are promoting
it. It's more, 'What should we do about it?' It is happening."
Common tattoos are about diabetes. Many tattoo parlors and artists have said
they have seen an upsurge in such tattoo requests. This however may also
incite many people opting for tattoo removal, as there is a chance their
workplace will recommend removal of visible tattoos.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Tattooed Man Donating Skin
A man with tattoos on his entire body is offering to donate his skin to the
National Gallery in Canberra, Australia. The man Geoff Ostling, who is 65
years-old, has been getting tattooed for 15 years now to reach this point.
The Telegraph, "Mr Ostling, a retired history teacher who did not get his
first tattoo until he was in his forties, worked with artist eX de Merci on
the design. The completed work now covers his back, chest, arms, legs and
buttocks."
Mr. Ostling has said that many people get squeamish when they see him, and
for tattoo removal clinics he would be a jackpot of a candidate.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Tattoo Removal Holding Strong
Despite the sundry of cosmetic dermatology procedures on the market at the
moment, tattoo removal still remains very strong for clinics and
dermatologists nationwide. In fact the procedures have made so much headway
and profit that removal clinics are training personnel to learn how to
remove and spread the awareness and word around the community. In fact
there are reports that clinics are seeing an influx of patients in their 30s
and 40s seeking to remove their tattoos of the past.
AZ Central reported, "She's not alone. Dr. Jack J. Hawks, a medical
consultant with the ImaJ Institute in Scottsdale says people just like her
come in all the time. The most common reason? Names. "They're not with that
person anymore," says Hawks. The school trains men and women in all sorts of
areas but tattoo removal is one of the most popular."
For Arizona residents, this and many other clinics nationwide provide
removal patients with affordable costs for quality care.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Free Tattoo Removal Treatments
As the tattoo removal industry begins to grow rapidly, many industry people
and clinics would like to raise awareness about where, when, risks, costs,
and treatments available regarding tattoo removal. Everyone knows where and
how to get a tattoo, but many of us dealing with buyers remorse have no idea
what their options are and how much it will cost their dwindling budgets.
Which is why the Rocky Mountain Laser College is offering free laser tattoo
removal.
Denver's ABC affiliate said, "Patients who have a tattoo larger than 1-inch
are being given a discount.Rocky Mountain Laser College says this is a
chance of a lifetime to get started on the removal of your old tattoo or to
get it ready for a cover-up."
The clinic has said that already 40 people in the area have rang up and made
removal appointments.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Washington Deploys Strict Tattoo Laws
The state of Washington has taken initiative to stiffen laws surrounding the
tattooing and piercing industry. The government passed a regulation that
forces tattoo artists to become licensed by the state. This comes on the
wake of many states in the US taking action towards tougher laws. Some have
deployed mandates that force parental permission, while some workplaces have
been telling employees to hide visible tattoos.
The Seattle Times said, "Body art, body piercing, and tattooing are not
currently regulated in Washington state. Under the new law, people and
businesses which pierce or tattoo would need a license. The measure also
requires the state Health Department to adopt rules about the sterilization
of needles and other instruments and jewelry used in body piercing or body
art, which includes the use of branding and scarification."
But even with all these regulations the tattoo industry is still booming, as
is the removal field.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Tattoo Crimes
A tattoo artist has pleaded guilty to inking a minor. The artist never
received parental permission for the body-art tattooed onto the 16-year-old.
The court accused the tattoo artist of not asking the customer for proper
identification nor did he seek out asking her parents when he found out she
was only 16.
Courier Times said, "Schultz apologized to the girl's mother in court and
agreed to pay for laser removal services. It will cost approximately $1,200
to erase the tattoos, said prosecutor Daniel O'Riordan."
Lucky for the girl and the angry mother, tattoo removal options are readily
available and quite effective in erasing the body-ink. Not so lucky however
for the tattoo artist who know faces months of probation, fines and a
possible revoked tattoo license.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Tattoo Expo In Arizona
Thousands of body-art lovers showed up to an Arizona tattoo exposition.
Even in a dwindling economy over 3,000 fans showed up and paid for their
entry. Tattoo artists from all over the United States showed up as well.
The tattoo industry is still blossoming and in fact continuously growing as
more young tattoo aficionados line up for body-ink. In general many
industry observers claim that with increases in tattooing there are also
drastic boosts in the removal industry. If this is the case, Arizona tattoo
removal clinics may be in for a treat, as loads of youngsters are probably
seeking out removal after getting tattoos done over the weekend.
Regardless the industry of tattooing and tattoo removal have seen serious
success even during the global financial crisis when many industries like
plastic surgery and dermatology are struggling.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Tattoos and Skin Cancer, is there a Link?
Claims have been buzzing around health blogs that tattoos may be related to
skin cancer. But is all the hype true? Does body art adversely affect and
damage our skin, whilst also increasing the chances of developing skin
cancer? The New York Times had an article today regarding this idea.
Physicians interviewed said that they do not see a likely cause between tattoo ink
metals inciting skin cancer; however they do believe there may be another
cause. In the report a few physicians made note that they have seen cases
where tattoos have covered up cancerous moles, thus the cancer has gone
undetected and untreated.
The New York Times reported, "More likely, he said, the tattoo was placed on
an existing mole, making any changes in the mole hard to spot. Several case
studies have dealt with melanomas that were overlooked because they arose
from moles hidden by tattoos. Dr. Ostad says he is often asked whether
tattoos can lead to cancer, and the answer "is unequivocally no." "But
people should know that they should always leave a rim of healthy skin
around a pre-existing mole."
If you are concerned about the possibility of having covered a mole, it may
be a wise choice to consider tattoo removal. The likelihood of tattoos
inducing cancer may be quite slim, but taking extra caution in protecting
your skin is always a good idea.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Tattoo Removal Teaching Sessions Going Global
A series of tattoo removal education programs and sessions will be held in
the US and UK for people keen on learning how to use laser tattoo removal
treatments. The New Look Laser College is holding the seminars, and is
hoping to rapidly expand the field of removal around the world.
The July seminar in London will highlight according to PR Inside,
"...lectures on: tattoos; laser physics; the history of tattoo removal;
laser safety; skin & dermatology; the business of tattoo removal;
advertising and marketing- workshops on: tattoo removal equipment; tattoo
removal protocols and techniques; laser safety; tattoo removal results, side
effects, and approaches - hands on practice: how to operate the equipment;
how to conduct a consultation; practice with real patients; how to take care
of skin after the procedure."
The course will offer hands on training for students taught by experts and
physicians in the industry. Tuition for the course is roughly $2,000 US
Dollars. Such programs are great for the removal industry, as it begins to
expand and educate the public on treatment options.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Tattoos for Good Cause
A tattoo parlor in San Francisco is offering half priced tattoo deals to
raise money for the October San Francisco Breast Cancer Walk. Interestingly
enough the program is in conjunction with Cal State University of Chico, not
a likely source for tattooing, but the college campus is hoping to fight
breast cancer. The school said in their paper that many students are hoping
to take the ribbon idea to a new level with tattooing, while also showing
they are actively pursuing awareness and education.
The school paper The Orion said, "From now until August 31, the tattoo shop
is offering $20 pink-ribbon tattoos to anybody in an effort to raise money
for the three-day, 60-mile walk."
With the sudden college aged boost in tattooing, does this mean that tattoo
removal will begin to increase in and around Chico? There is a chance. It
has always been said that with an increase in tattooing comes a boom in
tattoo removal.
