June 2, 2016, by Jerry Nelson – What were you thinking? It was a night on the town. You and your buddies were out on the town. Completely wasted, vaguely remember meeting “her.” The right one. The love of your life. You were so sure she was the one for you, that you had her name, “Juanita”, tattooed across the back of your hand. Now, it’s a couple of years later. Again, you’ve met the “right one”. The problem is, her name’s not Juanita.
While tattoos were fine, usually, in the civilian world, the Marine Corp overhauled its tattoo policy in March 2007. Then, they updated it in January 2010. With regulations limiting the size and location of tattoos, many people are lining up at the dermatologist’s office to get them removed. There can be other reasons to get a tattoo removed.
“A Marine with tattoos doesn’t mean you’re a bad Marine,” Sgt. Major William Wiseman told MilitarySpot.com. “However, a Marine with noticeable designs may not be the ideal applicant for high-profile duty.” Tattoos are not considered permanent and irreversible anymore. Dermatologic surgeons safely use different techniques every day to remove unwanted tattoos.
Why Remove a Perfectly Good Tattoo?
Several reasons; social, cultural and physical life changes can all influence the decision to remove tattoos. Some of these reasons include:
- Allergic reactions
- Regrets about the tattoo
- Looking for, or gaining a new job
- Replacing a tattoo with another
What Knowledge Should You Have?
- Professional tattoos penetrate the deeper levels of skin at uniform levels. This uniformity permits dermatological surgeons to use methods that remove broader areas of skin at a consistent depth.
- Professional tattoos done with any of the newer inks may be challenging to remove completely.
- Homemade tattoos often are more complicated to remove.
- Deep blue and black inks are especially challenging.
- Newer tattoos are apt to be more challenging to remove than older ones.
- Total tattoo removal is not always possible.
Some Dos:
Find the right physician – Select someone who is qualified to perform the removal.
Communicate – Talk to your physician about the reasons why you want it removed.
Remember costs – Tattoo removal is a cosmetic, or elective, procedure and probably won’t be covered by health insurance.
Self-care – Follow all pre and post-op treatment suggestions; ask your physician if any instruction is not clear.
Some Don’ts:
Consider tattoo removal if you have an autoimmune system disorder, active acne, warts or are afflicted with unstable diabetes Forget to talk with your doctor about any risks associated with tattoo removal Attempt to remove your own tattoo. It is dangers and can lead to infections or even death.
Questions to Ask the Dermatologic Surgeon:
1. Which procedure is right for you?
2. What is the approximate cost?
3. How long is each appointment?
4. How many appointments will be needed?
5. How many days between treatments?
6. How can you best prepare for the treatment and procedures?
7. Does it hurt?
8. What are the pain management options?
9. How long is the recovery time?
10. Do you have before-and-after pictures to help me get ready for what to expect?
11. What are the risks?
General Questions to Ask Before Getting a Tattoo Removed:
1. Is there a doctor on site?
2. Is the physician board-certified in dermatology?
3. Was my medical history taken?
4. Was I provided an introductory evaluation to decide if the procedure matches my skin type?
That’s It – That’s All There is To It!
If you think these are too many questions to remember, here’s a free Tattoo Removal Questionnaire you can download, print out and carry to your appointment.
Author Bio: Jerry Nelson, a Vietnam Veteran, is an American writer and photojournalist and is always interested in discussing future work opportunities. Email him at jandrewnelson2@gmail.com and join the million-or-so who follow him on Twitter @Journey_America.