Decorative tattoos have a history dating back at least 5000 years, and the desire to remove them has probably existed just as long. Early attempts to remove tattoos had less than desirable results. The use of dermabrasion, salabrasion and Argon or CO2 lasers often left behind unacceptable scars in place of the tattoo; leaving a person little hope that their unwanted or poorly applied tattoo could be lightened for repair, or removed altogether. That was then, this is now.

Jinx Proof Tattoos is now proud to offer their customers a solution to those problems by featuring in-studio laser removal with the Medlite C6 Laser, and what better way to remove a tattoo (or lighten it for cover-up purposes) than to get treatment from people who know tattooing best? As odd as it may sound, tattoo removal at a place that applies them makes perfect sense. Jinx Proof is one of only a handful of certified shops in the United States to offer this service.

The advent of Q-switched lasers permitted the removal of most tattoo inks with very little risk of scarring. The Medlite can significantly lighten or remove many tattoo inks, and is particularly advanced in the removal of blue, black and red inks. Different wavelengths are used depending on the color of the ink present.

Q-switched lasers remove tattoo ink with the energy of light. Just as natural sunlight is made up of light wavelengths of many colors, a laser is a device which is designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light. These wavelengths are absorbed or reflected by objects, or simply pass through them. Tattoo ink is removed by using a specific wavelength which passes through the skin but is absorbed by the ink. The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to shatter into small pieces which are then removed by the body's natural filtering systems. The light is emitted in very short flashes called pulses. The impact of the energy from the powerful pulse of light is similar to the snap of a thin rubber band on the skin. Although the large majority of patients do not require anesthesia, topical anesthetic creams can be helpful.

Professional tattoos usually require 6 - 10 treatments, while amateur tattoos require 3 - 6 treatments, all spaced approximately 6 - 8 weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the amount and type of ink used, and the depth of the ink in the skin. In rare cases, more than ten treatments may be needed. Traumatic tattoos (pencil lead, asphalt and dirt embedded in the skin can leave a permanent "tattoo") usually respond with 1 - 4 treatments.

In many cases, using a Medlite C6 laser will result in greater than 95% fading of a tattoo. However, it is very important to know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide today. Not knowing which tattoo ink, how deep it was installed, or how much was used, makes it impossible for the technician to predict how well any given tattoo will respond. Generally, blue/black ink and red inks fade the best. Oranges, purples and greens usually respond fairly well. Brighter colors such as yellow, or fluorescent colors are more difficult to remove; although additional treatments can produce significant fading.

Prices will be determined on a per case basis and will be extremely competitive. Tattoo removal, depending on size, will range from $150 - $250 per sitting. All pricing is subject to change.

Karl Hedgepath has been involved in the tattoo industry since 1988. In 1992, he trained with Gauntlet in San Francisco and learned to body pierce. In 1996 he (with Tim Corun) opened Jinx Proof Tattoos, the first tattoo shop in Washington DC since the late 1970's. Karl is CPR certified and fully trained, certified, and insured in using the Medlite C6 laser. Please call Jinx Proof at 202.337.5469 for any further information and/or questions.