August 2009 Blog Archive
Monday, August 24, 2009
Wedding Ring Tattoos
Couples in love want to devote their undying love for each other. Once they are married, a simple ring may just not be enough. The solution? A wedding ring tattoo! However, with divorce rates as high as they are… maybe the tattoo was not the best idea. The divorce will cost you plenty, and so will the laser tattoo removal to rid yourself of the constant reminder of your previous marriage.
Celebrities like Pamela Anderson and Colin Farrrell are only two of many stars who have once adorned the wedding tattoo. A wedding ring tattoo can always be covered up with jewelry, but the symbol remains the same. Laser tattoo removal can easily erase the past with just a few sessions. Maybe couples should think about adding the cost of laser tattoo removal into their divorce settlements.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Aging Tattoos
The tattoo you get when you are 18 may not look the same when you are 68. Skin's elasticity and moisture decreases over time. Tattoos often stretch or sag depending on where they are located on the body. Also, tattoos that have been exposed to the sun will also have a large amount of color distortion. As you age, a person's weight also tends to fluctuate. If the tattoo is placed in an area with increased weight loss, the tattoo will stretch and the image will definitely change. Be aware of all of these issues when putting the ink onto your skin.
Aging is one key reason that tattoo removal has become so popular. Tattoos change over time and many do not like the outcome. Tattoo removal is a simple solution for many people who decide that a distorted, stretched, and faded tattoo just isn't for them anymore.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Police Exchange for Information
Many programs are available to offer ex-gang members a chance at starting a new life. One way to do this is through tattoo removal. All previous signs of their old gang life are removed, enabling the person to begin fresh without the constant reminders of the past. British Columbia's Integrated Gang Task Force is offering ex-gang members this tattoo removal in exchange for information.
"We have undertaken tattoo removal when individuals have come forward and expressed an interest or desire to leave the gang lifestyle" one sergeant told The Globe & Mail. He continued saying, "This isn't a program where we throw money at individuals not having received anything in return."
There is no monetary cost to these ex-gang members, however; they are required to cooperate with the police in gang investigations. The program is not for all ex-gang members and the participants are evaluated individually. The police are able to gain information to help stop gang activity as well as help the individual become a new member of society.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Henna Tattoos
In the US, a person must be at least 18 years of age to get a tattoo without parental approval. For many, henna tattoos have become the new trend for those looking for a way to express themselves in body art. There is no age limit for henna art and the ink is considered relatively safe, although not FDA regulated. Henna artists have taken up stations in day spas and even in malls.
The ink is only semi-permanent and usually fades within 2 weeks. This form of art originated as a wedding tradition for Middle Eastern brides. Today, henna tattooing is used by women of all ages and races, and even men too.
Some have utilized henna tattoos as a way to test out if they would make the next step to a permanent tattoo. Using this as a trail run on their skin, users can make informed decisions prior to going under the needle.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Bad Tattoo Contest
One tattoo removal shop, On Second Thought, recently concluded a tattoo removal contest to search for the worst tattoo. Over 2,000 people voted in the contest and the top ten worst tattoos were chosen. The winner, ironically, was a girl with the words "Idot Kid" tattooed across her foot.
The winning girl received a free tattoo removal, which the tattoo clinic was happy to give. The clinic owner, Bryan Kent, wanted to give back to someone who made a mistake in the past with a bad tattoo or couldn't afford to have one removed. A local radio station posted the contest on their web page for viewers to vote.
Other tattoos that came close to the winning the title ranged from horrible artistry to horrible ideas. A geography teacher with a misshaped picture of the United States, an old man with "ride or die" across his back, text written backwards, and a drunken sailor were all in the top ten.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Neighboring Businesses
A smart business should always open up shop where the customers are. One New Plymouth business owner did just that. The Vanishing Point tattoo removal clinic is open for business next door to the Vision Tattoo parlor. For some, this may seem to be a conflict of interests. However, both businesses work together and enjoy being located in close proximity to the other.
Both businesses promote healthy tattoos. For Vision, that means creating wonderful works of art with ink. For Vanishing Point, that means fading bad or unwanted tattoos. Sometimes Vanishing Point will fade a tattoo and then send the customer over to Vision to have new ink put on as a cover-up. The owner of Vision Tattoo has even used the tattoo removal clinic to fade a tattoo on his hand.
Tattoo removal clinics and tattoo parlors are not enemies. In many ways they compliment each other. They both service the same customer at different points in their lives. This is just one example of businesses working together to service the interests of the customer.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Topical removers
As a painless alternative to laser tattoo removal, topical ointments are also available for consumer use. Tat-Med is a topical cream that can be applied directly to the tattoos, causing the ink to fade from the skin. The main ingredients to the cream are Kojic Acid and Alpha Arbutin, both of which are used in skin lightening procedures. The ingredients are effective at removing coloration while also being safe for the skin.
Creams such as Tat-Med may be safer to be used at home, but can also take much longer than laser therapy or dermabrasion treatments conducted in a physician's office. For full tattoo removal, users are suggested to apply the product for up to six months. There is little risk with the cream harming the skin or creating a scar. The therapy is also much less expensive than laser therapy, costing about $50 a bottle.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Giving Teens the Wrong Idea
At this year's Teen Choice Awards, popular teen singer Kevin Jonas stood on stage while receiving a tattoo depicting the winner in the category he was presenting. Although the tattoo was a fake, the award show did not mention this fact to the viewers. Kevin Jonas of the Jonas Brothers has millions of fans worldwide. Jonas was "dared" to get the tattoo as a publicity stunt for the band. Popular tattoo artist Kat Von D gave Jonas the tattoo on stage.
But does this act give teens the wrong impression? The audience for the award show is between the ages of 11 to 17. Kids of these ages are not even legally allowed to get a tattoo in the United States, yet the act is being promoted on a program devoted to their age group. Fans that follow the band may even be motivated to get their own tattoo. As we have discussed, tattoos that a person has when they are young may not translate later in life. Parents should be aware of the images such as this being presented to their kids about tattoos.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Black-light Tattoos
One of the most discreet types of tattoos a person can get is a UV tattoo. Why? The tattoo only is visible under a black-light or UV light. To the naked eye in normal lighting, the skin appears normal with no ink at all. However, the UV ink has been put into question by some who believe the ink is not healthy. Some tattoo artists do not even carry the ink in their parlors.
"Statistically, there have been more reactions with UV tattoos than with normal tattoos. Sometimes the inks don't mix as well, and your body reacts against the foreign agents" reports the Columbia News Service.
The FDA has not approved the use of this UV ink on humans for tattoo purposes, and should be used with caution. For users who experience a negative reaction, removal is possible. Laser tattoo removal can break up this unique ink and remove the invisible tattoos from the skin.
Monday, August 10, 2009
New Ink to Australia
Infinitink, the revolutionary new tattoo ink released in the United States this year, has now been made available in Australia. The ink is said to be up to four times easier to remove than traditional ink. This new ink is very attractive to those who want a tattoo, but may be unsure if they want their tattoo forever.
"While a conventional tattoo could take up to 15 laser treatments to remove, the new ink, made with food-grade ingredients and drugs and cosmetic-grade colorants, could be removed in as few as four treatments" explained TheAge.com.
The ink is also said to be healthier for the skin, containing no lead or mercury. This new ink is gaining worldwide attention in tattoo parlors and by the public who demands it. The ink can be just as permanent as conventional ink, but is easier to remove by laser.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Stolen Machine
Thieves have stolen a medical laser machine from a dermatologist in Sydney, Australia. The doctor warns that this Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) machine could badly damage the users if proper caution and training are not used.
"If you run it over a tattoo the ink in the tattoo would absorb the light and cause a serious burn. The most high risk areas for burns are the shoulders, back, and chest. Those are precisely the places where people often get tattoos" says Dr Adrian Lim to Crime Stoppers.
The laser machine could even cause blindness if used incorrectly in the eye. The IPL machine has a very powerful laser that is not to be used without extreme caution. Authorities are still in search for the thief in order to return the medical equipment.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Rejuvi Cream
As an alternative treatment from laser removal, tattoo removal creams may also help minimize the appearance of unwanted tattoos. Rejuvi is a cream injected into the skin directly in and around the tattoo. The cream softens the ink and allows the immune system to respond to the foreign substance, forming a scab over the tattoo. Once the scab falls off in about six to eight weeks, the tattoo ink is gone.
"The reason that a tattoo stays there is that a coating is put around the ink to protect it from the body's immune response. But this cream makes the ink identifiable to the body so that it realizes the ink is there and starts rejecting it and healing itself" reports the Daily Mail.
Rejuvi is a more natural approach to tattoo removal and allows the body to remove the ink on its own. This method is cheaper and less painful than laser tattoo removal. However, multiple treatments may be necessary for full removal. There also may be an increased risk of scarring with the treatment.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Big Business for Removal Centers
As tattoos become more popular, more and more people will be adding ink to their skin. The increased acceptance of tattoos in popular culture means big business for tattoo removal clinics. More potential patients are inking up and physicians just wait until the regret sets in. Clinics are showing a huge spike in business during the past year and expect their popularity to increase.
Dr. Tattoff removal clinic in Southern California told the LA Times that "tattoos are becoming more common in the workplace and in society. My suspicion is that along with that, the tattoo regret factor will only grow as people get older."
Dr. Tattoff has a few southern California locations already and may be expanding into other offices in response to the influx of patients. The company may also consider trading stock publicly. Without the boom in the tattoo industry, businesses that rely on laser tattoo removal and tattoo removal services would not be able to support themselves.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Logo Tattoos Bad for Business
Marcin Gortat, a NBA player, has a tattoo of the Nike Jumpman logo on his leg. For a professional basketball player, this tattoo seems appropriate. But when Gortat was offered a deal by Reebok/Adidas, he was told to cover up the tattoo from their competitor. This is just one example of a tattoo that could potentially damage potential business relationships.
Athletes become the face of many product campaigns. Having a logo tattoo of one brand may make you ineligible for signing a multi-million dollar campaign with another company. In order to cover up a logo on the leg, Gortat would have to wear long socks or cover-up makeup to hide the logo. Tattoo removal procedures were also suggested as a more convenient option so the player would not have to wear more clothing than necessary.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Tats in the Boardroom
Although the tattoo culture has progressed into the mainstream here in the United States, some cultures do not share the same ideas. A young executive with a tattooed neck and full tattooed sleeves may face some skepticism in the workplace, especially if they are traveling abroad.
"Now that I'm dealing with CEOs in corporations around the world, these skin markings just don't seem appropriate," says one man to the Winnipeg Sun about why he was removing his arm and calf tattoos.
Especially in this economy, employees want to ensure their own success at work. The skull and crossbones tattoo on your arm from your teenage years may not give you the respect you deserve in the workplace. You can do your best to cover those tattoos, but laser tattoo removal is the only permanent fix.
