Real Fact Of Tattoo Removal In Australia
According to a 2012 study published by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, “About 25% of Australians below the age of 30 years have inked their bodies, and about one quarter of this group is looking to have their tattoo removed. But who is doing the removal?
We talked with a few dermatologists and seasoned tattoo removal specialists at our clinic to find out what one should consider when choosing a tattoo removal clinic in the burgeoning – and largely unregulated – ink removal industry. But first things first, let’s look at what studies are saying about tattoo removal.
Tattoo Removal Stats
According to a 2013 study published by the McCrindle research, “34% of Australians who have a tattoo on their body regret it, and 1 in every 7 persons in this group wants the tattoos removed. According to this study, the primary reasons for tattoo removal are birth of a child, or relationship breakdown. The study says, “Most parents do not want to have the tattoos on their body because they do not want to lure their kids toward getting tattooed.”
When speaking to 702 ABC Sydney, Chatburn Sarah, a registered nurse, said, “Most people want to have their ex-partner inked out of their body, but what we have seen is that sometimes tattoo removal is being driven by lifestyle and priority readjustments.” Ms chatburn went on to explain that some clients views tattoos as a constant reminder of a past they are trying to escape from, and hence, the need for removal.
In their latest study, IBISWorld research found that between 2011 and 2015, tattoo removal business grew by about 4%. The study goes on to state that 47% of tattoos requires up to 10 sessions to permanently remove them using Q-switched laser, and 26% need more than 15 sessions. The researchers says , “A customer’s response to Q-switched laser tattoo removal is decreased if he or she is a smoker, has tattoo colors other than red or black, has a tattoo that is more than 30 cm2 large, or has tattooed his or her legs or feet and is more than 3 years old.
What Should You Consider When Choosing A Tattoo Removal Clinic?
1. THE RIGHT SKILLS
Some tattoo removers use medical sounding assurance – term like “accredited clinicians” or “certified laser practitioner.” In most cases, these terms means they have taken a course offered by the laser maker, and which is normally just a prerequisite for obtaining liability cover. It doesn’t mean the clinician is any competent to offer tattoo removal services.
Quinn, the owner of a popular tattoo removal clinic in Sydney says, “He or she took a laser safety course, and what that means is that he or she knows how to use laser safely, not how to remove tattoos.”
Tattoo removal is a skill one can only acquire through apprentice, one has to learn from a seasoned remover, and beef up his competence under the eyes of an expert. So, your best bet is to visit a clinic that has been in the business for long. This is particularly important because over the last few years, the industry has boomed, and the number of incompetent practitioners’ far outweighs the number of experienced ones.
Quinn’s statement is supported by Bekhor Philip, the director of laser unit at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. He says, “Tatttoo removal is a skill you acquire and perfect over time. Your local plumber could part-time as a laser tattoo removal, but remember that most newbie removers scar 100s of patients before developing real skill. So, your best bet is to visit a popular clinic.”
Unfortunately, we will end part 1 of this article here. In part 2, we will discuss more factors you should consider to help you edge out the best tattoo removal clinic in Australia.
