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WedAug 14

National Tattoo Removal Day – August 14, 2024

We are given an opportunity for a fresh start on National Tattoo Removal Day, celebrated annually on August 14. This day was founded by Astanza Laser, the leading innovator of laser tattoo removal methods, to raise awareness of the possibilities and benefits of safe tattoo removal through the use of a laser. Tattoo removal processes have been around since the invention of modern tattoo application processes. So whether it’s an ex’s name or a poorly made decision, there is a laser treatment just for you. This day was thoughtfully placed a month after National Tattoo Day, and six months after Valentine’s Day. Read on to find out why.

History of National Tattoo Removal Day

We have all either been in this situation or know someone who has. It’s a crazy night where liquor speaks a little bit louder than logic, or we choose to make a declaration of love because we thought it would last forever, and we end up getting parts of our bodies inked.

Statistics show that one in seven American adults who have a tattoo regret getting it. To put that in perspective, that means approximately 14% of the 21% of people who have tattoos wish they could take that decision back. If you fall into this group, we have good news for you — you can! The art of tattooing has been practiced throughout the years and can be traced back to before 3000 B.C. Archeologists have discovered mummified human remains with tattoos, and although older tattooing methods such as skin piercing or puncturing using a mallet could not be rectified, modern-day tattooing has brought about modern-day solutions for unwanted tattoos.

Laser tattoo removal has been in existence since the ’90s and is still the safest and most effective way of getting rid of unwanted ink. Laser technology has improved over the years, developing from continuous-wave lasers to Q-switched lasers. Astanza is one of the leading companies in aesthetic laser technology, and are the creators of National Tattoo Removal Day. This holiday was set on August 14, 30 days after National Tattoo Day, which is the length of time a tattoo needs to heal before being removed. It also falls six months after Valentine’s Day, which is also typically the time needed to remove an unwanted medium-sized tattoo of a name — bye, bye ex-lover!

National Tattoo Removal Day timeline

1961—1962
Modern Laser Technology is Discovered

Q-switching laser technology is discovered by R.W. Hellwarth and F.J. McClung.

1990s
Laser Goes Commercial

Q-switched lasers become commercially available.

2007
The Game Changers

Astanza, the leading aesthetic laser and tattoo removal company is established.

2017
Unwanted Ink’s Gotta Go

National Tattoo Removal Day is founded by Astanza.

National Tattoo Removal Day FAQs

How many sessions do I need?

The number of laser sessions it would take to completely remove a tattoo depends on several factors. One of them is the size, as larger tattoos typically take a longer time to be removed. Other factors to consider are its location, the colors used, its age, and your skin type. However, even the smallest of tattoos will require at least three sessions to completely remove.

Can anyone get their tattoo removed?

Unfortunately, not everyone is considered a good candidate for tattoo removal. Without considering general factors like cost — tattoo removal procedures often cost more than getting a tattoo — other factors can make a person unsuitable for the treatment. For example, individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and also individuals under certain medications may be advised not to go for laser tattoo removal.

Are there any side effects to laser tattoo removal?

Just as with most scientific procedures, some people may have side effects after these procedures. However, they are often very minimal and are no cause for alarm. Side effects may include, but are not limited to, redness, swelling, itchiness, skin discoloration, or blistering. Aftercare is also an important step in laser removal techniques as it can make or break the entire procedure, by helping fight off unwanted infections.

How to Observe National Tattoo Removal Day

  1. Get rid of that ink

    Is there one or even multiple tattoos you’ve been regretting lately? Well, there is no better time to get rid of them than on National Tattoo Removal Day. So do your research, call up a specialist, and book your first appointment today.

  2. Share your progress

    If you’ve been on your tattoo removal journey, or decide to start yours today, your story could serve as an inspiration for many others considering going under the laser. Many people either don’t even know they can get their tattoos removed, or are hesitant about the process. Share your progress via your social media using the hashtag #NationalTattooRemovalDay and give others the courage to get rid of unwanted tattoos.

  3. Learn more about laser tattoo removal

    There is so much more to learn about laser tattoo removal before deciding to go through with the procedure. Research things such as possible side effects, healing periods, and also who the professionals at the top of the game are. Learning more about the process also helps solidify your decision if you still aren’t convinced about the procedure yet.

5 Facts About Laser Tattoo Removal That’ll Blow Your Mind

  1. Your body does the work

    The laser doesn’t remove the ink from your body. It breaks the ink down into smaller particles that are absorbed by your body and removed by your lymph system.

  2. You pee the rest out

    After the pigment particles are absorbed through your bloodstream, they make their way to your kidneys, which then process and release them through urine and sweat.

  3. The white patches are steam

    The frost-like patches seen after a tattoo removal session are caused by steam from the heat of the laser quickly escaping your skin.

  4. One setting doesn’t fit all

    The laser setting used when removing tattoos depends on the pigment of the color, with blue and green being the hardest to remove.

  5. It doesn’t burn

    Contrary to what most people might think, the laser treatment doesn’t burn your skin but rather targets the pigment on your skin.

Why National Tattoo Removal Day is Important

  1. It’s a chance for a fresh start

    Removing a tattoo is just as big of a move as getting one in the first place. Only this time, it gives you and your skin a chance for a fresh start.

  2. It raises awareness

    A great thing about National Tattoo Removal Day is that it not only encourages people to take that step in letting go of unwanted tattoos, it also educates us on the benefits of laser tattoo removal processes. This is the perfect opportunity to create awareness as not many people know about these techniques, let alone the pros of going under the laser.

  3. It encourages the fearful

    As we mentioned, many people are still very hesitant when it comes to laser removal techniques. A holiday like this emboldens people that had previous reservations about taking the necessary steps to erase the poor decision they made in the form of unwanted ink.

National Tattoo Removal Day dates

YearDateDay
2024August 14Wednesday
2025August 14Thursday
2026August 14Friday
2027August 14Saturday
2028August 14Monday

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