This ancient Egyptian form of body art or tattoo which once was a craze among the youths here is slowly fading with many going for its removal, say experts.
CHENNAI: Some look at it as an expression of attitude while others say it is a permanent reminder of temporary insanity, but this ancient Egyptian form of body art or tattoo which once was a craze among the youths here is slowly fading with many going for its removal, say experts.
"Many come to me for either removing tattoos from their body or to get skin treatment either due to personal reasons or after getting allergic to tattoos," Dr Anand, a leading dermatologist in the city-based Malar Hospital said.
Though there is no data available on tattoo removals, but P Sekar, an operator, who works in a tattoo removal clinic said, Chennai may have had more than hundred laser tattoo removal treatments last year.
"...as one grows from young to middle-age and get married and divorced, he or she gets tattoo regret and come to us for its removal. With more and more people getting rid of their tattoos, the tattoo removal market is gradually increasing," he said.
Tattoos have been used for centuries to reflect changes in life status, whether induction into a group like the military or a gang. In recent years, tattoos have also become a fashion accessory, a trend fuelled by basketball players, bands and other celebrities.
Just a year ago, Nancy (24), an engineer and her boy friend had each other's names tattooed across their inner wrists. But now whenever she looked at the letters 'J A M E S' she was reminded of their failed relationship.
For help, she turned to a tattoo removal store and got it removed.
However, tattoos removal is costly, uncomfortable and time-consuming.
"Apart from being costly and time-consuming, tattoo removal can also lead to tissue damage," Dr Anand said.
Even if a tattoo is removed, the scar remain for at least six to eight months. "In some cases it remains permanent," he said.
Devices such as Q-switched lasers are used to remove tattoo pigment into particles that are cleared by the body's lymphatic system. Full removal takes several sittings, usingdifferent Q-switched lasers for different-coloured inks, Dr Sushila, a city based skin specialist said.
"A tattoo that cost several hundred rupees could require several thousand rupees and many laser sessions to remove", she added.
According to Dr Anand, there have been a variety of claims that bad tattoo inks cause adverse effects, including allergic reactions to ink components, burning sensation during tattooing and the migration of ink to different tissues in the body.
There is also the possibility of contracting HIV or hepatitis viruses during getting tattoo done on body, he added.
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