What is a Tattoo?

We see tattoos everywhere; some look cool and some look real bad. But what are they? How do they work?

In basic terms, a tattoo is ink in the skin. When someone gets a tattoo, the tattoo needle punctures the skin and injects ink in to the dermis layer of skin. The dermis layer of the skin is the second layer, it is underneath the epidermis layer of skin. Why do they place the ink in the dermis layer? Well, because the skin cells in that area are much more stable; since the skin cells in the area are much more stable, the ink remains in place better and is less likely to spread and ruin any tattoo designs. If it was injected in the epidermis layer, the ink would have an easier time moving and fading would happen much faster since we shed the epidermis layer over time.

Tattoos are done by hand; if you were to walk into a tattoo parlor, you would see the tattoo artist with a needle and their machine full of inks. You tell them what design you want and where you want it. It is run by a motor and electricity and the needle is connected to the machine via a tube and that is where the ink makes its way to the needle. Now, either the tattoo parlor will thoroughly sterilize all their equipment or some parlors will use disposable needles where they throw a needle away after each use.

A tattoo can take as little as 20 minutes or a few hours, it depends on what you get. They can also take more than one session. Similar to laser tattoo removal where a removal will take multiple sessions. As a Chicago tattoo removal studio, we can tell you that the smaller or more basic the tattoo, the easier it is to remove it. Also, a tattoo done by an amateur is easier to remove. While tattoos are almost permanent, they can be removed; however, some will not be able to be removed 100 percent.

If you are curious about removal and have questions about the R20 procedure, contact our Chicago tattoo removal studio.

Tattoo Removal and the Economy

Believe it or not, the economy and tattoo removal are related, they are not mutually exclusive. How is this so? Well, due to the slower economy more people with tattoos are choosing to get them removed. So yes, the affect is working one way but there is the connection. So why are people deciding to part ways with their once beloved ink due to the economy?

The big reason for deciding to get rid of tattoos due to the economy is because of employment or job searching. More and more, people are choosing to get their tattoos removed, especially via laser tattoo removal and via the R20 procedure (a faster form of laser tattoo removal) so they have an equal chance of getting a call back or even hired as the competition that never had tattoos. In addition to the job seekers, this idea also applies to those who are trying to switch careers or get a promotion in their current company; some companies may allow some employees such as dock workers to have tattoos but not the people who are actually in front of the clients or customers.

Now, the economy seems to be picking up a bit of steam but the reality is that many companies are still feeling the effects of the recession or are just still in that mindset; consequently, they can be strict on the tattoo policy.

Many companies have policies regarding tattoos that state that employees are not allowed to have tattoos or at least tattoos that show while wearing work appropriate clothing (such as your uniform or suit). In the past, this policy would have been held by just about every company but now companies are starting to relax; however, there are still plenty who hold to their beliefs toward the ink.

Why do they have such policies?

Companies have the policies towards tattoos for sake of professionalism. In some industries, it does not matter if employees have tattoos. However, the more formal the industry, the stricter they are. In an industry where employees wear suits everyday, then they might be the ones that don't allow tattoos at all but most definitely now allow them to show while wearing the suit.

The thing is that companies fear what clients or customers might think or say about a company that has employees that wear tattoos. Despite tattoos becoming more widely accepted in today's society, there are still people who believe that tattoos are for the criminals, soldiers, gangsters, bikers, etc. Due to that belief holding on, companies go with some caution and just avoid that slippery slope altogether.

If you are looking to do laser tattoo removal for any reason, then hire Erase Tattoo Removal - a Chicago tattoo removal studio. As a laser tattoo removal studio in Chicagoland, we are the only one in the area that offers the R20 procedure. We also use the Asclepion TattooStar Effect Laser which gives off a better laser than other lasers used for removal. See our pricing.

Laser Tattoo Removal 101 at Erase

For the most part, laser tattoo removal studios do the same thing; however, some studios have their own twists on things. Naturally, you can't go into every single removal studio and know exactly what will happen. You have questions; you ask questions. This blog should answer some, perhaps all, of your questions about Erase Tattoo Removal.

• Who does the procedure? Here at Erase, we only have medical professionals do the laser tattoo removal procedures. We believe that having a medical professional, such as Dr. Justin Macariola, do the procedures gives the client confidence it will be done right; it is the best solution for the client. Some tattoo removal studios settle for having estheticians perform the procedures but we believe in trying harder. 
• Who is eligible for laser tattoo removal? Any skin tone, age, or gender is able to get a laser tattoo removal procedure; however, there are some cases where we advise against it. 
• Pregnant or nursing women. This broken up ink can make its way into the unborn child via umbilical cord or into the born child via breast milk. When you get this procedure, the ink is broken up and removed from the skin via the immune system.
• Any client with uncontrolled diabetes. 
• Anyone with new tattoos from within the last couple months (2 months). The skin is not ready for a procedure like this so soon after getting a tattoo. 
• Smokers are able to get it but they might require more sessions to get the tattoo removed since their skin is not as healthy; your skin needs to be healthy to endure the procedures at their current length of time. 
• We should note that the procedures are conducted using an Asclepion TattooStar Effect Laser and so this laser can tackle a lot of tattoo cases. 
• How long does it take to remove a tattoo? Depending on the size, location, and color(s) of the tattoo that is to be removed, the removal process can take between 5 & 12 sessions; there are breaks of 6-8 weeks between each removal session. On average, a tattoo takes a year to remove. If you qualify for the R20 procedure then you will take less time since this procedure essentially combines four traditional sessions into one; your amount of sessions is drastically reduced. 
• Does it hurt? Depending on your pain tolerance, it will hurt more for some and less for others; bottom line, it will have discomfort. Although, at Erase, we have cooling tools to reduce the pain and make each client comfortable during the procedure. 

If you are considering laser tattoo removal, then contact Erase - a Chicago laser tattoo removal studio. We give free consultations! 

The R20 Procedure for Laser Tattoo Removal

In laser tattoo removal there are several kinds of lasers that can be used to remove a tattoo; along with all those options for lasers, there are a few different kinds of procedures that can be performed. At Erase Tattoo Removal, we use the traditional laser tattoo removal procedure as well at the R20 procedure for our tattoo removals.

What are these two forms of tattoo removal? Let's find out.

Traditional procedure is when the removal studio uses just one pass of the laser on the inked area of your skin and then that is the end of the procedure. A pass of the laser is when the laser passes over the skin.

R20 procedure is when the removal studio combines four sessions (or four passes of the laser) into one session. This dramatically reduces the amount of sessions one needs to remove a tattoo and gets them on their way sooner. How do studios accomplish this? Well, after each pass of the laser, there is a twenty-minute break that allows the skin recover before the next pass of the laser.

A tattoo often requires between 5 and 12 sessions to completely remove the tattoo; sessions are spaced out 6 to 8 weeks to allow the skin to heal and prepare for the next session. If you have a larger or more complex tattoo, you will most likely require more sessions; tattoos can take a year or so to remove. With people needing their tattoos gone sooner, the R20 procedure becomes quite an attractive option. Here at our Chicago tattoo removal studio, we are the only laser tattoo removal studio in Chicagoland to offer the R20 procedure. Traditional removal takes around 20 to 30 minutes for a session and R20 takes a bit longer.

If you are looking for a laser tattoo removal studio, contact Erase Tattoo Removal - a Chicago tattoo removal studio. They give free consultations. See what they're about!

Why Should You Get Tattoo Removal?

A lot of people have tattoos and for different reasons; however, sometimes, there comes a time in a life of someone who has a tattoo that shows it is time to get that once beloved tattoo removed. There are several reasons why people have to get a tattoo removed; there is relief, though, that a lot of laser tattoo removal studios are helping those people out.

One reason people decide it is time that they have to get a tattoo removed is because they are leaving a former life. A big example of this is when someone leaves a gang. Gangs often require their members to get tattoos as a part of the initiation process and as a marker of who is in the gang and who is not. Unfortunately to gangs, sometimes members decide that they want out of the gang and move on with their lives; this means having a tattoo on your body, maybe in a spot where it can still be easily seen, that will forever remind that person of their former life. So, when the person wants to rid themselves of that ink and completely move on with their life, they have to get the tattoo removed. Some tattoo removal studios are helping these people out by giving them either free laser tattoo removal or at a discount.

Another reason some tattooed individuals find it is time that they get their tattoos removed is because of finding employment, perhaps better employment. Despite making great strides in becoming more accepted by society, even in the workplace, a lot of companies still hold anti-tattoo policies, at least having them in areas that are exposed during the work day. So, before landing a serious job, like a higher position in the company, many people are opting to get the R20 procedure in order to quickly get their tattoo(s) removed and get that job. In the same way that many laser tattoo removal studios are helping people move on from former life decisions and lifestyles, they are doing it for people who are getting laser tattoo removal for sake of employment opportunities.

A third reason some people are opting for removal is because of having gone through breast cancer treatments. As we know, breast cancer is a prevalent disease, even for men, and the treatments often require "tattoos". See, the radiation laser requires that the person is tattooed so the doctor knows where exactly to aim the radiation. However, after the treatment, the tattoos do not magically come off and so if the person wants to move on, they have to get them removed. Fortunately, there are tattoo removal studios that are helping these people out by giving free or at least discounted treatments.

At Erase Tattoo Removal, we love helping people in need of laser tattoo removal. Chicago tattoo removal is becoming more and more popular and so if you are looking for a laser tattoo removal studio in Chicagoland, go ahead and contact us. We give free consultations.

Common Mistakes When Getting A Tattoo

Like laser tattoo removal, getting a tattoo is a somewhat painful and very delicate process. The ability to get them done right and knowing where to go for the process is often a hard decision. There is a lot of pressure for the right tattoo and a lot of details to consider. However, there are some details that people getting a tattoo can forget about but turn out to be rather crucial aspects of getting the best tattoo results.

The first thing many people do not consider is the size that is needed for a tattoo to look good years down the road. See, yes, a lot of people remember to consider size of the tattoo in general but does that size allow the tattoo to still look good years down the road after the ink shifts a bit? When tattoos are injected into the skin, the ink sits in the dermis layer of skin; the dermis layer of skin is much more stable than the epidermis layer of skin. However, the dermis layer is still skin and thus, it still makes its own adjustments from time to time and so after a few years, the ink in the tattoo will expand some. What does this mean for you? Well, if you have something written in your tattoo, the letters can appear differently. A big example of this is the letter "e". After some time, it is possible that the "e" can expand and morph into an "o"if there was not enough room for the letter to expand and retain its form.

Due to this unknown problem of this well remembered aspect of getting a tattoo, many people opt for laser tattoo removal, especially the R20 tattoo laser removal procedure, When your cool tattoo spelling something meaningful or fun turns into an unintelligible word, you no longer want it and completing a new tattoo procedure can be bad.

The second mistake people do that can result in a bad tattoo is get the tattoo in a bad spot. People often remember to give consideration of where they want the tattoo but they do not consider if it will look good after a long time there. See, the elbow might seem like a good spot for a tattoo but it does not translate to a good tattoo when you are quite a few years older and the skin on the elbow get wrinklier and the tattoo is much more faded. So give a lot of consideration to the location of the tattoo and wonder what it will look like years down the road. Also, if the tattoo artist says no to a tattoo or location, etc. don't give them a fight; they are way more knowledgable in the business than you are and are actually trying to help you out with their advice.

Because of the fade effect on the tattoo, a lot of people will opt for a tattoo removal laser because they don't like the look of the wrinkled, faded tattoo on their body. You can get the tattoo touched up but after too many touchups, the skin in that spot turns into a big, nasty scar. 

As a Chicago tattoo removal studio, Erase Tattoo Removal  knows a lot about the laser tattoo removal business and we know about the tattoo side of it as well. But if you are in some tattoo trouble, don't hesitate to contact us, we give free consultations! We use the R20 procedure for qualified candidates which means fewer required sessions.

How Do I Find the Right Tattoo Removal Studio?

How do you go about finding the right tattoo removal studio? This is a question that a lot of people wonder about during their search for the perfect laser tattoo removal studio. There is no single way that is best for finding the right tattoo removal studio; all you can do is use your head and do your research. This blog will help you know what to look for when doing your research for your tattoo removal studio.

The first thing you want to do is research the studio. As a Chicago tattoo removal studio, we encourage people to research us and get to know us so they know what to expect when they walk in our doors. We want them to know us before we even know them and are not surprised by what they find in our laser tattoo removal studio in Chicagoland. They will already know all about us from doing their research. Do not choose the first place that you come across just because you want to just get it over with; make sure that the place you choose is the right one for you and not chosen out of convenience or sake of time. Also, don't rush the research process; take a few days, or even weeks, to research some tattoo removal studios. Do different kinds of research as well. One way to research is to use the internet to do research with (and is perhaps your most powerful and quickest way to research). Another way to research is to go into actual tattoo removal studios; look at their photos, review their material such as pamphlets, packets, etc. A third way to research is to find someone who has had the tattoo removal procedure done and ask them what it was like and such.

The second thing you want to do is check out the tattoo removal procedure. Make sure you know what is going to happen during the procedure and know what to expect afterwards, like how to take care of the affected area in between sessions. Make sure you talk to the doctor, or at least the studio, and get the details of what will happen during the procedure. What do you need to do in preparation for the procedure? What will happen during? What are you supposed to do afterwards? These are all things you will want and need to know. Another thing you will want to know is what kind of laser the studio will use. At Erase Tattoo Removal, we use the Asclepion TattooStar Effect Laser which is a kind of Q-switched laser. The kind of technique we use is the R20 procedure which compounds four passes of the laser into one session.

Knowing about your tattoo removal studio and the procedure is something that you should do before you decide on the tattoo removal studio. Make sure you know about the studio and what they do so you know if the place is right for you and if you are sure you want to go through with it. If the place uses a laser that can take care of your tattoo and you trust them based on your research, then you have to decide.

Why Wait 8 Weeks in Between Laser Tattoo Removal Sessions?

When people are doing research on the laser tattoo removal procedure, they often find that they have to wait approximately 6-8 weeks in between removal sessions. This seems like a ridiculous amount of time to wait for your next tattoo removal session. When you think about it, a lot can happen in your life in that month and a half to two months; your whole life can change in that amount of time.

However, if you do your research, especially by talking to someone who is knowledgable about the tattoo removal industry, you will find that this amount of time is required for proper laser tattoo removal. Let's take a look at why the 6-8 week waiting period in between removal sessions is required for a successful tattoo removal procedure.

There are a few reasons why you must wait that six to eight weeks. The first reason is because it takes roughly eight weeks for the body to take that now dead ink and process it so it can be removed from the body. When the removal process breaks down the ink in the skin, it has to be removed; the body doesn't even completely get the removing ink process going until about the fifth week after the tattoo removal procedure session. Thus, if you were to go back before this process is done, you would be interfering with the process and could cause problems. Of course, the better the immune system and skin quality you have, the sooner and faster this process moves along; if you have poor skin and/or immunity, then you could take longer. Going in after eight weeks ensures this process is done by your
next removal session. 

The second reason for the long wait is because you need that time for your skin to heal and regroup after being traumatized after the previous tattoo removal procedure session. This is especially true if you get the R20 procedure since that's essentially four sessions in one. Depending on the person, you could be healed and pretty good to go after week four or five but just to be certain that your skin is good to go, you should wait the full eight weeks unless stated otherwise by the doctor performing your tattoo removal procedure.

Why is the ultimate reason you should care about waiting the full length of time between tattoo removal sessions? Because if you go back too soon then you can be interfering with the removal process and be wasting your money. You wouldn't remove the cast from a broken bone before it was healed, would you? No. Otherwise you would not heal right, end up getting more treatments or at least a new cast, and be wasting money.

Bottom line, don't be in such a rush to get this done, let it take the appropriate amount of time and get it done right. You always have time to get things done the right way but you don't always have the time to do things a second time.

Doing a "tattoo removal procedure" for Henna Ink

The henna tattoo is something that has become popular over the years and not just with Indians but with people from any country. The henna tattoo can be seen by anyone who wants one these days. With the popularity of the henna tattoo, a lot of people are asking, "How do I get rid of it once I want it gone?" This is a valid question because while the tattoo is not permanent, it is not as easily removed as a temporary tattoo that children often receive. Why is the henna tattoo a bit more permanent? Well, this is because of what happens during the henna tattoo process.

When getting a henna tattoo, what you are getting on your skin is actually the dye that is drawn from the henna plant, often mixed with a coloring agent for design, and then applied to your skin with a tool or even freehand. Once the henna ink is applied to your skin via whatever means, it then soaks into the epidermis layer of skin, or the top layer of skin that we see and feel everyday. Because it soaks its way into the top layer of skin, it is harder to get rid of since you can't just get rid of your skin. The henna ink typically last two to three weeks, usually only two.

There is a way, however, to get rid of the ink in your epidermis. The process to get rid of the ink is sort of like the dermabrasion tattoo removal procedure for real tattoos. In case you are not familiar with this method, it is when, essentially, you scrub your skin until the tattoo is gone. But since the henna tattoo is not as serious, neither is this removal method.

To get rid of the henna tattoo, what you have to do for step one is take a shower. Everyday, take your shower, morning or night, whatever you prefer, and just do your daily routine. However, while taking your shower, use a loofah or something like a loofah. What you want to do is use the loofah but make sure to rub the spot(s) containing the henna ink. This will be a slow tattoo removal process but will be an essential part of it.

The second step of the henna tattoo removal process is get some salt water. What you do is get a cup and fill it with one part salt to one part water. Once you have done that, take a gauze pad and soak it in the solution. Once the gauze pad is saturated with the saltwater solution, lay it on the henna ink spot for a good 20 minutes. Just rest during this time, watch TV or something. Once the 20 minutes are up, remove the gauze pad and then rinse the area. Do this process 2-3 times a day. Doing this process 2-3 times a day will help speed up the process of removing the henna tattoo.

Step three for removing the henna tattoo is to soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can be found at any store like Walmart, Walgreens, Target, etc. Ask a store clerk if you can't find it but it should be near the medical stuff like band-aids, etc. Once the cotton ball is saturated in the hydrogen peroxide, rub the henna ink with the cotton ball until the ink is gone. This can take a few minutes, by that I mean several, but will remove the ink.

The fourth step for removing the henna tattoo is mix one part lemon juice, one part dish soap, and one part baking soda in a mixing bowl. Then take a clean washcloth and soak it in the solution. Once it is soaked, scrub the remains of the henna ink with the washcloth until are traces of the tattoo are gone.

So while it was fun getting the henna tattoo, now you can safely and effectively remove the tattoo. As a laser tattoo removal studio in Chicago, we know all about tattoo removal. We use the R20 procedure for tattoos and we also give free consultations!

Tips for Tattoos: Know What's Good

I know that since we are a laser tattoo removal studio in Chicagoland, we often focus on that side of the tattoo industry but for this post, we want to focus on the the other side of the tattoo industry, tattoos. There are a lot of bad tattoo designs out there and it is important  for people to know how to handle their ink ideas and what is appropriate to follow through with and what to abandon. Well, there are quite a few tips for those considering getting some ink, especially for those considering it for the first time.

1. Keep it subtle. What I mean by this is that you do not want to get something that speaks louder than you do; for example, try to stay away from tattoos that cover your whole back and feature the image from the cover of your favorite DVD or something. Keep it subtle, get something that looks good but is not obnoxious, you know? 
2. Grammar is a big deal. When you decide that you want to get your tattoo, double and triple check with the tattoo artist that they understand the grammar that is needed in the tattoo to have it make sense and not look tacky. Some common mistakes with grammar are, "your & you're" "their, there, and they're" etc. It does not make sense to have a tattoo that says, "Your beautiful." You do not own beauty, you are beauty. Get it right. Another aspect of this point is spelling. It is embarrassing for someone to be walking around with a tattoo that is misspelled. Perhaps a great example of this is plastered all over the internet, the one where the guy is taking a mirror selfie and his tattoo says, "Exreme" across his chest. Seriously? Who messed that one up? 
3. Make sure the image you want your tattoo to represent is not something that can be misunderstood. If you want to get a tattoo of something, make sure that the image of the object is the same as it appears in real life! For example, try to not get a tattoo of something like a hot dog because you like them because it can easily be seen as something else, you know what I mean. 
4. Be weary of getting a tattoo of someone's face. The reason you want to watch out for getting a tattoo of someone's face is because they do not always turn out well. Actually, they often turn out rather creepy and the face on your body can look like the person was insane and ready to launch a murderous rampage. 
5. Lastly, try to avoid getting a tattoo of something that is only a fad, especially a short-lived fad at that. For example, getting a tattoo of YOLO or an immature phrase is not something you will want on your body when you are trying to nail an interview for that $100k job. 

Just be aware of the power of tattoos and how they can appear on your body; just because something looks cool in one medium does not mean it will look good as a tattoo. Think about what you want for a while and see what it will look like as a drawing before you put it on your body. Getting a tattoo is a big deal and so there is no need to rush the decision. 

If you do get or have gotten poor tattoos, then you can at least get them removed and sometimes quickly, but you should still plan on being smart with a tattoo. 

How Do I Find a Good Tattoo Removal Studio?

So you're looking for a laser tattoo removal studio and are wondering, "Where do I start?" Well, this is often a daunting task and can strike fear into those who are already scared at the thought of getting tattoo removal to begin with. The stress of finding a good tattoo removal studio, especially a good laser tattoo removal studio, can be overwhelming because if you don't find a good studio, then you can be left with a nasty scar, a lot of pain, an incomplete tattoo removal process, and a big ol' hole in your wallet. What adds to this pressure of finding the perfect laser tattoo removal studio is the amount of money that you have to pay for the procedure, out of your own pocket; the majority of insurance companies do not opt to pay for the procedure since it is classified as elective surgery or cosmetic surgery. Well, here are a few tips to help you out with finding the right studio.

1) Do your research. If you do not do your online research then finding the right tattoo removal studio will not end well. Look online and do a search on a search engine of what is a good tattoo removal studio. See what people are saying. Are the links coming up viewed by lots of people? Are there lots of suggestions for that site? One thing to remember is that the top three links are paid advertisements and so they are only up that high on the page because that company big bucks to be there. The links after the top three are more genuine in terms of being liked by people using the internet. Try using reference tools such as the Yellow Pages online or Yelp, these are good since they can be more genuine in what they say since the references and recommendations are generated by users like yourself.

2) Shop around. Don't just settle for the closest tattoo removal studio because it happens to be down the block; look for the best price while having good results and people you can depend on. You do not have to sacrifice the best quality for the best price nor vice versa. You can have good quality and a good price so you should not act too quickly. Of course, you do not want to take years to decide where to get your tattoo removed. This is why you should do your research. Also, you can try calling the places that really pick your interest and see what they say.

3) Visit the studios. One thing you want in a quality tattoo removal studio is that actually keeps their studio clean. You do not want to go into a laser tattoo removal studio, or a place that does other forms of tattoo removal, that doesn't look like they care about sanitation. If the place shows dirt on things like the walls, floors, furniture in the lobby, then how do you think their rooms are where they do the procedure? Or the instruments themselves? If the place uses laser removal, then the tools are not directly touching your skin but it can still be a risky situation.

4) If you are looking for laser tattoo removal, then try looking for a place that uses the R20 procedure. This is a good procedure to want in a removal studio because it shortens the amount of time that you will have to put aside for the tattoo removal procedure. What I mean by this is that normally, getting a tattoo removed takes at anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on the size of the tattoo, etc; well with the R20 procedure, the amount of months required is much less than other forms of removal. The reason this is the case is due to the fact that the R20 procedure compounds four sessions into one. The only draw to this is that it's more expensive than other laser tattoo removal. Of course, if you think about how the other forms take longer but are cheaper, you come out paying about the same amount for whatever option you choose.

5) Ask to see evidence. When you have your choices of tattoo removal parlors narrowed down to a couple, check with them to see if they have evidence of their good claims. See that they can actually do the removal correctly and effectively. Videos or real session sit-ins are the best though. Ask for referrals too! If you know someone who has gotten the procedure done, especially if it is from the place you are considering, then ask them if they would recommend it.

Do your research, my friends! This is a big deal and so going in blind is not a good idea. There is no shame in asking questions and showing concern for yourself. This can be a great opportunity for your future. As a laser tattoo removal studio in Chicagoland, we can handle any questions you have, even if you do not wish to get your procedure done with us. We do use the R20 procedure and offer free consultations. Give us a call at 630-586-0000

Can I get Laser Tattoo Removal While Pregnant?

A lot of people have tattoos and they keep them for a long time. A lot of people have tattoos and then decide to get laser tattoo removal . More and more people are getting inked in today's society, even women; something that was almost exclusively associated with men has crossed the gender barrier and found a happy home with the lovely ladies. Of course, with all the factors in play here, this means that there are inked women who want to have children, but what if there is a woman with a tattoo who decides that she wants to get it removed? Well, as a laser tattoo removal studio in Chicagoland we here at Erase can help you with the answer to that question. No.
There are a couple reasons why getting laser tattoo removal is not a good idea while pregnant. Some people don't quite realize how basically anything you do while pregnant can potentially affect the baby.
The first reason that getting laser tattoo removal is not a good idea is because of the shared connection between mother and baby. In case you don't know, there is a connection between mother and fetus via umbilical cord; this connects the mother and baby so the baby can nutrients, blood flow, and other necessary parts of survival since the fetus cannot eat on its own yet and it is still developing in the womb. When you get laser tattoo removal, the laser is aimed at the ink located in the dermis layer of skin and the laser breaks up the ink pigment. Once the ink pigment is broken up and "dead", the body will remove the ink from the skin and move it to the bloodstream. Remember just a second ago how I mentioned that the mother and the fetus in the womb share everything? Well guess what will now enter the vulnerable, developing baby? That is right, the ink. While the ink is not toxic to a developed adult, it can be harmful to a developing fetus in the womb.
The second reason you do not want to get tattoo removal is because of the skin's reaction to pregnancy . While pregnant, the skin becomes vulnerable as well and consequently the skin becomes more sensitive to things like light, such as sunlight. Due to this knowledge, it would not be wise to get a LASER pointed at your vulnerable and sensitive skin. laser tattoo removal is already relatively painful and so it would be even more so with delicate skin.
If you are pregnant and considering laser tattoo removal then I advise you to wait until a month after giving birth. If you are already in the tattoo removal process then you may want to put the remaining treatment sessions on hold until after the birth. Do your research and talk to your doctors, my pregnant friends!

FAQ "Can Laser Tattoo Removal Work on Dark or Very Light Skin Tones?"

A frequently asked question about laser tattoo removal is "Can laser tattoo removal work on dark or very light skin tones?" And the answer is simply yes, it does; however, there are some added complications or precautions one must take when dealing with the tattoo removal with darker skin tones because it is often close in pigment color to the ink. The same precautions apply to very light skin and lighter ink colors.

The main issues with very light or dark skin tones during and after the laser tattoo removal is that the possibility of hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation are is higher than when performing the procedure on someone with a more "medium" skin tone. In case you do not know, pigment is what makes your skin the color it is. Hyperpigmentation is when the skin darkens; the pigment gets hyper and due to its hyper activity, it darkens. Hypopigmentation is when the skin gets lighter; the prefix "hypo" means "without." Due to the increased probability of hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, the doctor will have to proceed with caution. One way the doctor will help reduce the risk will be to have shorter sessions and then increase the amount of sessions, but the cost will all work out the same way. It is important to note that complete removal may not always be possible if the ink pigment and your skin pigment are too similar and the laser cannot tell which is which.

Another reality of much darker skin tones and laser tattoo removal is that they are more likely to have keloid scars form. Keloid scars are scars that do not remain within the injury boundary line. For example, if you scrape your knee and it heals but you get a scar, the scar will be the same size and shape as the original injury, nothing more. This is called a hypertrophic scar. A keloid scar ignores that initial injury boundary and goes where it wants. Keloid scars are punks with big egos while hypertrophic scars are the obedient, good child you like to brag about.

Hopefully this blog has helped you resolve some questions about laser tattoo removal , my friends!

Laser Technology: What Lasers Do They Use for Laser Tattoo Removal?

Laser technology has come a long way when it comes to laser tattoo removal . Thankfully, this means that patients of this procedure can rest assure that their safety is well taken care of while getting tattoo removal. With so many kinds of lasers being used in the practice, all are safe and good, it can be confusing. So, this blog will help clarify what kinds of lasers are used in tattoo removal .
The first laser is the Q-Switched Frequency Doubled Nd: Yag 532 nm. This laser is made for red and orange tattoo ink colors.
Another laser is the Q-Switched Ruby: 694 nm: This laser is made to break up green and dark ink pigments such as black, navy blue, brown, etc. and so it is made to be highly absorbed by dark pigments. This laser can provide problems for those with darker skin.
A third kind of laser is the Q-Switched Alexandrite: 755 nm: This laser is made for green and dark pigments as well, much like the Ruby laser, but it is much weaker than it. The plus side of this tattoo laser is more friendly to darker skin tones since it is weaker. This one is especially good on black pigments but is terrible on orange and red pigments.
A fourth kind of laser is the Q-switched Nd:YAG: 1064 nm: this laser is also pretty weak and thus works well on darker skin tones because of low absorption by melanin. tattoo removal studios like to use this laser on dark ink pigments but tend to use it sparingly.
While this may seem overwhelming, if you are considering laser tattoo removal you do not have to worry about this because the type of laser being used is decided by the tattoo removal studio. This was merely to help you know what happens during the procedure and be informed. If you are considering, do your research, my friends.

R20 Laser Tattoo Removal Technique

If you have been researching tattoo removal then you have certainly come across different kinds of laser tattoo removal ; one special kind of method is the R20 laser tattoo removal method. If you have not been researching laser tattoo removal, then you may not have heard about it. Regardless if you have heard about this method or not, this post will teach you information about the R20 method and why it is better than other laser tattoo removal methods.
Why the name R20? Well, the R stands for "rapid" and the 20 stands for 20 minutes; after each pass of the laser, a very tiny nitrogen bubble on the skin and it requires of 20 minutes of rest before the laser can go over that spot again.
A major benefit to tattoo removal is that it can give you a fresh start. If you are looking to get a better job or want to forget a past love and a regretted tattoo is what is standing in your way, then getting it removed will help you get to where you want to be. However, laser tattoo removal is a process that can take a while to complete; tattoos often require at least five removal sessions with six to eight weeks of recovery in between each session. So if you do the math, a small, black tattoo can take five sessions, at 6 weeks of recovery in between each session, that means having to go into sessions for at least 6 months.
The R20 method uses a significant less amount of time for removal because it is much more efficient and concentrated than traditional laser methods. For that same small, black tattoo that required 6 sessions, opting for the R20 laser tattoo removal method would only require 2 sessions, still with 6-8 weeks of recovery in between. The only catch of R20 is that is more costly. The tattoo mentioned would cost around $200 per session while it would cost $600 per session. However, the cost for the entire tattoo removal comes out about the same. 6 sessions, $200/session, $1200 total; 2 sessions, $600/session, $1200. This method is also the safest on the skin and produces the fewest side effects and complications, even though laser removal is already safe and dependent.
Whatever you choose to do about your tattoo make sure you do your research & know what you're getting into. Make sure you're willing to commit to the time required for the removal as well as the instructions for caring about the removal and your skin.

R20 Tattoo Removal technique

There are lots of kinds of tattoo removal and there are equally as many horror stories to accompany them; with older methods of tattoo removal, such as skin grafts, bleach, skin peels, etc, the concept of removing a tattoo has become something to fear and avoid. However, in recent years, tattoo removal has become something that should be something that we can trust as effective and not as much drama.

The R20 tattoo removal is a technique used in laser tattoo removal and it is regarded as one of the safest and the best. You may be asking yourself, "Why is it named 'R20'?" Well, it's simple, really. The "R" in R20 stands for "repeating" as in the fact that the laser repeats impulses on the ink in the tattoo; the 20 part of the name stands for 20 minutes. After each time the laser hits a spot on the skin, it produces a small nitrogen bubble on the skin layer, the nitrogen bubble looks like frost, and it takes 20 minutes for the laser to be able to punch through this frost, hence, 20 minutes.

The main benefit of this tattoo removal method is that it is a lot faster than current laser tattoo removal methods because it is more concentrated; with this method, a black tattoo can be reduced by at least 50 percent in fewer sessions than other laser methods. This is a big plus when you need to get a tattoo removed because you are looking for a new job, a new relationship, or you just regret getting a tattoo back in the day and want it gone ASAP. Other laser methods can take at least six months to remove a tattoo; a quarter-sized black tattoo often takes five sessions and requires six to eight weeks for recovery in-between sessions, and the five sessions is minimum, it could take more with previous methods.

With R20, you will still need about six weeks of recovery in between sessions but the amount of required sessions is drastically reduced, so instead of taking at least six months or even a year, you may only need a few months. The price of R20 procedure is a bit more per session than other methods, around $300 more but as stated earlier, your required sessions is drastically reduced. Your overall price comes to be about the same.

Choosing the Right Tattoo Artist

Getting a tattoo artist is always a process that can make some people feel nervous; you want to make sure that you are picking the right one but you don't always know what to look for or to trust what you see and think about the parlor. Being in the tattoo business, although at the other end of it, I still know how to pick the right tattoo artist and can help you do the same.

First things first, actually go to the tattoo parlor and take a look at things for yourself. Look and see if the place is neat and professional looking. If they keep things clean, as far as you can t ell, that's a good sign; if there's dirt on the floor or walls, then that might not be the place you want to expose your vulnerable skin.

The second thing is to ask the tattoo artist questions. Ask question such as: Is there an autoclave? Are your needles single use? Do the artists wear gloves? What sort of disinfectants do you use? How long have you been in business?

Don't be afraid to ask the questions because if the place is legit, then they won't mind since they should be doing these things anyway and won't have anything to hide.

The third thing to do is check to see if the artist follows the latest safety precautions.

The fourth thing to do is ask people who have gotten tattoos from the place and see how theirs look and ask if they would recommend the parlor.

Tattoo Removal: Laser tattoo removal vs. tattoo removal cream

Tattoo Removal: Laser tattoo removal vs. tattoo removal cream


Are you considering getting tattoo removal? Have you been researching and debating what kind of tattoo removal you should get? Well it has come to my attention that a lot of people believe that they can get a formerly beloved tattoo removed by using cream and avoiding the costly laser tattoo removal procedure.  Knowing the bases of both tattoo removal creams and laser removal, I know how they work and why you should actually opt for laser tattoo removal despite the cost.

A lot of tattoo removal creams say how they are able to break up the the ink in your skin and remove your tattoo. However, the problem is that they are not effective, at least not as effective as they claim to be. Many consumer reviews of tattoo removal creams, you will see that most of the reviews say that the cream does not work or at least not for many, many months. Removal creams often contain harsh chemicals such as bleach or other chemicals that are not good for your skin; in addition to being rough on your skin, most of the creams require you to peel your skin or sand it to see any results, they will not remove the tattoo if you do not do any work. If you choose this option, then definitely make sure to do your research and see what people are saying about the product and whether it works or not; if it works, does it contain harsh chemicals or  require you to destroy your skin?

Laser tattoo removal is much safer and effective, if you get someone who knows what they are doing. If you find a certified dermatologist who has good reviews, then the risk of complications with the removal will be minimal, if any. Do your research and see what people say; find someone who has gotten a tattoo removed for themselves and see what they say. While there is some pain involved with laser tattoo removal, it is not as bad as some make it out to be, of course, your pain tolerance level will ultimately determine that. Another thing about this option is the price; it is pricey but that is because of what has to be done, not because the dermatologists are thieves. Is this option affordable? Absolutely.

Find out for yourself what you want to do. Nearly 50 percent of Americans who get tattoos get them removed and millions of Americans have gotten tattoos so you are not alone in this process.

Bad, Dumb, & Awkward Tattoos

Lots of people get tattoos these days and there are a lot of them that look really, really cool; but sometimes there are people who just do not get it. Have you ever been walking down the street or been somewhere and seen someone with a tattoo and wondered, "What were they thinking?" Well, I have seen some of the worst tattoos you can imagine.

          The absolute worst tattoo I have ever seen was of a body-builder having intercourse with earth. Yes, a tattoo of a man having sexual intercourse with the earth. I do not know why this man thought this tattoo was a good idea. I can imagine his message with the tattoo is that the “has his way with the world” so to speak but there is a much, much better way to convey that message, even in tattoo form, than to get this particular tattoo. The only saving grace here is that the tattoo was on the back of the man so he could at least cover it with a shirt, forever. And if you are wondering if you can see the man's genitalia, yes, yes you can. There is detail. I hope this guy definitely gets some laser tattoo removal because that tattoo is just not going to fly when he takes his shirt off. 

      Another terrible tattoo I saw was of a woman who had "DRAKE" tattoo'd on her forehead. In big, block lettering. You can be a big fan of someone or have a relationship with someone but to post that on your forehead is not the best idea. If the woman plans on having a job that can actually take her somewhere, she will have to get some serious tattoo removal. 

       Have you ever seen a man with an ice cream cone tattoo'd on him? Well I did some tattoo removal work on a man who decided to get a big ice cream cone tattoo on his stomach/chest. While this tattoo is not necessarily graphic nor terribly stupid, it was a definite mistake. 

      Another terrible tattoo I have seen was on a man who decided to turn his head into a skull via tattoo. Yes, he actually had a tattoo so his face looked like a skull, not just a tattoo of a skull on his face.  Obviously, this tattoo can not be covered up with any clothing unless he wears a mask. What makes it worse is that the tattoo removal for this would be more painful since it is on the face and near sensitive areas such as eyes and lips (although he would wear protective goggles).

      Twilight, is this really something you want tattoo'd on your body? What about having the first dvd cover tattoo'd on your body? There was a woman who decided to get this done. The worst thing about it was that it was large enough to cover her back. 

      There are so many bad life decisions out there and the sad thing is, there will be more; however, you can help reduce the numbers by thinking ahead and planning your tattoo before you get one. Think about what it will be, where it will be, and how you will look with it. If you do not think about your tattoo very carefully, you can end up getting some laser tattoo removal.