Disappearing ink

By Deborah Hilcove

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Technician Craig McCool guides a high-tech laser beam during one of several sessions aimed at reducing, over time, the visibility of tattoos that may no longer be viewed as desirable by the wearer. [Photo Billy Hardiman/Wrangler News]
Technician Craig McCool guides a high-tech laser beam during one of several sessions aimed at reducing, over time, the visibility of tattoos that may no longer be viewed as desirable by the wearer. [Photo Billy Hardiman/Wrangler News]
Years ago, they marked seamen, gang members and drug users. Today, however, they’ve lost their ominous reputation. Musicians, actors and athletes have popularized them to the extent that about 25 percent of the American public—including politicians, students and housewives—flaunt tattoos. But with that ink often comes regret. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cites a Harris Poll finding that one in eight persons—or 14 percent of those with tattoos— regrets the decision. WebMD says that eventually as many as 50 percent seek out laser tattoo removal. And what are the most regretted tattoos? Probably number one is a flame’s name. Having one’s love inked may seem romantic, an eternal bond— eternal, that is, until the possible breakup or divorce. Number two is a wedding ring tattoo—harder to remove than a golden band. Like fashionable clothing, tattoo trends come and go. “Tramp stamps,” those lower body tattoos, and tribal armbands scream “‘90s.” A rebel might have inked a political statement; someone else might have asked for a Bible verse or zodiac sign.

Any of these might be cool—until they aren’t. Sometimes the tattoo comes at the hands of a dyslexic tattoo artist or the one who flunked spelling. Such unfortunate tats turn “Sweetie Pie” into “Sweatie Pie” or the even more unfortunate “Sweetie Pee.” And then there’s “Endless Summmer,” or “Tomarrow & Tomarrow.” It’s hard not to smile at the fellow who is bravely inked, “No Regerts,” or the one who announces, “Believe the Impossibile.” One tattoo artist will live in infamy because of the beautifully detailed theatrical masks, labeled “Comedy” and “Tradgey.” Assuming a person has a regrettable tattoo, where can it be removed and what are the chances for successful treatment? A quick search showed more than 50 tattoo removal shops in Chandler and Tempe. One of these shop owners, Craig McCool of East Valley Tattoo Removal, says it depends to a great extent where and how the tattoo was placed. A small blue or black professional tattoo is probably the easiest, while red, yellow and fluorescent green or purple are the most difficult. One of the reasons McCool cites for tattoo removal is increased professionalism in the workforce. While many companies may be more tolerant of tattooed personnel at entrylevel jobs, few managers and upperlevel personnel have tattoos—at least any that show on the wrists, hands, neck or face. In the past, various removal methods were favored, including dermabrasion, where the skin is lightly sanded, and excision, where the tattoo is cut away and skin is grafted onto the area. This may still be used when laser removal is not an option. Over-the-counter, do-it-yourself options may be appealing, but the FDA warns these may not be effective. Many contain strong acids and may lead to allergic reactions, keloid formation and unsightly scarring. Salabrasion, or abrading the area with salt-saturated pads to irritate the skin, is sometimes suggested to do-it-yourselfers, but it is painful and can lead to infection and scarring. The American Academy of Dermatologists notes that a patient’s medical history and medications may also be important. A healthy immune system is necessary for any candidate, and doctors warn that a pregnant or breastfeeding woman should not undergo the procedure.

McCool uses a Quality-Switched laser for treatments, given about a month apart, and sometimes taking four to 10 treatments, depending on the tattoo—its age, size, color and depth of the pigment—and whether the work was done by an amateur or a professional. The original tattoo is created by an electric needle moving quickly up and down, injecting thousands of particles of colored ink into the skin by penetrating the epidermis, or outer layer, and depositing ink into the dermis, or second layer, where the large particles of pigment “float” permanently—suspended in the dermis. After an initial consultation about the anticipated time and cost, McCool begins the procedure. He places protective eye shields on the client and tests the skin’s reaction to the laser, choosing the most effective laser color. For example, red light is highly absorbed by green tattoo pigments, and green light is absorbed by red and orange pigments. Then, placing the wand against the skin, he activates the laser light. Nanosecond pulses of high-intensity laser energy pass through the epidermis and are selectively absorbed by the tattoo pigment. Each person’s threshold for pain differs, but most clients say it feels similar to tiny grease splatters or like a rubber band snapping the skin. Most say the pain is greater than the original tattoo. If desired, a topical analgesic cream can be applied to lessen the pain. Once the laser hits the pigment, it is shattered into tiny particles which are mostly excreted from the body, although some may remain in the lymph nodes. It takes about a month for the area to heal and for the pigment to be voided.

Regarding side effects, there may be redness, swelling, blistering and possible allergic reactions. Other possible side effects include infection, incomplete pigment removal, permanent scarring, hypopigmentation (paler skin than the surrounding skin) or hyperpigmentation (darker than the surrounding skin) and, occasionally, pinpoint bleeding. Cosmetic tattoos, such as eyebrows, eyeliner and lipliner, may darken after treatments, but with subsequent treatment, they will usually fade. The Academy recommends applying an antibiotic ointment and bandage to the treated area, and keeping it out of the sunlight for at least three months. Generous amounts of moisturizer and sunscreen will help prevent scarring. Since multiple treatments are required, and costs range from $60 to $150 an hour, removing a tattoo can be far more expensive than the original work. McCool notes that the de-inking process doesn’t work for everyone, and for those who still need some camouflage, there are several over-the-counter products.

Two specifically designed products are Tattoo Camo and Tattoo Cosmetics, as well as Dermablend, a mainstream cosmetic. “I think, most of all,” McCool says, “I’d suggest somebody to really think through getting a tattoo. It can be a big regret and cost a lot in pain, time and money. It might even cost you a job or a promotion.” He laughs. “But I’m here if you need me.”

East Valley Tattoo Removal is located at Stellar Med Spa in the McClintock Fountains center on the northeast corner of Warner and McClintock roads.
Information and appointments: 480-432-5600.

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