How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work: What Can You Expect From the Process?

Laser Tattoo Removal

If you are considering the possibility laser tattoo removal, you're not alone. Statistics indicate that more than 50% of all individuals who have some type of body art decide that th

Unfortunately, most people experience some pain when having this procedure done. Doctors typically recommend taking a product such as Tylenol, which will help with minor discomfort, right before your appointment.

Another pre-treatment option is prescription anesthetic cream that is applied approximately two hours before surgery and wiped off right before the procedure begins.

Lasers work quite well to get rid of body art. Short pulses of light go through the top layers of skin and are absorbed by any pigment they come in contact with. The pigment then breaks up into very small particles, which are eradicated by way of the immune system.

Protective eyewear is required while you're receiving laser treatment. When more than one session is necessary, you should notice the ink getting lighter with each visit. Of course, everyone has a different threshold when it comes to pain. But most people will tell you that each laser pulse feels similar to a large rubber band being snapped on your skin.

It's possible that you might experience a bit of surface bleeding that sometimes occurs during tattoo removal. This doesn't last long and is nothing to be overly concerned with.

Once the process is complete and your body art is gone, that area might feel sunburned for a few days. Antibacterial ointment will help to relieve discomfort and eliminate the possibility of any infection.

Some type of gauze bandage is usually recommended for a few days, just to keep the area protected. It should be changed on a regular basis. It is also possible that a scab will form. If it does, it should be allowed to heal naturally.

Some people are initially concerned that the laser pulses will also damage non-pigmented skin cells. However, that is not the case. The only thing that is affected is the ink itself.

It should be noted that some cosmetic surgeons will tell you that it's impossible to totally eradicate ink from your skin. Successful tattoo removal depends on several things. New ink art is harder to get rid of that older art. It also depends on the size and location of the picture or pictures and the experience level of the artist who performed the work.

Black ink is easiest to disintegrate, because it absorbs all wavelengths of a laser. Other colors such as green are more difficult, since they can only be erased with certain lasers for tattoo removal. You just have to remember that this ink is meant to be permanent. So, it typically takes time to remove.

ey no longer want it, at some point in their lives.

Global Demand for Maori Tattoo

Maori Tattoo

The internet has given people direct access to images and information they could not find anywhere else, particularly Maori tattoo designs. The endless assortment of styles, such as mixed Polynesian with Samoan and Hawaiian is just the tip of the ice burg.

Tattoo Artists have been quick to take advantage of the opportunity to use these designs on the internet to promote their business through the creation of Maori inspired tattoos.

But as time has progressed there has been an evolution in Maori design as people are looking deeply into the meanings and discover many of the Maori inspired designs seen on the internet have limitations where meaning is concerned.

As more information about Maori tattoo and Ta moko is made available it is having an impact on what people are wanting to include in their design regarding family, love, protection, strength and power to name a few. Many people are coming to the realization that Maori tattoo is not just a decoration with a few abstract lines and circles, but a way of being. It is used to identify a person's status, to identify who they are, to enhance their life or to tell their story.

Ten years ago the key words, Maori arts, Maori design and Maori tattoo hardly featured on Google. As people become aware of this art form websites are now featuring in flash art and articles.

What is a Maori inspired design?

Firstly, I do not have a problem when it comes to non Maori respectfully wearing a Maori tattoo. We all borrow from other cultures and is what enriches our own.

A Maori inspired design looks like a Maori design but genuinely has no specific meaning. If it does it is very generic. Usually created by someone who does not necessarily have in any depth knowledge in Maori arts. I get many people sending pictures of their tattoo wanting to know what the meaning of it is, and I encourage them to go back to the source, their artist. Often, "there is no meaning ' it's a Maori inspired design.

What defines a genuine Maori tattoo or design?

Some say that only Maori people can get a Maori design because it is based on their tribal affiliations, and their culture? As a designer, I do not have designs for Maori and designs for non Maori. I use the exact same process resulting in a fully customized design tailored to meet your needs based on the information that you have provided me with, it may be about your culture, your life story, your family and important aspects in your life. As a Maori artist I specialize in using Maori symbols, elements and motifs. Each design is different and unique because no person is the same.

Historical Time Line of Tattoos and Introduction to America

American Tattoo

Tattoos have been around since the ice ages and have grown more popular and accepting every generation since. Since the first Tattoo Parlor opened in New York in the 1850's the number of people getting tattoos has continually increased. Martin Hildebrant, a German immigrant, opened the 1st Tattoo shop and began tattooing soldiers during the Civil War. The majority of these tattoos represented some form of patriotism, show of love, or memory of a lost one to the war. Martin's daughter Nora was one of the first American women to be covered in tattoos. Nora toured with the Barnum and Bailey Circus and became know as the first tattooed lady of America. Nora told a story that she received a lot of her tattoos from her father while being held captive by the legendary Sitting Bull.

Over the next century tattoos in general were not accepted by main stream America. Most of those sporting tattoos were military personnel, criminals, and the rebellious. Women were very rarely seen covered in tattoos. Fast forward to today, you will actually find that in America there are more women getting tattoos than men. Tattoos have become so socially acceptable that the Mattel toy company introduced the tattooed Barbie doll in 2011, which was widely accepted. Today there are over 45 million Americans that have at least one tattoo, that's approximately one out of five people. In the 1850's Americans spent a few thousand dollars a year on tattoos, today over $1.5 Billion dollars a year is spent. According to the Harris Poll conducted in 2012, tattoos made a person feel sexier and stronger the most. 49% surveyed said the choice of Tattoo artist and Tattoo shop were the biggest factors when deciding on a tattoo. 43% said the personal meaning behind the tattoo was the biggest factor for getting a tattoo. Today you can find High Ranking Politicians, Judges, Lawyers, Doctors, Nurses, and Teachers showing of their tattoos. America has come a long way since that 1st Tattoo Shop opened in New York City. Here is a time Line on the History of Tattoos.

3300 B.C. -- Frozen Fritz the Iceman dies in the Alps near the of border between Austria and Italy. His frozen, preserved corpse is found in 1991; it bears the oldest examples of tattooing yet to be found. Experts say they are not sure if these tattoos are ornamental or evidence of some type of acupuncture, but either way, Frozen Fritz makes his mark on tattooing history.

2000 B.C. -- Noble Egyptian women and priestesses are tattooed with a series of dots over the stomach, upper legs and chest areas. Scientists hypothesize that these tattoos are a form of protection during maternity, since the stomach markings would expand to cover their belly as it grew.

A.D. 316 -- Roman Emperor Constantine prohibit the practice of facial tattooing. His reasoning being that man has been created in the image of God, and so to mar the face is to dishonor the divine.

720 -- Body art goes out of fashion in Japan when authorities of the government begin using tattoos as a punishment for criminals. This lasts until the 17th century, when tattooing is replaced by other forms to punish those who break the law. ornamental tattoos quickly become fashionable once again.

922 -- While visiting what is now Russia, Arab ambassador Ahmad Ibn Fadlan discovers a group of heavily tattooed merchants from northern parts of Europe. Ibn Fadlan describes the tattoos as dark green lines and images, that extend from the feet to the neck of each man.

1769 -- After an exploration of Tahiti and New Zealand, British pioneer Capt. James Cook brings back stories of the natives' extensive body art. He also popularize's the verbiage we still use today: The Polynesian word "tatau" (meaning to strike) becomes popular in America as "tattoo."

1846 -- Martin Hildebrandt introduces the first U.S. tattoo parlor in New York City, tattooing customers that includes military members from both the Union Army & Confederate Army of the Civil War. His daughter, Nora, becomes famous during the 1890's when she travels with the Barnum and Bailey Circus featured as the "Tattooed Lady".

1891 -- Samuel O'Reilly introduces the electric tattoo gun, which is inspired by Thomas Edison's design of the autographic printing pen. Modern tattoo guns are still in most part based on O'Reilly's design.

1961 -- The City of New York prohibits tattooing, fearing a possible hepatitis B outbreak. The City Council lifts the ban 36 years later in 1997. Three months after, the 1st annual New York Tattoo Convention is featured in the city.

2006 -- Scientists at Harvard invent an erasable tattoo ink. Though it won't wash off in the shower, tub, or swimming pool the ink's structure makes it easier for lasers to extract the ink in tattoos. Erasable tattoo ink becomes popular with those who stencil their sweetheart's name, as the image is less regrettable after a breakup.

2012 -- Today there are over a dozen different reality shows being aired on television. There are over 20,000 Tattoo shops in America currently, with an average of 1 new shop opening everyday.