Friday, June 26, 2015

4 Healthy Habits to Increase the Success of Tattoo Removal

So you're about to get started with tattoo removal. Great! Have you thought about the health habits you have and how they might impact your chances of tattoo removal success? There are some healthy habits you should consider before you jump into laser tattoo removal. These healthy habits are things you can do before, during, and after the treatments and make an impact on how well it all turns out.

  1. Sleep at least 8 hours a night
    1. Our immune systems depend on our sleep to fight off infections. We need to get adequate sleep each night so our immune systems are able to build and fix our health. 
  2. Eat a well-balanced diet
    1. Another way to help the immune system is to have a healthy diet. The vitamins, minerals, and other healthy aspects of a good diet improve our immune system and help our bodies overall. Our skin needs a lot of help, especially with something as delicate as tattoo removal. 
  3. Take vitamins
    1. Complete vitamins are great if you do not know which specific vitamins to take. 
  4. Be committed to the treatments
    1. Being committed to the treatments is a big step in being successful. Having a positive mentality and being consistent with the treatments goes a long way. In a study from The Archives of Dermatology, researchers found that tattoo removal was harder if the treatments were not at 6-8 week intervals. This means that 8-12 treatments can take a long time and cause some patients to give up. 
And a bonus healthy habit: Stop smoking. According to the study mentioned before, smoking can make tattoo removal less successful by 70 percent! The smoking makes skin weaker, which it needs to be at top strength  if it is going to take a physical strain like tattoo removal, no matter what method you choose. 

You never knew how good you could feel about your skin, until you called Erase Tattoo Removal

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Can I Go Out In The Sun While Getting Laser Tattoo Removal?

In the summertime, when the weather is hot! You can stretch right up and touch the sky! -- Well, you can't if you have a tattoo that you don't want to show off. The solution: tattoo removal.

But can you go outside and enjoy the lovely sun when you are getting laser tattoo removal, or even other methods of tattoo removal?

Let's find out.

How does the sun affect laser tattoo removal? 
The exposure of the UV rays from the sun will increase the production of vitamin D and melanin in your skin. Vitamin D does many things for the body, such as regulate the immune system, which is important for proper healing during tattoo removal. However, the increased production of melanin in our skin from sun exposure turns the skin either red or tan. This makes the skin more vulnerable and harder to effectively remove the tattoo.

Can I get effective laser tattoo removal after a vacation in the sun? 
Likely not, we're afraid. Sorry, friend. Ideally, your skin should be its normal color and your skin out of the sun for six weeks. If your skin is tan, or burned, it can be hard to remove the tattoo because of a lower pain tolerance due to the skin's increased vulnerability, skin tone is off, and it can take more sessions to remove the tattoo.

Will laser tattoo removal be effective on tanned skin? 
Somewhat, but definitely not as effective. Why? When your skin is tanned, that is a result of more melanin in your skin; when this happens, it is harder for the laser to break the pigment up. Breaking the pigment up means taking more sessions to get the ink to redistribute through your bloodstream.

Can I go in the sun after treatment?
No, we advocate that you wait around four weeks before exposing the skin to the sun. The recovery time after the treatment is crucial to it being effective; also, if the recovery is not completed correctly, it can lead to scarring and other marks. It'd be best to avoid the sun completely for those four weeks but if you need to go outside, then at least cover that spot up.

What will happen if my removal area is exposed to the sun. 
If you expose your skin to the sun after removal, you can get burned, which would be very painful. In addition to that, you can get blisters and broken skin. If you are still going through treatments, it can hinder the effectiveness and the time frame (number of sessions) could be extended.

Are you considering laser tattoo removal and are in Chicagoland? Then call or email Erase Tattoo Removal about getting your tattoo removed in a fast, safe, and effective way! 


GIF source: http://krisztianek.tumblr.com

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Laser Tattoo Removal: The 101 on R20 Procedure

Erase Tattoo Removal Studio



In the tattoo removal world, specifically in the laser tattoo removal sector of the tattoo removal world, there is a procedure called R20 Tattoo Removal, or R20 Procedure. This form of laser tattoo removal has reshaped the format of the laser tattoo removal industry because the format is so much different than what we had seen previously. Now, you’re probably asking, “What is it?” And we will get to that right now.


What is the R20 procedure of laser tattoo removal? R20 utilizes the ability to pass the laser four times in one treatment session. Traditional laser tattoo removal states that practitioners only do one pass of the laser per treatment session. So, as you can see, there is more done during just one treatment session with R20 than a traditional method of removal. This tattoo removal procedure expedites the tattoo removal process and thus gets people into their new stage of life quicker.

After the pass of the laser on the skin, tiny, white bubbles (their nitrogen bubbles) will appear on the skin; it looks like frost and the bubbles are so tiny, it is not like you will have a freak arm or anything. After these tiny, frost-like bubbles appear on the skin, the doctor has to wait twenty minutes to go over the skin again with the laser. So, four passes of the laser with a twenty-minute break in between each pass.

While R20 procedure is amazing for the amount of time it saves you for getting your tattoo removed, it does cost a bit more money than traditional laser tattoo removal. Traditional laser tattoo removal procedures cost between $300-$500 per visit, typically; for the R20, it can be between $600-$1200 per visit.  The reason for this increase is that the procedure is much faster and effective. Your chances of success are even higher with this, despite the already high success rate for traditional laser tattoo removal.

You may think that the price of the R20 does not justify the quickness of the procedure. Well, if this is the case, think about it this way: you need to get laser tattoo removal for the sake of finding a job or finding a better one. A lot of employers do not like the look of tattoos even in today’s day and age. Consequently, they will not hire a candidate for a position if they have visible tattoos, even when wearing work appropriate clothing. As far as finding a better job, many employers will not promote someone due to a visible tattoo; while they might hire someone with visible tattoos for a position that hides them from customers or clients, such as working on the loading docks, they probably will not promote them to a position where they will be in front of people.


Bottom line, there are a lot of benefits to the R20 procedure that justify the higher cost. The ultimate choice is yours: do you want quicker removal for higher cost or a long removal for cheaper?

Have a question or need to consultation for your tattoo removal ? Contact ERASE Tattoo Removal Studio and fill out our online form or get in touch by calling our Oak Brook, IL studio  (630)-586-0000

Thursday, April 23, 2015

New Army Tattoo

Erase Tattoo Removal Blog 


The army has recently updated their tattoo policy after under harsh criticism this year. The revised changes have been published this month and are effective immediately. All army personnel are expected to comply, along with new recruits who are hoping to enlist.


So what are these changes and what is and isn’t allowed.  Firstly, face and neck tattoos are still not allowed in the Army.Any tattoos that are visible above a t-shirt neck line are not permitted and could mean a person will be denied by the army, or will not receive promotions. 

Vulgar and offensive tattoos are also not allowed. While the policy has changed, the meaning behind tattoos must not be offensive to anyone, especially if the tattoo is visible when soldiers visit other countries.

The changes that are going to make the biggest impact include those that prior to this month limited the size, placement and number of tattoos a soldier could have. With the new rules, soldiers are allowed to have as many or as little amount of tattoos as they want, and are not limited by size.

If someone is looking to enlist and has a tattoo that is not allowed under these restrictions, the best choice is to have the tattoo removed with professional lasers. Contact your local tattoo removal studio to learn more about cost and treatment plan joining the army is not a part time job, it is a career. 

Tattoo removal is an investment for those looking to start a new career in the armed services and laser tattoo removal can help make sure you are able to start your new career.

If you are in the Chicago land area and looking to get a face or neck tattoo removed get in touch with Erase Tattoo Removal studio in Oak Brook, IL. We can help get you ready for the army by erasing that tattoo that will keep you from enlisting. 

Have a question or comment? Find us on Facebook or connect with us on Twitter

For those looking for exact policy changes and revisions they can be found under AR 670-1 & DA PAM 670.  

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

How To Pick A Tattoo Removal Studio

Erase Tattoo Removal Studio in Oak Brook, IL

Not all tattoo removal studios are the same, in fact, they are often very different from each other. Each state not only has different requirements for tattoo removal, but there are many different lasers and ways to use them. Before you make the investment to remove your tattoo, you may want to read our tips to help make sure you are picking the right studio to get the job done. 


First things first, make sure that you get a tattoo removal consultation before committing to a specific tattoo removal studio. Many places will offer a free online consults and give you the information you need to start comparing prices, but we still encourage readers to visit actual studios before making a commitment. 

Start off by researching your local tattoo removal options. Then check their past patient reviews as well as descriptions of the specific laser or lasers that they use. This will give you insight into past clients experiences as well as manufacturer information on the laser. Each laser is designed differently. Depending on what type of tattoo you are trying to remove, one may be a better fit for you. You can look up each laser manufacturer and learn more about the kind of tattoos the laser works best for. Some laser tattoo removal studios will have multiple lasers and each one as part of a treatment plan. This is all important information for you to find out pre-tattoo removal. 

Once you have a few tattoo removal centers picked out, you can then set up in person consultations & learn more about them in person.  During your consolations, the laser tattoo removal studio should provide you with a treatment plan and be able to answer all of your questions. This is a great time to go over the information you are given, and ask them about their studio, doctors and lasers. 

One of the keys to successfully removing your tattoo is yourself. During the consolation, and as part of your treatment plan, there should be post and pre-tattoo removal instructions for you. Not only is it important to take care of your skin during the tattoo removal process, but you must maintain a healthy immune system throughout the entire treatment process. The laser works to break up the ink under your skin, but your body does the majority of the actual removal. Having a good pre-treatment plan and boosting your immune system, while following your post treatment care instructions will not only make the process easier for your body, but give the best result possible. 

At ERASE TATTOO REMOVAL we always make sure to share this information with each client and we also update this blog with pre and post tattoo removal care instructions. These simple tips can help make your tattoo disappear and limit scaring, irritation and infection. 

We recommend choosing a laser tattoo removal studio or center where there is at least one doctor on staff. Preferably, you would want a doctor to handle the laser when removing your tattoo. If that is not an option and other staff members will be doing the laser work it is good to find out what kind of training they have had, and also how much experience they have handling these lasers. Each state has different requirements, and some states do not require certification or training for laser tattoo removal studios. That is why it is important to learn this information during a consultation. While laser tattoo removal is safe, there is still a lot that goes into properly removing your tattoo.  Some patients have experienced scarring and the more experience the technician has, the more likely they are able to safely and effectively remove your tattoo. 

Are near Chicago and looking for a studio to help remove an unwanted tattoo? Get in touch with ERASE today. Get started by visiting our website and sending us a picture and description of your tattoo. 
You can also call us or email us with your questions or concerns or find us on Facebook or Twitter

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

What Causes Age Spots?

Erase Tattoo  & Age Spot Removal in Oak Brook, IL 



Age spots, we see them all the time. Now, we tend to think of age spots to be something that only happen to elderly people but the reality is that age spots can happen on anyone who spends lots of time in the sun. Yes, they do tend to happen to elderly more but that is because they have had more time to be in the sun and their skin is more prone to developing them.

So what causes age spots?

Age spots are caused by having a large amount of time spent in the sun and thus, exposing your skin to ultraviolet rays from the sun (UV rays). Now, these age spots can happen from other causes as well but the sun exposure is a big part of the development. In addition to exposure to UV rays from the sun, you can also develop age spots from the use of tanning lamps (especially the commercial ones) and tanning beds (this is perhaps the second biggest cause of age spots because of how popular tanning beds are for people). These three sources all are big contributors to the development of agespots.

See, the color in your skin is dictated by the top layer of skin (also known as the epidermis layer of skin) due to the melanin components in the skin. When your skin is exposed to the UV rays that are emitted by the sun or tanning beds or tanning lamps, the production of the melanin is increased much more rapidly than when not exposed. Why does this happen? It is the body’s natural defense to protect the skins deeper layers, such as the dermis layer (the layer right below the epidermis layer).

For layers of skin that have had years and years of exposure (prolonged, unprotected exposure), age spots become a presence on the skin. The melanin in the skin is produced in a higher concentration in certain areas of the skin, like clusters or bunches. Even if you are good about managing the exposure of UV rays to your skin in your life, you can still develop age spots when you get older due to a natural increase in production of melanin.

Another cause of melanin in the skin can be something simple like your genetic makeup. Depending on your DNA, your melanin production can be higher, and increase as you age, because your DNA says it should.

If you are considering getting rid of your age spots, then contactErase Tattoo Removal. As a Chicago tattoo removal studio, we have experience removing age spots/sun spots in addition to removing tattoos.


Connect with ERASE on Facebook or give us a call 630-586-0000
Email questions & comments to Erase Tattoo Removal Studio: erase@erasetattooremoval.com