More Americans ditching their ink
You thought it was so cool at the time. The fiery red dragon tattoo emblazoned on your right arm was so awesome back-in-the-day, but now it’s not going over very well on your job interviews. If you want your ink erased, you’re not alone.
An increasing number of people are having second thoughts about their personal tattoos and are having them removed by the thousands. A recent Harris poll found that 21 percent of Americans who have tattoos regret their decision to go under the needle. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) says that almost 100,000 people had their tattoos removed over the last couple of years—up from 86,000 in 2010.
New laser devices that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are making it safer to remove them. The FDA has granted permission for selected companies to market a variety of new lasers for tattoo eradication that comply with the FDA’s requirements for safety and effectiveness.
The FDA stresses that laser surgery should be performed by a licensed dermatologist who specializes in tattoo removal. The process can take a long time, depending on the size and color of the tattoo. The agency recommends avoiding at-home procedures that might use harsh creams and ointments. These could result in rashes, burns and permanently damage the skin.
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
I have seen this coming, obviously I'm not a huge fan of "ink". I have even suggested to my daughter that this will be a great career in the not too distant future.
love my ink. Got my first one in my late 40's. Planned and worked with the artist for months before putting needle to skin. never getting rid of it. I think the numbers went up because 1) as tattoo became more socially acceptable, more people have them, so 2) more people get rid of them. I think there should be a waiting time after the first consult before getting tattooed, make sure people are serious. I can be a lovely form of self expression and a way to keep memories close.
It looks trashy and most people realize it too late.
i have 6 small ones. and they are all personal to me. i love them and couldnt imagine ever getting rid of any of them!
Be smart about where you get a tattoo. You can get your dragon, just make sure that it hides well under work clothes.