Blink Tattoo Removal - Blog

5 Myths About Laser Tattoo Removal

rbenaroya — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 07:00:22 +0000

Tattoos were once a permanent decision. Today, laser tattoo removal provides an effective way to erase unwanted tattoos. Laser tattoo removal is performed by a trained professional who uses a specialized machine to break up ink pigment with pulses of high-intensity energy.

Although laser tattoo removal is considered the most effective way to remove tattoo ink, many myths and misconceptions exist about the procedure.

Here are some of the most common myths about laser tattoo removal.

Laser Tattoo Removal Is Very Painful

While it is true that there is some discomfort associated with the laser tattoo removal process, it is commonly described as a tingling or burning sensation similar to a sunburn. A tattoo removal specialist may apply a topical numbing cream to the tattoo site to further reduce pain and discomfort.

There Is Extensive Downtime Between Treatments

Downtime between laser tattoo treatment sessions is typically no more than five days. The length of time between treatments depends on the individual’s skin type. Mild skin irritation, swelling or redness during this time is normal and no cause for concern.

Laser Tattoo Removal Causes Scarring

Unlike tattoo removal methods such as skin grafting or dermabrasion, laser tattoo removal does not leave visible scars. While older model lasers could cause scarring, modern innovations are much more efficient.

Laser Tattoo Removal Is Expensive

The cost of tattoo removal treatments can depend on a number of factors such as the size of the tattoo, the colors of the ink and the location of the tattoo on the person’s body. It should be noted that laser tattoo removal is by far the best value in terms of safety and effectiveness.

Tattoo Removal Creams Are Just As Effective And Much Cheaper

There is no significant evidence that tattoo removal creams or lotions actually remove tattoo pigment. These products are typically skin bleaches or other abrasive chemicals which only mask body art instead of erasing it.

For more information about laser tattoo removal, contact Blink Tattoo Removal today.

NBA Tattoo Hall Of Fame

rbenaroya — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 07:00:30 +0000

Tattoos are becoming more mainstream and professional athletes are leading the charge. The NBA has always been known for its bright lights, flashy presentation and larger than life players. Pro basketball players are constantly looking for a way to put their own unique mark on the sport and tattoos are just one more way to do that.

These are some of the best tattoos in the NBA of the past and present.

Nate Robinson: Seattle Skyline

Seattle may not have an NBA since the Super Sonics moved to Oklahoma City, but current OKC Thunder guard Nate Robinson shows his love for his home town with the iconic Seattle skyline.

Rasheed Wallace: Egyptian Mural

This four-time All-Star and 2004 NBA Champion is remembered for his unpredictable attitude as well as his talent on the court. This tattoo on his right arm depicts the Egyptian gods Akhenaten and Nefertit beneath the rays of the sun.

Dennis Rodman: Snorting Bulls

There are few players who can match the flair of NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman. But despite playing forward for the Chicago Bulls, Rodman insists the bulls on his chest represent his birth sign; Taurus.

Derek Rose: Sweet Home Chicago

Derek Rose is one of the best young players in the game today and the NBA 2010-2011 MVP. Not only was Rose born and raised in Chicago, he is now a guard with the Chicago Bulls and he shows his respect for his home town on the back of his left hand.

Chris Anderson: Birdman Wings

Chris “Birdman” Anderson is possibly the most heavily inked player in the league. The Denver Nuggets forward/center is also one of the top bench players in the NBA.

Drew Gooden: Melting Clock

Gooden’s ink is a tribute to the painter Salvador Dali. The clock is set to 11:11 and the tattoo also features the image of St. Michael; a guardian angel.

5 Laser Tattoo Removal After-Care Tips

rbenaroya — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 07:00:35 +0000

Laser tattoo removal is the safest and most effective mean of erasing unwanted body art. Although the process of laser tattoo removal is extremely reliable, it is important to practice proper aftercare to guarantee that there are no complications from the treatments.

Aftercare prevents scabs, blisters, scarring and other tissue damage from developing as a result of the laser removal process.

Here are some helpful after-care tips following laser tattoo removal:

Stay Cool

Apply a cool compress to the tattoo site for the first 24-48 hours following treatments. Many describe laser tattoo removal as feeling similar to a sunburn. Keeping the tattoo site cool will help prevent inflammation and relieve discomfort.

Clean And Dry

Make sure the tattoo site stays clean. Use warm water and mild soap to help prevent infection. Gently pat the area dry until fully healed. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment three times a day and cover with a sterile dressing. This will help fight infection and speeds the healing process.

Don’t Pick At It!

It is normal to develop a scab or crust around the tattoo site. This is part of the body’s natural healing process. It is important to keep the area covered to avoid infection. Applying some hydrocortisone ointment to the area will reduce the urge to scratch the site.

Steer Clear Of Aspirin

Avoid taking aspirin following laser tattoo removal. Aspirin causes the blood to thin, which slows the healing process. Regular-strength Tylenol is advised as a way to treat pain and inflammation. Consult your doctor regarding any other medicine or medications you may be taking.

Protect Your Skin

It is essential to protect the skin from sun damage following laser tattoo removal. The sun can cause blistering and prevent the tattoo site from healing completely. Cover the area with at least 25 SPF during any sun exposure for about 3 months after the treatment.

While these precautions can help reduce the discomfort following laser tattoo removal, it is important to remember that everyone’s skin is different. Pay attention to changes in your skin and don’t hesitate to alert a medical professional if you are concerned.

Talk to a dermatologist or a laser tattoo removal specialist for more information on how to practice proper laser tattoo removal after-care.

Tattoo Removal Booms In Slow Economy

rbenaroya — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 07:00:31 +0000

Although the US job market has shown signs of recovery in recent months, many people are still struggling to find employment. In this difficult job market, many are reconsidering their tattoos. Tattoo removal professionals however are having no trouble finding work.

Over the past five years, tattoo removal has been on the rise, with revenue increasing at an annual rate of about 21 percent according to a recent study by market analysis firm IBISMWorld. Analysts predict that the number of tattoo removal business will continue to increase over the next five years.

Most patients choose to have their tattoos removed for employment-related reasons. A study conducted by CareerBuilder.com found that 37 percent of HR managers cite tattoos as the third physical attribute most likely to limit career potential. First on the list was piercings, followed closely by bad breath. Nearly nine out of 10 U.S. jobs today are in service-oriented businesses ranging from fast food restaurants to health care companies. Bans on body modification are especially common in the service industry where tattoos are often seen as unsightly or unprofessional.

Almost one quarter of Americans between the ages of 18 and 50 have some form of body art, according to the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology.

The growing social acceptance of tattoos is due in large part to innovations in laser tattoo removal. Increased use of the Q-switching laser technology has helped revolutionize the tattoo removal business by making the process less expensive and less painful than previous methods. New developments in tattoo ink designed specifically for laser removal treatments will very likely increase the mainstream acceptance of body art.

Although tattoo removal can be expensive, many job-seekers view the process as an investment in their futures and a chance at a fresh start.

The 6 Worst Tattoo Typos

rbenaroya — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 07:00:19 +0000

For many people, a tattoo is a representation of some significant to that person’s life. It might be to memorialize an event or a lost loved one, or to express an aspect of your personality.

But whatever the reason for getting a tattoo, it is important to spellcheck. A tattoo misspelling can be an expensive and embarrassing mistake.

Here are some of the worst tattoo typos:

We aren’t certain what it means to “juge” someone, but apparently only God will do it.

If everyone “elese” jumped off a cliff, would you do it too?

This tattoo is indeed both funny and sad.

Considering the name of the school is “Clemson”; maybe you should have spent that tattoo money on tuition instead.

Nothing more needs to be said.

“Tomarrow” might never know, but “today” doesn’t know how to spell.

Fortunately, laser tattoo removal provides an effective and reliable way to remove even the most embarrassing body art.

Tattoo Removal Programs Help Reformed Gang Members

rbenaroya — Mon, 21 May 2012 07:00:14 +0000

Gangs have been a part of American society and culture since the early 1800s. Today gangs operate in every major city in America and the U.S. Department of Justice estimates that roughly 760,000 gang members exist nationwide, not including those currently incarcerated, belonging to motorcycle gangs or those in radical ideology/hate groups. Upon joining a gang, it is not uncommon for individuals to tattoo the name or symbol of their particular group. These symbols represent strong allegiance and serve as a lifelong bond that is difficult to break.

Many gang members come to decide to change their lifestyle, beginning the long and often dangerous process of gang disassociation. Removing gang tattoos can be a major part of that transformation. The cost and lack of access to the specialized equipment necessary to remove tattoos however, has not been widely available to those that need it. Those that are able to sever ties with a gang often find that their tattoos are a constant and unwelcome reminder of their former lives. These tattoos can also limit job opportunities and create problems in everyday life.

Recently, public officials nationwide have begun to develop new and creative ways to help address gang-related problems in their communities. These programs can help reformed criminals get a fresh start; free of charge.

Removal Programs

Programs exist across a wide spectrum; from privately run organizations such as the Agape Light Tattoo Removal Program operated by a doctor and his local church in L.A. to the government funded Skindeep Tattoo Removal Program in Fairfax County, Virginia.

In order to qualify for the laser tattoo removal treatments, the former gang-members must meet certain requirements. Although these requirements differ between programs, they do universally require that the gang member cease all involvement or association with the gang and enter some form of counseling. Community service is also typically a requirement.

The Clean Slate Program

Based in San Jose California, Clean Slate accepts individuals between the age of 14 and 25 and requires 40 hours of community service. The program also requires that they attend school, have a job or participate in a vocational training program.

Skindeep Tattoo Removal Program

One of the more well-known programs, Skindeep Tattoo Removal is funded in part by the local government of Fairfax County, Virginia. In order to qualify for the program, individuals must be 22 years old or younger and be sponsored by an adult such as a teacher, probation officer or social worker. Participants must take part in some form of school, complete 40 hours of community service and must have or be actively seeking employment.

Salt Lake Area Gang Project

Located in Salt Lake City, Utah this program does not require participants to be enrolled in school or to have a job before applying. This is due to the recognition that visible gang tattoos can impair the job hunt. In addition the program makes no distinction on age, as older gang members are more likely to break ties with their organizations. Participants must not be incarcerated and be released from probation or parole for a least a year before entering the program.

Many other programs exist in cities across the U.S., and regardless of the program participants must be determined to succeed and willing to pledge time and energy. Laser tattoo removal is not only a length process; it can also be very painful. Despite this, many former gang members seek these programs to have a chance at a new life, free from their criminal past.

The History of Tattoo Removal

rbenaroya — Sat, 19 May 2012 07:00:21 +0000

Tattoos are more popular now than ever before. According to a 2004 survey of 500 people between the ages of 18 and 50, 24 percent reported having a tattoo. Body art however is nearly as old as human civilization. Tattoo instruments such as needles have been dated back to the Upper Paleolithic times! Preserved bodies and mummies with the evidence of body art have been discovered around the world, from Russia to Egypt to South America; indicating that cultures with no contact with one another conceived of tattooing independently.

Although tattoos are known to be permanent, people have always been fickle and prone to changing their minds. Because of this; there have been methods of tattoo removal dating back to ancient times. Ancient forms of tattoo removal include applying wine, lime juice, garlic and even pigeon excrement. Fortunately for tattoo enthusiasts, these methods aren’t practiced today.

Tattoo Removal Methods in The Past

Historically the most common ways to remove a tattoo has been abrasion, to traumatize the skin and then applying irritants to draw out the tattoo ink. In more recent decades, physicians have typically used a diamond-coated fraise, or a wire-brush to destroy the outer layers of the skin. Dermabrasion has a high risk of scarring and the aerosolized blood and tissue particles can even present a danger to the treating physician. More modern methods of dermabrasion can reduce scarring, but dermabrasion will always result in some scarring and loss of normal skin pigment.

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons consider laser tattoo removal to be the safest and most reliable means of removing a tattoo. For more information on laser tattoo removal, contact one of Blink Tattoo Removal’s affiliates today.

Innovations In Laser Tattoo Removal

rbenaroya — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:05:56 +0000

Laser tattoo removal is safe, effective and very reliable. For almost 20 years it has been the gold-standard for tattoo removal. Despite its many advantages however, laser tattoo removal has its drawbacks; it can be expensive, time consuming and painful. On average a tattoo requires between seven to fifteen treatments. This can take months and cost thousands of dollars.

As more and more people seek to identify themselves with body art, new innovations are also needed in the field of tattoo removal. A new type of ink pigment, called “Freedom-2”, promises to help make tattoo removal simple, less expensive and almost pain-free.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Laser tattoo removal works by using pules of high-intensity energy to break up ink pigment in the skin, allowing the material to be safely absorbed by the body. Despite the widespread nature of tattoos, there is no strict regulatory process overseeing the creation and production of tattoo inks. Often times such pigments contain potentially hazardous chemicals that are also found in heavy metals and car paints. These chemical’s composition can actually be altered in unexpected ways when subjected to the laser. The process of removing the tattoo can be slow, requiring many long and often painful sessions to completely erase a tattoo.

What Makes Freedom-2 Inks Different?

Freedom-2 Inks are the first tattoo pigments designed with the intent of being easy to remove. This new technology consists of tiny inert plastic beats that contain biodegradable dyes. Pulses from a laser cause the beads to rupture, allowing the ink to escape and be absorbed into the body. After initial trials, an iteration of the ink was developed that closely matches traditional tattoo ink aesthetically. This new type of ink can be safely removed using a Q-switched laser in a single treatment. Freedom-2 also plans to develop inks that will dissolve naturally over time without requiring laser treatments.

These breakthroughs are sure to revolutionize the tattoo industry, allowing millions of people to safely and painlessly remove their body art.

The 6 Most Famous Celebrity Tattoo Parlors!

rbenaroya — Sat, 05 May 2012 07:00:53 +0000

These days, celebrities are lining up for body art. Musicians, actors, and athletes have long been the patrons of some of the top tattoo artists in the world and recently these body artists have started to become celebrities themselves! Whether it’s as part of a reality TV show deal, award-winning artists or high-profile clientele, these parlors are no stranger to the limelight.

If you want your own tattoos done by the same artists who work with the stars, here are six of the top celebrity tattoo parlors in the world.

Hart and Huntington – Hart and Huntington’s studios were known worldwide for their innovative designs and precise line work long before they became the stars of the popular A&E reality show Inked. Since making the jump from artists to TV stars, enthusiastic fans travel from around the world to visit the studios in Hawaii, Cabo, Orlando and Las Vegas.

Shanghai Kate’s – Located in upstate New York, Shanghai Kate’s has been featured in Inked Magazine, NPR, and the NYC Tattoo Convention. Dedicated to preserving the legacy of the legendary artist “Sailor Jerry”, Shanghai Kate’s has seen celebrities from Howard Stern to Pearl Jam.

High Voltage Tattoo – TLC’s breakout hit show LA Ink features the eclectic and off-beat artists of this high-profile LA tattoo studio. Kat Von D, the face of the reality show and the studio tattooed is not only a world famous tattoo artists but also holds the Guinness World Record for most tattoos given in 24 hours, totaling 400.

Love Hate Tattoo – While Kate Von D may be working in the West now, she got her start in this South Beach studio, also known as 305 Ink, owned by Chris Nunez and Ami James. Miami Ink has done work on everyone from celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain to American Chopper star Paul Teutul, Sr.

Rising Dragon – This world-famous NYC studio specializes in traditional Japanese, Polynesian and South Pacific Maori designs and intricate underwater seascapes. Celebrities like Ryan Reynolds, Christina Applegate and Tia Carrere.

Mark Mahoney’s Shamrock Social – Named one of the top tattoo parlors in LA by Citysearch, the Shamrock Social Club sits on Sunset Blvd, at the heart of the City of Angels. Celebrities like Brittney Spears or Fred Durst come to get body art done by artists Mark Mahoney, Danny Romo and Andrew Farmsley.

5 Tattoo Ideas to Honor a Lost Friend

rbenaroya — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:00:27 +0000

The passing of a close friend or loved one can be a painful experience. When we lose someone close to us, it’s natural to seek a way to memorialize that person. A tattoo can make a powerful statement and can be a very meaningful way to honor a lost friend.

It can be hard to choose the right design for a memorial tattoo. The design will be a permanent, living monument to someone whom we have lost and the decision should not be taken lightly. Here are just some tattoos to honor a lost friend.

Names & Dates
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A simple and popular way to commemorate the dead is by listing that person’s name and the dates of their birth and death. Many chose to include an image or quote that to reflect their deceased loved ones.

Portraits

A portrait is a very personal way to honor a deceased loved one. Placing an image of their face on your body is a way to forever see that face. Portrait tattoos are quite complex, and require the patience and dedication of a seasoned tattoo artist.

Religious

Religious memorial tattoos can be an expression of grief, hope and faith. Images of crucifixes, prayer beads, hands clasped in prayer, angels and doves are popular choices.

Military Remembrance

Memorial tattoos have long been a way for soldiers to remember their fallen brothers in arms. Images will often include a name along with service rifles, dogtags, symbols of a branch of the military such as the USMC’s Eagle, Globe and Anchor or a particular regiment or unit number.

R.I.P

These three simple letters represent the hope that our loved ones will find peace and comfort after their passing. R.I.P is an enduring symbol that captures the complex emotions surround the death of someone close to us.

Whatever the final decision, it is important to select a tattoo that brings fond memories to honor the passage of a significant person in our lives. The image will be deeply personal and a way to carry that person’s memory with you for the rest of your days.