Category: Laser Tattoo Removal

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Tattoo Survey

With some recent data collected by Escentual showing that around 4 out of 10 people in the UK regretting having a tattoo, London Premier Laser decided to conduct a survey in order to get an insight into people and their tattoos.

Below we have created an infographic to illustrate our findings:

Tattoo Removal – The Perfect Solution To Your Unwanted Tattoos

If you are one of the 4 out of 10 people in the UK who now regrets having a tattoo the Premier Laser Clinic can help. Laser tattoo removal treatments have come a long way and the advanced systems now used can effectively remove your unwanted tattoos quickly and best of all most our patients report a virtually painless if not pain free experience.

A Breakdown Of The Infographic

Below is the breakdown of the age group of the people that we surveyed:

18-24: 15
25-30: 12
31-35: 8
36-40: 7
41-45: 5
46-50: 2
56-60: 1

Interestingly out of the 50 people individuals composed of 16 males and 34 females, just under half said that they had 6 or more tattoos.

Animal tattoos seem to be the most preferred type to have on the body with scientific and military themed ones being the least common. However as we only sampled 50 people this data is open to interpretation – for example if by chance we happened to survey 50 people who were part of the military we could expect to see a much higher number of people with military tattoos.

Surprisingly most people had no real reason for getting their tattoo, stating that they just fancied it. Either for personal reasons or as a way to mark a important event or memory was some of the most popular reason for getting inked. Other reasons people got a tattoo were either to decorate their body, for luck, to show patriotism or even as a way of expression.

When it came to the colour most people had a mixture of black and coloured tattoos with 18 people saying they have spent over £500 pound on their body ink alone.

With the majority of people saying they had a small to medium sized tattoo it makes sense that the most popular area for a tattoo was the arms, hands and wrist. The hip, neck and bum areas were the least favoured choice.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

When did you last see a CEO with a big tattoo on their neck? Or a manager with a colourful hand piece? What about your doctor? Does he or she have any visible tattoos? Chances are that they do not and that you’ve never seen a CEO with a tattoo either. There is a reason for this according to a recent study undertaken at St Andrews University…or rather a number of reasons!

Tattoo Taboo In The Workplace

People are still judging other people’s professional capabilities on their tattoos…or lack of them. The general consensus is that visible tattoos aren’t great for your career and when 15 managers were recently quizzed on the subject, they admitted that when someone with tattoos came into their place of business for a job interview, their tattoos were usually the first thing discussed once they’d left the room.

The managers further admitted that whilst they themselves had some tattoos, theirs were not visible and did not therefore affect other people’s perceptions of them or their abilities.

Tattoo Design Can Make A Difference

Certainly there are some tattoos which are best kept under wraps…if sported at all! These include tattoos with reference to sex, drugs, violence and also to rap music which is often associated with all of the above! However, small tattoos featuring innocuous images such as flowers, birds and symbols were not viewed as harshly though one manager claimed that “any tattoos look dirty” which is a particularly severe judgement but an enlightening one!

The evidence definitely suggests then that tattoos are still not as widely accepted as some people might imagine and in fact could seriously hinder you professional development. The only remedy for this that is 100% reliable of course is to choose not to get tattooed but if it’s too late for that, all is not lost! You can still opt for Laser Tattoo Removal and keep on climbing up that career ladder without being judged.

 

 

If you’re thinking about tattoo removal then no doubt you will also have been thinking about the safety aspects of the various tattoo removal methods that are available.

Firstly it is important to remember that your skin is an organ in its own right…the largest you have in fact and that the care of it is very important. Your skin is your protection and it reflects you general health…it deserves the best care and treatment you can find!

5 tattoo removal methods

The 5 various methods of tattoo removal currently available are listed here with pros and cons to their outcomes; making an informed decision is vital in your quest to remove your old ink and start again with a clean canvass.

1.Salabrasion:

Is salabrasion safe?

The short answer to this question is not really. Salabrasion utilises nothing fancier than salt and water in the removal of tattoos. By rubbing the surface of the skin until it is raw and revealing the ink in the lower dermis, practitioners hope to remove tattoos with ease but in reality the risk of infection is quite high and t is a very painful process with a high risk of scarring. Talk about rubbing salt into your wounds!

2.Dermabrasion:

Is dermabrasion safe for the removal of tattoos?

Dermabrasion is a generally safe treatment as it is so carefully managed in good clinics but it is not generally seen as the best method for removing tattoos. Because many tattoos are created at varying depths, dermabrasion is seen as not being precise enough to be fully successful and there are often traces of green and yellow ink left behind.

3.Surgical Excision:

Is surgical excision of tattoos safe?

This method is safe in general as it is usually carried out by a surgeon but the risks are high. Infection, heavy scarring and skin discolouration are common.

4.Cryosurgery:

Is Cryosurgery for tattoo removal a safe option?

Again, this is a method usually carried out by doctors and so it can be assumed to be safe in general. However, it is quite a “rough” method of removal in that first the area to be treated is frozen…given a localised frostbite…and then dermabrasion is carried out on this area.

The idea is the extreme cold will toughen the skin and make the dermabrasion more effective. The reality is that Cryosurgery can only reach to a certain depth and the risks of infection and scarring are great.

5.Laser Tattoo Removal:

Is Laser Tattoo Removal Safe?

Of all the methods most often used today, laser therapy is the most popular and the least risky. Lasers don’t break the skin and they don’t cause scabs or infections. Because the lasers break down the ink by penetrating the skin with no cutting, the treatment is almost pain-free.

The after-care process is much simpler than with the methods discussed above and the success rate on all colours of ink is extremely high.

In conclusion

When compared to other techniques, Laser Tattoo Removal treatments are far safer and also more successful due to the superior penetration and non-invasive approach.

It was in 1681 that an injured pirate/doctor was marooned in Panama while he revered from an injury there, discovered the local’s predilection for tattoos. He wrote of their pleasure in pricking their skin all over “with a thorn until the blood gushes out” and of the attractive designs in varying colours which this basic form of tattooing produced.

Continue reading “The History of Tattoo Removal”

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How can I get rid of my tattoos? This cry for help is heard with increasing regularity in doctor’s offices across the world as tattoos have become more and more mainstream over recent years. Pre 1980, tattoos were strictly seen only on sailors, bikers and punks…other people sporting them were a very unusual sight.

Then came their popularisation in the 90s thanks largely to fashionable celebrities, rock stars and sports stars who made almost a hobby out of collecting tattoos by the most famous artists across the globe. Hollywood A-listers were seen with them and suddenly it wasn’t taboo…ordinary people everywhere were getting Chinese lettering, the names of their families, portraits and full back pieces which cost hundreds of pounds.

But people grow up…they get jobs, get married and begin careers which aren’t always sympathetic towards body art. Then there’s the issue of some women who want to look elegant in formal wear…not so easy when your shoulders are inked!

Below are some of the main methods used by people to remove their tattoos.

Salabrasion: This technique is very old and is basically the practice of stripping away upper layers of skin using an abrasive salt and water mixture. If it sounds rough that’s because it is! Salabrasion can cause serious scarring and isn’t a great solution for professional tattoos which may reach down deep into the lower skin layers.

Dermabrasion: This is a “sanding” method similar to salabrasion but without the salt. Practitioners basically use a special, coarse rotating brush to rub and grind away the upper layers of skin. It is painful and can’t be used if you suffer from bleeding disorders or Keloid scars. Dermabrasion isn’t always successful due to the fact that it can’t reach down to the lower layers and it also produces scars.

Excision: This is the technique of literally cutting out the area of skin with the tattoo on it. It is carried out under anaesthetic and the surgeon removes the upper layers of skin with a scalpel and then removes the ink resting within. The skin is then replaced and scarring is 100% likely. With larger areas, the original skin is not always replaceable and then a skin graft is necessary. This is an invasive and painful procedure with quite complex after-care involved.

Cryosurgery: This method is usually used to freeze off warts and other small imperfections on skin but it is also used in conjunction with dermabrasion at times. The skin with the tattoo present is exposed to extremely cold temperatures which “harden” the skin making it easier for the practitioner to “sand” off the layers of skin with ink in them. It is not always successful, can result in scarring and some colours such as yellow and green do not respond well to it.

Laser Tattoo Removal: This is by far the most successful method for tattoo removal being both safe and very effective. Lasers are precise and able to target only the area with the tattoo ink present within it…leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. Laser tattoo removal is highly effective on most ink colours and is generally suitable for all skin types. Even sensitive skin can be treated with excellent results. There is no aggressive removal of skin layers, rather the ink molecules are destroyed as they lie within the skin and then absorbed naturally by the body and expelled naturally too.

If you’re suffering from regret surrounding your body art don’t leave it a moment longer, with the technology available today you no longer need to put up with your unwanted tattoos.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We all know that tattoos are permanent once they’re done…they’re there for life in most cases which is precisely why many people are attracted to them. Permanent body art that will travel with you down the years is a real draw for some people…but for others their tattoos are an unfortunate reminder of a thoughtless youth.

Maybe the subject matter is no longer relevant to them…or perhaps the artwork is shoddy or has faded and become less effective with time?

Whatever the reason for regretting a tattoo, many people sometimes find themselves in the position of wondering what to do about them.

How do tattoos work? Why can’t they be somehow…less permanent?

If you’ve got unwanted tattoos and would like to look into laser tattoo removal, it is useful to first understand what it is about a tattoo that makes it permanent.

Tattoos…How Deep Do They Go?

When the tattooist is seen effectively “drawing” on the skin with his gun, he’s not just running the ink into the top or upper layer of the skin but right into the deepest portion, the dermis. The needle in a tattoo gun basically punctures the skin many times a minute and with each puncture, a drop of ink is inserted below the epidermis (the upper layer of the skin) and into the dermis…the lower portion of the skin.

The tattooed portions of skin will remain tattooed as those deeper layers do not shed and renew in the same way as the upper layers do. Because the upper layers are thin, the colour and pattern that have been created below “show through” and appear to be on the surface.

How Do I Get Rid Of My Tattoos?

So you’re tired of your old ink…or you’re embarrassed by it…whatever the reason you’ve decided to do away with it, you can get effective treatment for it.

Today’s laser tattoo removal techniques are vastly superior to those in the past and while some discomfort can be expected during the laser tattoo removal procedure, the discomfort felt is nowhere near as painful as with the less inferior technology of the past.

Laser tattoo removal works by breaking down those stubborn ink molecules deep within your dermis and once they’re broken up, they’re simply absorbed by your bloodstream and harmlessly ejected by your normal bodily functions.

if you need to speak to some about removing your tattoos please get in touch with us today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Should I Get A Tattoo?

The question of whether or not to get a tattoo is one which has crossed the minds of many people from all walks of life. As tattoos have become more socially acceptable…not just something seen on sailors…people of all classes and backgrounds can be seen to be sporting ink proudly. The issue is of course that while they can look amazing, they’re very, very permanent! – although laser tattoo removal is getting better these days.

There are sadly many people who live to regret their tattoos and spend their summers hiding in long sleeves and trousers…all due to a poor decision made in haste! If you have tattoos you regret then you may be thinking that it’s too late for you to ask questions! However you can seek help to get your unloved artwork removed; laser tattoo removal is extremely advanced these days and many people report barely any scar evidence in the areas treated.

So before you take the plunge, consider these questions…they could save you a lifetime of regret!

1. What Do I Want To Get A Tattoo For?

This might seem like a very simplistic question…and it is! The reasons behind your desire to get a tattoo are what will ultimately tell you if you’re making the correct decision. For example if you’re a young male and you think it might make you look a bit “tougher” or a bit more “experienced” then really think again.

Tattoos aren’t there to make you look tough…they’re not there to make you seem like a man of the world…they should be there for a solid reason and once you’re over 40 you will not be concerned with appearing tough or worldly because you will be! If you’re a young woman and the reason is to look “sexy” think again! When you’re past a certain age, that band of flowers round your ankle won’t serve you at all!

2. Is It For Emotional Reasons?

If you want a tattoo to commemorate a loved-one who has passed away then all well and good. This is a solid reason for a tattoo and such “memorial tattoos” can often really help people who are grieving. However…if it’s to show the world that you’re in love then don’t do it! Tattoo artists are regularly approached by people needing cover-up jobs on tattoos which feature ex fiancés and ex partners and cover-ups are tough to do well.

3. Is It In A Prominent Position?

Let’s just imagine that you want a tattoo on your neck or your forearm. You’ve thought it over and this is where you feel the design you want will look best. Think hard and think further ahead. Most people settle down to very respectable lives once they reach a certain age and a tattoo of Bart Simpson on your chest might not go down well when you want a promotion.

4. What Shall I Get?

If you’re not sure or can’t think of anything that you really want then don’t get a tattoo. Scraping round for images of generic flowers, birds, fairies or cartoon characters is only going to lead to regret. If however you have always wanted the same image and this hasn’t changed for some time, then you’re in a good position to choose a tattoo that you’ll always love.

5. What About My Changing Body?

This question is for both sexes but especially for women. If you haven’t yet had children then you really don’t want a tattoo on your stomach or breasts. Your body shape will change dramatically both during and after birth and that tattoo will end up distorted.

Also if you think of having laser hair removal you won’t be able to have it over a tattoo. (Advice – get laser hair removal before your tattoo!!!! so the area is hair free)

6. Have I Checked Out The Tattooist Properly?

Spotting a tattoo parlour and walking in on a whim is not a good way to get tattooed. Do your research; find an artist whose work you really admire. Visit some tattoo shows to meet and chat to artists, then you’re more likely to be inspired and find an artist that suits your needs.

7. Can I Speak The Language?

If you’re wanting to get a tattoo of a poem or a saying in Chinese script which is a very popular route to take then please take care to get the lettering right! There’s nothing worse than badly written or incorrect tattoo script.

8. Can I Afford It?

Ordering a huge back piece which will take many visits to complete is one thing but the cost of such a piece is considerable and you will need to make sure that you can pay for all of the sittings.

9. What Are My Future Career Plans?

If you’re thinking “High Court Judge” or “Politician” then do you really want a tattoo?

10. Can I Take The Pain?

Many people are shocked at just how painful tattoos are. Some people faint in the chair as their tattoo is being done and there’s no exaggeration here, it really does hurt a lot! If you think you can stand the pain then go for it!

Tattoos are a controversial thing and deciding to get one is no easy decision. If you’re absolutely sure that you want a tattoo do take time to think about what you’re doing…it’s a permanent fixture and although today’s tattoo removal techniques are extremely advanced, it’s better not to get into a situation where you need your tattoo taken off!

If you already have tattoos which you’re less than fond of, don’t live with them any longer than you need to.

Speak to a laser clinic about your options; even black, green and blue ink can be successfully removed today whereas in the very recent past these colours were notoriously difficult to remove.

Heavy and colourful tattoos are also treatable even if they are very large pieces. Don’t despair if you’ve gone under the needle and lived to regret it…there is help out there![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Research Suggests Third of People With Tattoos Have Regret

Tattoos are more popular and socially acceptable than ever before; with a myriad of glamorous tattoo parlour based television shows on offer, people young and old are being seduced into joining the millions of tattooed individuals who live in the UK today. But are they being hasty? Recent research suggests that as many of a third of people with tattoos have tattoo regret after they’ve made the leap.

Once it’s on, it’s not so easy to get it off again. Tattoos are usually permanent…that’s part of their draw…so when a young man or woman decides that they need a tattoo of a butterfly or a tiger or whatever image they currently think is “cool” they really need to think very carefully before doing it because how can they foresee what they might feel about that tattoo in twenty years when their skin is not so smooth and supple and when showing off their ink is no longer a concern. Continue reading “Remove Your Unwanted Tattoos With Laser Tattoo Removal”

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Parents…They Just Don’t Understand!!!

Mums are always right, trust me, it’s just one of those things. Maybe they hold some mysterious power enabling them to see into the future, or more realistically maybe they just have more experience living on this crazy world we call Earth.

Growing up as teenagers we believed we knew everything and that our parents were simply not cool, they just don’t understand! The giant tattoo of an eagle that takes up the whole of your left side all the way from the middle of your hand to the top of your shoulder is symbolic.  You know…it represents your ability to achieve, to rise above everyone else and be the best.

The irony here however is that once you leave school and take your first steps into the ‘real world’ this tattoo that seemed like a great idea all those years ago instantly becomes a colourful obstacle that will make getting your dream job a whole lot harder.

More Men Regret Having A Tattoo Than Women

A survey carried out by skin experts at Burley General Hospital asked just under 600 people during a 6 month time frame if they regretted there body ink. The results showed that men are more likely to regret having a tattoo than women and 3 times more likely when they were under the age of 16. The results also found that most tattoos that people regretted were positioned on the upper areas of the body.

So What Can I Do If I Want To Remove My Tattoo?

Tattoos can now be removed with the help of modern technology. Laser Tattoo Removal is the most effective way to safely removal unwanted tattoos.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

The laser used will produce short pulses of light that safely enter the top layers of the skin which are then absorbed by the tattoo pigment. The energy in the laser causes the pigment to fragment into very small particles which then the body’s own immune system takes care of.

Does It Hurt?

Although everyone has varying pain tolerances many describe the feeling as an elastic band being snapped across the skin.

How Easy Is It To Remove?

Although all tattoos can be removed black ones are the easiest to get rid of as the black pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths where as coloured tattoos can be a little trickier.

Pre Treatment Preparation

Anyone who is worried about the pain can apply prescription anaesthetic cream two hours prior to the treatment which is then wiped off just before the laser treatment begins.

After Care

An antibacterial ointment and dressing will be applied to the area which should be kept clean. It is ok to have a bath or a shower but make sure not to scrub. It is likely your skin will feel sun burnt and a scab might develop – if this is the case it is perfectly normal, try to keep the area well protected and allow the body to repair and heal itself.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]