An article titled, “Motivation for Contemporary Tattoo Removal; A Shift in Identity” was released in the  July, 2008 issue of the Archives of Dermatology.  The study surveyed 196 tattooed patients presenting for laser tattoo removal from 2005-2006.  Comparison was made to a similar survey in 1996.

The study made several interesting observations.  It noted that the study subjects had more tattoos than in the 1996 survey (2.8 vs. 2.0) and were older when they presented for tattoo removal.  The mean waiting time for removal also shortened from 14 to 10 years.

In the first study, men outnumbered women, but it was the other way around in 2006.  Women reported more feelings of social stigma and negative comments associated with the tattoo as well as much higher reports of “hiding the tattoo” as a reason for removal.  Women in the study were also pierced more often than men (70% vs. 33%).

The survey appears to reflect general observations that can be made about changes in our society.  It seems that increased risk-taking behavior, such as tattooing, especially when it conflicts with societal expectations of one’s gender is more harshly punished in women than in men.  This may be reflected by the greater number of women getting tattoos and likewise greater number changing their minds later and wanting them removed.

Freedom-2 is the tattoo ink that had recently been developed to be instantly removable with a laser.  The ink is contained in microspheres that are permanent unless disrupted with a q-switched laser.  Once the ink is released from the microspheres with a single tattoo removal session, it dissolves away completely.

So far, there have been press releases that anticipated the launch of this product in 2008.  A recent visit to their website shows that there is a manufacturer of the ink, infinitink.  There is no date listed for availability of the product, but it appears that they are very close to taking orders from tattoo shops.

Naturally, some tattoo artists will be resistant to using the ink.  An artist may not want his or her art to be possibly temporary.  However, the marketplace will decide in the end.  If some clients insist on instantly removable ink, then they will probably find someone who is willing to accommodate them.

TMD Medi-Spa is pleased to now offer the incredible Diamondskin oxygen facial.  This unique one-hour microdermabrasion facial uses a mist infused with 87 vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and oxygen, to moisturize and revitalize every cell of the facial skin.  Because oxygen is introduced to the skin at the cellular level, it bonds to red blood cells, providing additional strength to the collagen and elastin fibers, which in turn will help to improve the elasticity of the skin.  Come check out this and the many other esthetic services at TMD Medi-Spa!

On June 19, TMD Medi-Spa had its first official Botox party.  Botox was discounted to only $9/unit!  Lots of people came for treatments and to find out more about what TMD offers.  Jeannine, our physician assistant won praise from patients for her technique and gentle touch.  Here are some of the testimonials:

I just had to tell you again how very pleased I am with the Radiesse injections I had yesterday.  I inspected your work again as soon as I got in my car and later in the evening when I got home and I can’t believe what a flawless job you did.  I usually leave the office looking swollen and blotchy but I was good to go the moment I left your office.  You are simply THE BEST!!!!!!!  Thank you so much for taking the time to do the job right.  I’ll see you again in a year or so when I need a touch up. - N. H.

Just wanted to let you know that I saw Jeannine for botox this afternoon.  While I was extremely nervous, she put me at ease and explained everything really well.  She was great!  I am very excited to have been introduced to your clinic.
I actually asked Jeannine about a couple other things and didn’t realize that today there were specials for Juvederm as well.  I am thinking I would love to try that too at some point in the future.  Just wondering if you guys have these “parties” periodically.?.? Hope to meet you next time.  I will definitely be recommending your clinic and Jeannine.  Thanks!!!  - M. B.

There are many reasons why people choose to get tattoos removed. As the medical director of Tattoo MD, I can attest that there is no single category that people can be easily lumped into. However, there are some patterns that emerge that are interesting to comment on. One is the differences I have observed between men and women getting their tattoos removed. The following is based on our experience at Tattoo MD Laser Clinic in Los Angeles.
There are some characteristics that are much more common in men who are getting tattoos removed. Men appear to be more likely than women to have just part of a tattoo removed rather than the whole thing. For men, it seems to often be due to a change in the technical appreciation of the tattoo. For instance, they may want some letters or a component of a drawing removed. It seems that men are more likely to be become dissatisfied with the particular appearance of the tattoo rather than the entire tattoo itself. This is not universal. A man, just as a woman may want to completely remove a symbolic tattoo, such as one that is gang-affiliated, once they no longer identify with that lifestyle.

Another characteristic that appears to be more common in men is teenage self-administered tattoos. These are the homemade tats done with pen ink, india ink, homemade charcoal or other locally available materials. The needle used may be a sewing needle, guitar string, or other sharp object. The tattoo typically has no artistic quality and is frequently removed later, often at the demand of parents. Interestingly, women who get an homemade tattoo often get one from another man, particularly a boyfriend. They may get the guy’s name tattooed on their chest as a mark of belonging to him. This is common among gang members.
Both men and women get names tattooed, but it seems that women get them removed more often than men. Perhaps there is a greater tendency among women to be labeled as belonging to a mate. This might also play into the “all or nothing” tendency that I believe functions more strongly in women than men. Thus men are more likely to tolerate a name on their body that no longer holds significance for them, while women want to be completely rid of it.

There are of course the expected differences. Women more often get tattoos of flowers, butterflies, cute animals. They more often get ankle and lower back tattoos. Unsurprisingly, these tattoos present for removal more often in women. Likewise, men often get upper arm or neck tattoos and more often get these tattoos removed.

These observed differences are not absolute. They do reflect underlying societal values, differences in the way that men and women think, and the interrelationships between men and women. These forces express themselves in tattooing and in choices made to remove a tattoo.

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