Laser tattoo removal on the rise as stats say one in three have regrets

WRONG spellings, bad designs or the name of an ex are just some of the reasons why Sydney’s tattoo removal industry is booming.

New Tattoo Removal Clinic

NO REGRATS. Incorrect spelling, a design gone wrong or the name of an ex are just some of the reasons why Australia’s tattoo removal industry is growing.

About a quarter of Australians under 30 are tattooed, according to consumer watchdog Choice, and one in three regret their decision to get inked. But despite the growing number of clinics in Sydney offering tattoo removal, the industry is still unregulated in NSW.

Emergency doctor Keith Kolodzej opened a tattoo removal­ practice in Darlinghurst late last year after recognisin­g the demand for tattoo removal and the need for laser technology.

Dr. Keith Kolodzej at his tattoo removal clinic, Dr Pico, in Darlinghurst. Picture: John Fotiadis

Dr Kolodzej has imported one of the latest laser machines from the US which he says is more effective than older versions.

“There’s a big difference out there with lasers,” he said. “It still surprises me that there is no regulation for the devices we use.”

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has said it is working towards a national approach to regulating cosmetic lasers.

The Veronicas twin Jessica Origliasso documents her tattoo removal sessions on social media. Picture: Instagram

For those looking to remove what was once considered permanent body art, Dr Kolodzej urged people to do their research first.

“You should go to somebody with a good medical background,” he said.

“It takes at least a medical know-how to assess your patients, treat them properly and follow them up afterwards.”

Port Adelaide AFL player Kane Cornes gets his 2004 Premiership tattoo removed.

Dr Kolodzej added: “There’s great stories out there and usually by the time they’re here, they’re ready to get it off and joke about it. It makes doing this so much fun.”

Smiles might fade after a client calculates the total cost of their mistake, with prices starting at about $100 per session, depending on the size of the tattoo.

“For certain black inks that are very dense, we have to tell people eight to 10 sessions,” he said.

Laser experts say green ink can be very difficult to remove. Picture: Supplied

Rouse Hill beauty therapist Tayla Rukin, 25, decided to remove a barbed wire tattoo from her arm at Eternity Tattoo Removal Clinic in Parramatta.

“The novelty of it wore off and it became more of a hindrance to me than an accessory,” she said.

“To describe the pain would be like a woman with long acrylic nails flicking your skin aggressively, followed by the heat and pain of sunburn,” she said.

Ms Rukin’s faded tattoo after a couple of laser removal sessions. Picture: Supplied

Tayla Rukin shows off her barbed wire tattoo at a friend’s wedding.

Despite her discomfort, she is pleased with the results.

“Mine was dark grey and less than a year old and has nearly disappeared after four sessions,” she said.

WRITTEN IN INK

● A 2013 McCrindle survey found that one third (34 per cent) of Australians regret their tattoo.

● One in seven (14 per cent) will consider tattoo removal

● In NSW, there is no regulation on lasers used for tattoo removal

●Possible risks include scarring and hypopigmentation