Thursday 11 November 2010

Removing Tattoos on the NHS

Years ago tattoo removal was done under the NHS using mainly surgical methods.  Skin grafts were often used taken from other parts of the body to replace the skin lost where the tattoo was.
Now a days, the resources of the NHS are stretched to the limit and it is highly unlikely that you will be considered for tattoo removal treatment.  Cut backs have meant that any non essential treatments has been removed from the NHS.  This means that unless you have a very valid reason, the NHS will not entertain your request.
The only valid reason would be psychological scars that may result from having had the tattoo done.  This could be an abusive ex partner’s name, and you would have to be able to prove abuse.  Even with an example this extreme, it is highly unlikely you would be give priority for this sort of treatment over funding going towards more essential treatment.
The reason that funding has been pulled is that tattoos are considered self inflicted and there is an element that you have to live with your actions.  Also, if you consider that 40% of people that have had a tattoo would like it removed within 5 years….then you can see how the budget would have to be colossal in order to keep up with demand.
The only option is private tattoo removal.  There are two reliable ways to do this, laser and non laser, mainly Rejuvi Tattoo Removal. 
When choosing your clinic, the opposite applies to other surgeries.   In this case, the smaller the outfit the better the treatment.  Laser tattoo removal clinics in London  have sprung up everywhere selling you cheap (and worthless) sessions.   The same has happened with Rejuvi where is has recently been franchised through a private outfit.  The best treatment is provided by small clinic where one person takes control of your case and sees the entire treatment through.  By having one technician you can be assured that the same level of care will be applied each time.  But more importantly, the technician will know how you reacted to the treatment and can graduate the next treatment accordingly in order to get the best results.  Don's be afraid to ask to see their certificates and insurance.  Laser tattoo removal training must be undertaken by all technicians in order to get insurance.  
Tattoo removal is not an exact science and everyone reacts differently to it.  Therefore if you didn’t have good results the first time around but you healed very well, your technician can afford to be a little more aggressive the second time around.  This is why smaller is better, don’t be fooled by the large clinics thinking that their treatment will be better….chances are that it wont.
Do your research, shop around, the most expensive technician is not always the best but a good technician with good equipment will probably not be the cheapest either.