Tattoo Removal in a Fierce Job Market

Body art. Tats. Ink. Stamps. Whatever you call them, tattoos are here to stay. About 1 in 4 U.S. adults have a tattoo, and this number appears to be on the rise among younger generations. With a crummy economy in no hurry to leave and “no tattoo” policies a common fixture in many large companies, tattoo removal is a market with good odds for growth.

Some organizations, like Cleveland MetroHealth, allow small, inoffensive tattoos to be visible during the workday. Other organizations, like local law enforcement agencies, have tattoo policies ranging from non-existent to partial coverage to no visible tattoos allowed. And in today’s economy, companies that are hiring can afford to be picky.

In general, visible tattoos can be viewed as unprofessional and unappealing. Especially in jobs that interact with the public or that require a high standard of professional behavior, visible tattoos may be viewed as inappropriate. Add that to the fact that at least 50% of people with tattoos eventually want them removed, and you have a potential boom in the industry of tattoo removal. 

So You Want a Tattoo Removed: Here’s What to Do

Tattoo removal can be a very expensive, lengthy process. Gone are the days when tattoos were physically removed by slicing them off. Now, laser technology allows many tattoos to be removed without any scarring or remaining pigment.

Depending on the color, size, placement, and age of your tattoo, the success of a removal procedure can vary. New techniques (multiple laser passes with each treatment) may be more effective than former one-pass strategies, and picking the right tattoo removal clinic can be essential to your success.

• Carefully select an experienced, professional tattoo removal expert. Plastic surgeons and specialty skin clinics often offer this service.
• Ask for a consultation. Discuss the number of sessions and the price you can expect. Some removal experts will match prices, so it pays to shop around.
• Ask for before and after photographs. These photos (and references) will give you a good idea as to what you can expect. If most final photos only show a lightened or faded tattoo, consider going elsewhere.
• Check the facility and doctors for reputation, cleanliness, and professionalism.
• Ask your health insurance provider if tattoo removal is covered—you might get lucky!

If you have questions about tattoo removal and want a great place to get started in your search for a tattoo-free future, try contacting the Cleveland Clinic Tattoo Removal experts. Whether you’re trying to get a new job or just trying to get rid of the “I love Tweety Bird” tattoo on your forearm, make your removal decision carefully. Your skin (and your boss) will thank you.