3 Myths About Laser Tattoo Removal
3 Myths About Laser Tattoo Removal
Article Courtesy of Astanza
Like anything, there is a fair share of myths and misconceptions surrounding laser tattoo removal. Some of the most common myths are that laser tattoo removal doesn’t work, laser tattoo removal is too hard to integrate into a tattoo shop, and laser tattoo removal is anti-tattoo. While these may sound believable, they couldn’t be further from the truth!
Our goal here is to debunk some of the top laser tattoo removal myths and fill you in on the real facts about this popular procedure.
3. It Doesn’t Work
This couldn’t be more false! Laser tattoo removal is the leading method for removing unwanted ink or fading a tattoo for a cover-up. More and more laser tattoo removal businesses are opening up around the world because of the fantastic results they're able to achieve with today's advanced laser technology.
Before lasers, tattoo removal relied on harsh, invasive, and damaging methods like salabrasion, excision, dermabrasion, and acid injections. While these methods remove tattoos, they are sure to leave unsightly scars on the skin. Why exchange an unwanted permanent tattoo for an unwanted permanent scar that can’t be tattooed onto again? Laser tattoo removal, on the other hand, is a noninvasive procedure that uses light technology to safely penetrate through the skin and target only the unwanted ink, leaving surrounding skin tissue completely unharmed. With proper training, correct laser and patient protocols, and diligent aftercare, patients will see flawless removal results that allow for new tattoos.
A more pervasive and expensive myth that people should be concerned with is that tattoo removal creams work. We’re sorry to break it to you, but this is far from the truth. Many people invest in tattoo removal creams mainly because of their attractive pricepoint. While tattoo removal creams are much more affordable than laser treatment or surgical removal, the results are simply lacking. Remember, you get what you pay for. For tattoo removal to be successful, you need to reach deep into the skin and treat the ink where it resides - in the skin’s dermis layer. Tattoo removal creams are only able to reach as low as the epidermis layer, the outermost skin layer, which is not even close to where tattoo pigment lies. Tattoo creams may bleach the skin, giving the illusion that a tattoo is fading or lightening, but this is temporary.
With that said, laser tattoo removal is by far the most effective and safest method for removing or lightening a tattoo and the only FDA-cleared method.
2. It’s Too Hard to Operate in a Tattoo Shop
FALSE! Laser tattoo removal is an excellent addition to any tattoo shop or studio and is easier to implement than some may think. When adding laser tattoo removal to a tattoo shop, you only need a few things: an FDA-cleared laser, a medical director (depending on your state’s regulations), a trained and certified laser technician, and a treatment room or draped area.
The majority of these things are straight forward to acquire:
Buy a laser from a reputable laser manufacturer or laser company. They will always sell you a device that is cleared and FDA-approved in the United States.
Research well-known training organizations who will provide you the training needed for certification. Some reputable laser manufacturers may even offer training with the laser you purchase which is an added plus!
Research your state regulations and see if you need a medical director. Medical directors are very easy to come by. You can even put a listing on Craigslist and obtain a medical director that way.
Regulations for laser tattoo removal vary by state and range from being very restrictive to not restrictive at all. For example:
Very Restrictive: Only physicians can perform
Less Restrictive: Only nurses and medically licensed professions can perform
Mildly Restrictive: Anyone with an ON-SITE medical director can perform
Least Restrictive: Anyone with an OFF-SITE medical director can perform
While the vast majority of states don’t have strict regulations, most laser tattoo removal businesses will hire a medical director for the best interest of their practice.
In Texas, anyone with proper training and certification can perform laser tattoo removal as long as an off-site medical director is associated with the practice. This makes it very easy for tattoo shops in Texas to add laser tattoo removal to their business. Practitioners don’t even necessarily need training. But with anything, being prepared and knowledgeable is the best way to go. Having trained staff also makes the delegation of the procedure much more feasible and palatable for the off-site physician to delegate the procedure. Best of all, tattoo shops already have a location, storefront, and space to operate out of. All they have to do is designate a room or closed off area for laser tattoo removal treatments and they’re ready to go!
1. Tattoo Removal is Anti-Tattoo
Lastly (the biggest myth in the tattoo removal industry), laser tattoo removal is NOT anti-tattoo. On the contrary, laser tattoo removal and the tattoo industry go hand in hand. Many tattoo artists across the world use laser tattoo removal to improve their artwork or help clients remove tattoos that didn't meet their expectations.
Cover-up tattoos are some of the biggest requests that tattoo shops get. However, cover-ups come with their share of limitations, whether restricted to size or color. No matter how talented a tattoo artist is, they're going to have difficulties covering-up a large black tattoo with a medium, colorful tattoo. Every artist wants the ability to use an eraser from time to time, and laser tattoo removal does just that for tattoo artists. Laser tattoo removal creates a cleaner canvas for tattoo artists, giving them more flexibility and creativity with their design.
Furthermore, lasers can also selectively remove shading, script, or other elements from an existing tattoo that a client may not like anymore. It can remove misspelled tattoos, mistakes, and other features that a client doesn’t like. Overall, the stigma that laser tattoo removal is only used to erase "bad tattoos" and is "anti-tattoo" couldn't be more wrong. Instead, laser tattoo removal works as an aid to create better artwork, better tattoos, and support the tattoo industry and its many talented tattoo artists.
