Tattoos are increasingly popular in Virginia, especially among younger generations. Conventional tattoos themselves carry risks, but there are also new techniques that have become trendy in recent years that might pose even more significant risks.
Ultraviolet (UV) tattoos refer to tattoos that can be seen under black nights, like those commonly found in nightclubs. A similar but distinct trend, glow-in-the-dark tattoos, are visible in the absence of light, like in a dark room. Both tattoos have become a major component of the rave scene, associated with underground techno music and its related party scene.
UV and Glow-in-the-Dark Tattoos May be Impossible to Remove
While the technology to remove conventional tattoos has become more effective in recent years, removing glow-in-the-dark and UV tattoos is more complicated. The desire to remove tattoos among people who get them and later regret them is more common than you may think. When you decide to get one of these newer types of tattoos, there may be no way to remove them later in life.
Potentially Dangerous Components of UV and Glow-in-the-Dark Tattoos
Traditional tattoos, using conventional inks, are much safer compared to these new tattooing trends. There has been more study of their potential health impacts by legitimate scientific researchers over decades – on the other hand, the scientific data regarding the safety of UV and glow-in-the-dark tattoos is much less substantial.
Glow-in-the-dark tattoos require the use of phosphorescent ink to give them the ability to be seen in the dark. Some people who have gotten UV tattoos experience blisters and rashes – complaints that are not common with normal tattoos.
It is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the federal agency responsible for the oversight of these procedures, has never endorsed the health safety of any kind of ink, especially not the newest UV and glow-in-the-dark variety.
What is the Attraction of UV and Glow-in-the-Dark Tattoos?
Understandably, many people who work in offices and professional settings hesitate to decorate their bodies with tattoos as there is still a significant social stigma associated with tattoos, especially among the older generations.
Many young professionals see UV and glow-in-the-dark tattoos as attractive alternatives to traditional tattoos that are visible all the time. In their eagerness to jump on the new tattoo bandwagon, they are sometimes susceptible to overlooking the potential risks associated with these tattoos.
Tattoo enthusiasts considering a UV or glow-in-the-dark tattoo may be surprised at their substantially higher cost. Not only do these require special ink, but they also require blacklight equipment in the case of UV tattoos as well as a tattoo artist confident and experienced enough to deliver positive results with their work.
The Challenges of Removing Glow-in-the-Dark and UV Tattoos
For people with tattoo regret, it is worth considering that removing these trendy new tattoos can be quite challenging. Many tattoo removal specialists do not have the expertise to effectively remove these tattoos.
It is probably best to wait until the safety of UV and glow-in-the-dark tattoos has been demonstrated. Research in the future may show that the harmful effects are similar to conventional tattoos, but it is possible that it might show dangerous health impacts that are currently unknown.
If you are in the Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Fairfax, Springfield, or Washington, DC area and curious if your tattoo is removable or not, give us a call at 703-379-4054 or contact us via online form for a consultation with Vanish Laser Ink. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.