On average the skin cell cycle is 35 to 57 days. As a result, you would need at the minimum 35 days between the time of getting a tattoo and getting it removed. That said, most dermatologists note that 35 days refers to healthy normal skin, not tattooed skin. Needless to say, industry professionals feel that at least six weeks is needed before you can start getting a tattoo removed. This six week period is also the recommended the amount of time needed between laser tattoo removal treatments at Dr. TATTOFF. Treating ink too early or too frequently only raises the risk of adverse side effects and doesn’t help remove a tattoo any faster. 

The above is also posted on Dr. Will Kirby’s laser tattoo removal blog.

A 2004 study estimated about a quarter of Americans had at least one tattoo, and among folks born between 1975 and 1986 the figure was 36 percent. One expert projects that eventually 40 percent of U.S. human bodies will sport at least one instance of epidermal art. Research suggests only 20 percent are dissatisfied with their markings, and just 6 percent actually seek to get them removed!

The above is also posted on Dr. Will Kirby’s laser tattoo removal blog.

The most common side effects associated with laser tattoo removal include swelling and discomfort. These occur fairly frequently but are easily alleviated with rest, ice and elevation. Blistering is another side effect that can occur as well. Occasionally we observe discoloration (both lightening and darkening of the skin) but in most cases this is temporary and may be assisted with a bleaching cream. Very, very rarely laser tattoo removal patients will have tissue texture changes or scarring. In the vast majority of patients laser tattoo removal is well tolerated with minimal, temporary side effects. 

The above is also posted on Dr. Will Kirby’s laser tattoo removal blog. 

At Dr. TATTOFF, we’re seeing more patients seeking laser tattoo removal who are participants in the armed forces or interested in joining. It seems that the military is becoming more strict in what type of tattoos they allow. According to Jennifer L. Bean of The News-Sentinel,  ”Although getting a tattoo in the military was once almost a rite of passage, the armed forces now have new rules. For example, Marines cannot have tattoos on their head or neck or sleeve tattoos, which are large tattoos or groups of tattoos on the lower arm. Tattoos on the upper arm or the leg that are visible when wearing military-issued T-shirts and shorts are also prohibited. Military personnel already in the service and who have tattoos in those locations can keep them if they have documentation the tattoo existed before April 1, 2007. Army regulations prohibit tattoos on the head or face, except for permanent makeup such as eyebrows or fill-in lip color. Two years ago, the Army began allowing tattoos on the backs of hands and necks. Navy regulations are less restrictive, stating a tattoo that is “obscene, sexually explicit or advocates discrimination of any sort is prohibited.” Otherwise, it considers content, size and location of tattoos on a case-by-case basis.”

The above is also posted on Dr. Will Kirby’s laser tattoo removal blog.