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What happens when the tattoo that was once such a good
idea doesn't seem that way anymore? That butterfly on your
shoulder or the name of the true love-who-no-longer-loves
you on your arm.
The answer is to either wear cover-up clothing for the
rest of your life or have the tattoo removed. Laser
technology has become an unwanted tattoo's best friend. The
type of laser needed to remove a tattoo depends on the size
and location of the tattoo, the type and color, and what
you're willing to tolerate, such as multiple appointments,
in-complete removal or some scarring, and cost.
Lasers target the tattoo pigment under the skin,
fragmenting the pigment colors into smaller portions that
the body digests. "Black, red, green, and blue tattoos are
the easiest to remove," says Chris Arpey, M.D., UI
dermatologist, "while lavender, orange, white, and yellow
are the hardest."
Lasers have become the standard treatment for tat-too
removal because they are highly effective, have minimal side
effects, and can be done on an outpatient basis. "The
typical professional tattoo requires eight to 10 treatments
for sufficient fading, whereas amateur tattoos require four
to six treatment sessions," says Arpey.
For more information about tattoo removal, call UI
Health Access, 319-384-8442, ext. 404, or 800-777-8442,
ext. 404.
Then and now
In the last 10 years, tattooing has become one of the
fastest growing retail businesses according to the Alliance
of Professional Tattooists, Inc.
Tattoos are no longer just for longshoremen or bikers.
Tattooing has evolved from an anti-social activity in the
1960s to a fashion statement today. The fastest growing
segment of the population getting a tattoo today is
middle-class suburban women.
More and more the old-time tattoo parlor is giving way to
studios with the look and feel of an upscale beauty shop
where hygiene and creativity are paramount.
If you are considering getting a tattoo, ask staff at the
establishment what procedures they use to prevent the spread
of HIV and other blood-borne infections, such as the
hepatitis B virus. Call the local health department to find
out what sterilization procedure requirements are in place.
The practice of body marking has been going on for
centuries. The Iceman, whose mummified body was discovered
in 1991 in the Alps, has more than 50 tattoos on his body.
Many people feel tattoos provide magical protection
against the misfortunes of life, or add special rank or
protection to warriors.
Captain Cook brought back the Tahitian word "tabu" which
means to mark something. That word later became tattoo.
For more information:
Listed above is a Web site that offers additional
information on this topic. University of Iowa Health Care
does not sponsor or endorse these sites, or guarantee the
accuracy of the information contained on these sites. These
links are here for general information only, and should not
be used for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you have any
questions, please contact UI
Health Access.
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