Blink Tattoo Removal – Blog

In 2011, People magazine confirmed that Curtis Jackson, better known to the world as the rapper,  50 Cent, uses laser tattoo removal as part of his transition from hip-hop to acting. Known for his dynamic and sometimes controversial lyrics, his bad-boy persona and his extensive body art, the 37-year old rapper/producer/G-Unit founder chose laser tattoo removal to say good-bye to nearly a dozen tattoos.

Already established in the hip-hop world, 50 Cent made his film debut in 2005’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’. 50 Cent has since gone on to compile an impressive list of acting credits, working alongside actors like Val Kilmer, Nicholas Cage and Sharon Stone and looks to take on more roles in the years to come.  Jackson, frustrated by being forced to spend hours in the make-up chair to conceal his tattoos has turned to laser tattoo removal as a permanent alternative.

“[laser tattoo removal] cuts down on the amount of time I have to spend in make-up covering it up”, says Jackson, who plans to erase all but the iconic tattoo on his back.

The decision to have laser tattoo removal came as a surprise to many fans, as 50 Cent has featured his tattoos extensively throughout his career, proudly displaying them on the covers of albums and magazines.  Jackson is not alone. Celebrities increasingly show-off their tattoos as the fashion gains mainstream acceptance. Many actors, like Jackson, however find that tattoos can limit their roles and force them to spend long hours in make-up.

For 50 Cent, laser tattoo removal was as much a personal decision as a professional one. “I started removing mine. I was afraid I would become a comic book” says the rapper/actor.

50 Cent made news when he expressed opposition to rappers like Gucci Mane and Yung L.A. getting facial tattoos.  Jackson in an interview with Vibe magazine stated, “Not necessarily Gucci, but to tattoo your face says that there’s not a possibility that you can actually walk into a legitimate establishment without makeup covering your face every day. That does not work. It creates a separation. It says, ‘I’m an artist.’ That’s it. That’s the statement you make when you go and tattoo your face.”

This desire to not be permanently bound and potentially limited by a tattoo is what makes laser tattoo removal such an appealing concept to so many.

Although an ancient form of self-expression, in Western society tattoos have long considered to be associated with the soldiers, sailors, bikers, and the counter-culture. This attitude has changed dramatically and tattoos have seen a massive rise in popularity and mainstream acceptance in recent years. A study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology suggests that almost one in four Americans aged 18-50 are tattooed. However, as demand for tattoos has increased, so too has the demand of tattoo removal with the same study finding that nearly 17% of those that get tattoos experience regret.

Considered the gold-standard by dermatologists, laser tattoo removal is the safest, most reliable method of tattoo removal on the market. While relatively new in comparison with methods of tattoo removal such as dermabrasion, tattoo removal cream and excision, laser tattoo removal is a non-invasive treatment performed by specialized technicians in a clinical setting. Like millions of others who use the treatment, 50 Cent uses laser tattoo removal to break down the ink pigments in the skin using a focused beam of light. Repeated laser tattoo removal sessions, typically over the course of eight weeks, cause the tattoo to gradually fade as the broken down ink is absorbed by the body until the tattoo vanishes entirely. A variety of factors including the tattoo’s size, color, complexity, placement on the body as well as the skin complexion of the individual all influence the quantity of laser tattoo removal treatments needed to erase a tattoo completely.  Heavily tattooed celebrities like 50 Cent looking to remove their ink can expect many sessions before their bodies become a blank canvas. While there is some discomfort during the treatments, individuals that undergo laser tattoo removal hare typically very satisfied with the results and have an extremely low chance of any discoloration or visible scarring once the treatments have been completed.

The growing popularity of tattoos has prompted the FDA to take a more active role in regulation and oversight, encouraging standardizing the methods of tattoo application and removal and in the innovation of new ink that would break down more easily under a laser. One new technology developed by the New York based Freedom-2 LLC, involves incasing the ink in tiny synthetic-polymer beads that break apart easily when laser energy is applied. The ability to make tattoos a temporary decision is prompting many like 50 Cent to choose laser tattoo removal.  These inks are already in clinical review, and once available would make laser tattoo removal dramatically less expensive and reduce duration and frequency of treatments.

The complexity of 50 Cent’s tattoos means that his laser tattoo removal will be an ongoing process.  Jackson claims to be happy with his decision however as he looks ahead to new horizons in his career. 50 Cent’s next major role will Lives of the Saints, be alongside Meg Ryan and John Lithgow set to be released in 2012.

For more information on laser tattoo removal, contact one of Blink Tattoo Removal affiliates today.