Reflections on Beauty

Reflections Spa for Laser Tattoo Removal

Every year many Americans get tattoos to commemorate an event in their lives, show their love for someone or simply because they think it looks cool. According to Global Travel Industry News, tattoos are becoming more common, and an estimated 21 percent of Americans over the age of 18 have some sort of permanent ink on them, which is up from 14 percent in 2008.

While tattoos have become more common, many still view the body art in a negative light. For example, the news source stated that a poll by Harris Interactive found that at least two out of five people said that tattoos make individuals less attractive, while one-quarter said that people with tattoos are less intelligent, healthy or spiritual.

With this rise in tattoos comes something else – a rise in the number of people searching for laser tattoo removal.

Recently, The Huffington Post spoke to some individuals who have begun to regret the tattoos that they got years ago. While many individuals may believe that this regret is due to people thinking their ink is ugly or it reminds them of an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend, in reality, the economic recession has people re-thinking their tattoo.

"The recession and its accompanying workforce shrinkage may have caused some to rethink their tattoos. The prevailing thinking is: Why give a hiring boss any reason to reject you? No one wants to blow a job interview because of a snake crawling down their arm," according to the news source.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, an estimated 17 percent of people with a tattoo have considered getting it removed. Luckily for these individuals, there are many options for laser tattoo removal, though some tattoos respond better than others.

"Tattoos can be removed, although results may vary depending on the inks used and the depth of the tattoo. Dark blue, red, some lighter blues and green inks all respond well to laser treatment, but the best candidates for tattoo removal are people with light skin who have a black ink tattoo," according to the organization.

The Academy added that lasers may remove tattoos with the least amount of scarring. This is important, because while some individuals may want to remove their ink, they don't want to replace it with a scar. 

Reflections for laser tattoo removal.

The announcement that model Heidi Klum's and singer Seal's marriage was on the rocks sparked audible gasps, as many viewed the famous couple as rock-solid. Now that the 38-year-old Klum has confirmed that a divorce is imminent, Yahoo! wonders whether she'll consider getting Seal's name removed from her arm.

It's true that the ink, located on her right forearm, is done in such creative script that one can barely make out the word. Still, the Project Runway host may be thinking about laser tattoo removal in the relatively near future. That is, if she follows the trend of other heartbroken celebs, such as Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry.

Perhaps less a surprising breakup was the one between tattoo artist Kat Von D and Jesse James, who famously cheated on Sandra Bullock. Even less shocking is that Von D got an inky memento of her former beau, in the form of a portrait of James as a child, located on her ribcage, Yahoo! reported.

An article in the Chicago Tribune recently explored the many reasons behind tattoo removal, which appear to be as varied as the techniques to erase old body art.

Typical catalysts for getting laser tattoo removal include zapping the memories of an old love, forgetting about a rebellious youth or a loss of affection for an old icon, whether it be the Taz, the tasmanian devil, or Marilyn Monroe.

In one case that the Tribune reported on, a young woman seeking a job as a nanny was being gifted laser tattoo removal by her parents, who believed that the peace sign on her wrist may hold her back from getting hired.

"I usually cover it up with a Band-Aid," said Mollie Linn, quoted by the news source.

Deciding to get a tattoo removed may not be as difficult as choosing what procedure to have it erased with, according to the Tribune. There are a number of methods of laser tattoo removal, and which one is most appropriate may depend on the size, color and age of the body art.

As a result, it's a good idea to have a thorough consultation with a specialist to determine what laser tattoo removal technique will work best for you. Additionally, be sure to seek out an experienced, accredited professional. 

Reflections for laser tattoo removal.

Some tattoos require multiple sessions to completely erase them, while others are zapped in minimal time. As a result, it's a good idea to get laser tattoo removal during the winter months, especially if you like to show some skin once the sun comes out and temperatures rise.

After all, springtime represents new beginnings, and what better way to do so than by getting rid of body art that may remind you of something – or someone – that is no longer a part of your life?

This appears to be the mindset of some celebrities who have been cited in the news lately as saying that they're in the process of having ink removed.

First, Mark Wahlberg told David Letterman that he's getting some regretful tattoos erased – namely, a homemade "twisted" shamrock that has been covered with an image of Looney Tunes' Sylvester the cat enjoying a Tweety Bird snack.

"The first tattoo I got, I was 12," Wahlberg told Letterman. "We did it with Indian ink and sewing needles, and it was bad."

The Departed star told the Late Show host that he's already attended about 30 sessions to get about seven images removed, and he's slated to get about five to seven more.

Actress Eva Longoria is reportedly having the remnants of her marriage to basketball star Tony Parker wiped out, according to TMZ. She has the word "nine" inked on the back of her neck, representing her now ex-husband's number on the San Antonio Spurs.

British news sources report that singer Cheryl Cole is going about her divorce in a similar manner, having the scrips "Mrs. C" removed from the back of her neck.

"There's no chance of her getting back with [ex-husband] Ashley [Cole] and she no longer wants the reminder of his cheating ways on her skin," a source told the Daily Star.

Whether a laser tattoo removal patient is looking to forget about a rebellious youth or get over an ex, they should be sure to do their research first.

Individuals should have at least one consultation with a healthcare provider before making an appointment. Additionally, they should ask how often the physician performs laser tattoo removal, what kind of tools and equipment are used, post-treatment care, healing time and the number of sessions required to erase or fade a tattoo. 

Reflections for laser tattoo removal.

Twilight actress Nikki Reed recently got married and marked the occasion with a laser tattoo removal. She had the name of a former lover removed from her wrist, according to media reports. 

The starlet said that the old beau's name needed to go now that she is married to singer-songwriter Paul McDonald.

"That was called a period of time in my life that we’re now removing," Reed said, quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle. "It’s somebody’s name. It’s a ballet dancer’s name that I met while I was living in Russia."

Reed isn't the first celebrity to get a partner's name inked on them only to have it removed or altered after the demise of the relationship.

Earlier this spring, the blog Bossip reported that Marc Anthony had his "Jennifer" wrist tattoo covered up with an intricate design after the dissolution of his marriage to the pop singer.

Angelina Jolie made the mistake of having her partner's names tattooed on her several times over, and has since gone through a number of laser tattoo removal procedures and alterations.

First, the actress got a tattoo of an "H" on her wrist in honor of then-boyfriend Timothy Hutton. After their split, she re-dedicated the design to her brother, James Haven. During Jolie's three-year marriage to actor Johnny Miller, the pair got matching Japanese character tattoos, which she has since had covered up with a quote.

Perhaps most famously, Jolie had two designs to commemorate her union with Billy Bob Thornton: one on her upper arm above a dragon and another that was rumored to be in a much more private area. Jolie told the media that she would have "a lot of dermatology appointments" after the couple's divorce.

Let's hope that her relationship with Brad Pitt is a lasting one, since she told media outlets last year that she got a tattoo "for Brad" on her inner thigh.

Charlie Sheen had his inked tribute to Denise Richards removed from his wrist after the couple's 2006 divorce. Then, in 2008, Richards had her "Charlie" ankle tattoo turned into a fairy.

In a creative move, Johnny Depp famously had his "Winona Forever" tattoo turned into "Wino Forever" after the actor split with Winona Ryder in the early 1990s.
 

Tattoos are considered a form of art. Millions of Americans express themselves through inked skin, which is a way of showing the world who they are, what they love and who they're with at the moment. Back in the day, most people may have associated body artwork with men, particularly those of the bald and muscular persuasion. However, tattoos have graced the skin of many a Hollywood celebrity or politician, male and female alike.

There is no shortage of famous actors and actresses with skin art. Stars are often as famous for their short-lived relationships as they are for their movies, which is why getting a tattoo that's representative of their current flame doesn't always work out.

Take Johnny Depp, for example, who once had the words "Winona Forever" emblazoned across his bicep in honor of Winona Ryder. MSNBC reports that when they broke up, he opted for laser tattoo removal to change the art to "Wino Forever." Meanwhile, Pamela Anderson, who once had the name of her ex-hubby tattooed around her ring finger, also changed hers – switching from "Tommy" to "Mommy."

There are many other reasons why tattoo removal is so popular. Some people opt to go under the laser in order to strengthen their candidacy for a job.

"I got called for an interview [for an Army position] last May. But three days before, they had imposed a ban on visible tattoos," Liam Midgley told The Sun. "I was mortified to be told I could go no further."

In the past, those who wanted their artwork removed had to endure painful procedures like cryosurgery or excision. Fortunately, laser tattoo removal is a safe, minimally invasive option for people today who want effective results without having to undergo a traumatic experience. Patients will generally require several treatments – depending on the size and location of the tattoo – which involve the administration of intense light into the skin.

The technique uses a topical or injectable anesthesia, making the process more comfortable. Results generally start to appear two weeks after the first session and will continue for up to six weeks.

No matter what the reason is for getting rid of skin art, laser tattoo removal can be a good way to start over with a clean slate. 

At some point in your life, you may have thought tattoos were cool. After all, ink is commonly seen on the toned arms of Hollywood stars and the rippling biceps of bikers. Why shouldn't you decorate your skin with the name of your current love or the always classic "Mom" surrounded by a heart, even if you are just a regular human being?

The problem is that tattoos tend to fade with time in more ways than one. Not only can the coloring start to look lackluster years later, but your zeal for the artwork might also wane. Then there is the possibility that the artist messed up, leaving you with sloppy work or an embarrassing misspelling.

Additionally, going through a major life change could cause some individuals to lose enthusiasm for their ink. Showing off major tattoos may not seem ideal to many brides on their wedding day or job hunters hoping to look professional.

This was an issue faced by 30-year-old Sarah Parasiliti, a resident of Ortonville, Michigan, according to the Detroit Free Press. Back in 2004, she and her two older sisters decided to get matching bird tattoos to celebrate their strong bond. Seven years later, however, Parasiliti isn't as excited about the artwork.

"I just grew out of it," she told the news source, adding that she is planning to start nursing school in the fall and does not want to be judged negatively.

Recently, she began undergoing laser tattoo removal at a local medical spa to erase the ink from her arm. Her specialist managed to completely remove the artwork after a series of treatments.

The procedure is becoming increasingly common at cosmetic facilities across the U.S. as more and more people look to start over with a clean slate.

"We've never had more patient demand for this procedure," said physician Jeffrey Orringer, who is based in Ann Arbor, quoted by the news source.

As many as 40 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 40 have at least one tattoo. Millions have sought laser tattoo removal, as the minimally invasive technique is fast, effective and less traumatic to the skin compared to previous methods. Patients undergo a number of treatments depending on the size of the tattoo, its location and how long it has been in place.

Choosing the right physician and medical spa can help guarantee that the laser tattoo removal process is safe and produces high-quality results. 

Like most young and beautiful actresses, Megan Fox is often the subject of much scrutiny. Recently, eagle-eyed fans noticed that the tattoo of Marilyn Monroe on Fox's right forearm is significantly fainter, according to the Orange County Register.

The Transformers star, who idolizes the legendary screen siren, told US Magazine in 2009 that she got the tattoo to remind herself to stay strong and not to get broken down by the film industry.

Many are speculating that the faded ink may be due to Fox undergoing laser tattoo removal, a procedure that has become widely popular in recent years.

"The majority of people who get a tattoo put on are eventually going to want it [taken] off," said dermatologist Lydia Parker, quoted by The Plain Dealer, a Cleveland, Ohio, publication.

During the process of laser tattoo removal, short pulses are delivered into the skin to break down the pigment. The technique is a safe and effective alternative to the procedures of old, such as dermabrasion or cryosurgery, which were painful for many patients and resulted in significant scarring.

Thanks to advancements in technology, anyone – from Hollywood celebs to ordinary people – can get rid of tattoos that they've been having second thoughts about. 

Sometimes, the tattoo that you thought was a good idea in college may not seem so hot in retrospect. Maybe it's faded with time or is simply not relevant anymore, and if you're thinking about laser tattoo removal, you are certainly not alone.

Hollywood stars are famous for whirlwind romances, many of which are symbolized by a romantic tattoo that becomes an embarassment after the inevitable breakup.

Go to Glamour.com for photos of some of the best and worst celebrity tattoos, including Gisele Bundchen's adorable star and Denise Richards' ankle fairy, which was repurposed from the word "Charlie" after her split from ex-husband Charlie Sheen.