According to a report in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 24 percent of Americans ages 18 to 50 have at least one tattoo. While that’s not as common as mullets were in the 80s, it does indicate that tattoos are more prevalent now than ever before. It’s not only tough guys and rock stars getting “inked” anymore, but educated professionals from all walks of life. Whether you love body ink or loath it, we know that things change as time goes on. That skull-and-crossbones body art that looked so cool years ago lost its appeal after the milestone birthdays. Sporting a ratty and wrinkled tattoo may be a far off problem for some, but one group is struggling with the consequences of visible tattoos right now – job seekers.
Many professions and organizations have a tattoo ban. Recently the Marine Corp, once a refuge for ink, extended its policy on tattoos to prohibit “full-sleeve tattoos” (ink that covers all of an arm or leg) as well as half and quarter-sleeve tattoos that are visible, (Military.com). Add this to tough competition for a job and it’s easy to see why the inked are turning to aesthetic laser professionals with a desperate need. By all indications, it seems that laser tattoo removal will grow in popularity and perhaps become a staple of many aesthetic laser practices.
Can you incorporate laser tattoo removal into your practice and leverage this trend? It’d be great to help job seekers secure employment, no doubt. But a lot of factors are in play and it’s important to consider each of them. The cost of a new Q-Switched laser could be prohibitive. Q-Switch lasers can be costly. The maintenance can require an exorbitant service contract and create a daunting cost of ownership overall. Predicting demand for tattoo removal can be a gamble, as well. How many companies in your area expressly forbid tattoos? Are they hiring and, if so, are the jobs high paying enough to motivate applicants to give up their ink? Really, if you want to service this group you should enter the tattoo removal business with as little risk as possible, setting yourself up for quick breakeven and a high return in a short amount of time.
In Part 2 of this post, we’ll explore the Alma Lasers solution to laser tattoo removal and how it can benefit your aesthetic practice and patients. The High Power Q-Switch empowers Harmony XL owners to treat dark and light tattoo inks and capitalize on this trend right away – and you don’t need to miss out. Can’t wait until tomorrow’s post? Aesthetic professionals are happy to answer your questions and consult with you on this trend. Don’t hesitate to learn more today.