Dr Mary Dingley Think Before You Ink Interview

Dr Mary Dingley Think Before You Ink Interview

With tattoos exploding in popularity over the last 10 to 20 years, so too has the number of people seeking laser treatment for tattoo removal, reports the Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia (CPSA) whose members have seen a 15-20 per cent increase in requests for this procedure in the last three years.

Estimates suggest that more than 2.2 million Australians, or one in 10 people, have a tattoo1. However, what may seem like a good idea in your late teens or early twenties may not seem so relevant in later life and can even limit career opportunities.

Dr Susan Austin, spokesperson from the CPSA said: "Tattoos have not only become mainstream but perhaps even aspirational to some people, as many high profile celebrities and athletes sport prominent tattoos. However, there are certainly a lot of people who are now realising that something that may have been pertinent or significant to them at one period of their lives, is no longer relevant or they simply may not like their tattoo anymore. Tattoos can also limit employment opportunities as some organisations have policies that do not allow employees to have visible tattoos.

"What people should consider before they get a tattoo is that the removal process can be quite painful and expensive. A number of factors can also affect the efficacy of treatments including the types of colour in the tattoo and the placement of the tattoo itself," said Dr Austin.

The typical course of treatment for tattoo removal involves the use of lasers, which work by breaking down the ink particles in the skin. The more colours in a tattoo, the more difficult it is to remove as different types of lasers are needed to break down the vast range of coloured ink particles.

"As lasers operate on different frequencies, they can only target specific colours, which makes it more difficult to remove multi-coloured tattoos," said Dr Austin. "The cost of treatment will vary with the size of the tattoo but will generally start from $200." In addition to being quite painful and expensive, the removal process for tattoos is quite lengthy. "While it may only take a few hours to get a tattoo, it takes much longer remove it. Most tattoos require around ten or more sessions to be removed," said Dr Austin.

While laser technology does continue to improve, for some patients, their tattoos will never be completely erased and the removal process can cause changes in the colour of their skin and, in rare cases, scarring.

"Sometimes lasers can affect skin pigment, which means that as the lasers break down the ink particles, they may also affect the melanin, or the brown colour, of the skin itself. The result of this is that some patients have a lighter patch of skin where the tattoo used to be compared to the surrounding area. For some people this is a temporary side effect but for others, it can be permanent. For some, the tattoo process itself may also cause scarring and this will still be present when the colour is removed," Dr Austin said.

Another important consideration when having a tattoo removal treatment is choosing the right medical professional to complete the treatment.

"The use of lasers is largely unregulated in most parts of Australia, which means that anyone can purchase a laser device and begin operating. As tattoo removal can be quite a lengthy and complicated process, we strongly recommend that intending patients research the qualifications of the operator and consult with a medical professional to ensure that they are getting the right treatment," said Dr Austin.

Patients interested in finding a doctor that offers tattoo removal treatments can visit www.cosmeticphysicians.org.au

Interview with Dr Mary Dingley

Dr Mary Dingley received her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB, BS) degree from the University of Queensland in 1984 and after working in the public arena for three years moved to work exclusively in private cosmetic medicine in 1987.

Since then she has pioneered the use of proven new techniques and developed training programmes for other doctors interested in using these systems appropriately, while always maintaining a commitment to the highest standard of care for her patients.

Dr Dingley is also Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (FFMACCS). She is frequently invited to speak and demonstrate at conferences both in Australia and internationally, developing a reputation as an enthusiastic, entertaining and effective communicator and teacher as well as a highly reputable practitioner.

Dr Dingley is the immediate past President of the Cosmetic Physicians' Society of Australasia and is an advisor to government bodies on issues such as laser safety and training.
www.cosmeticmedicinecentre.com.au

Question: Are you surprised by the increase in people getting tattoos?

Dr Mary Dingley: As a doctor, I've seen some rather strange things over the years - so, no, it is not a surprise.


Question: How much has the tattoo removal rate increased?

Dr Mary Dingley: Although it varies by region, CPSA doctors around Australia have found an increase of 15-20% in the last three years.


Question: How do you remove a tattoo? How many sessions are required to remove a tattoo?

Dr Mary Dingley: Very small tattoos can be excised, or cut out, but for most this is not an option. Instead, the treatment of choice for most tattoos is by using a Q-switched laser. The number of sessions required will then vary according to the colours used and how heavily the tattoo has been done. For instance, an amateur black tattoo may only take 1-4 treatments whereas a heavy professional tattoo may take more than ten.


Question: Is it painful to remove a tattoo? More painful that actually getting the tattoo?

Dr Mary Dingley: Pain varies with the individual but most physicians will offer some form of pain management in the form of cold air blowers, anaesthetic cream or local anaesthetic injections - without this the treatment it would certainly be more painful for the patient.


Question: How well can tattoos be removed? Are they ever removed completely?

Dr Mary Dingley: Many tattoos can be removed more or less completely with sufficient treatment, however, some may have colours that are difficult to remove or require a different type of Q-switched laser to remove them. Unfortunately some tattoos have scar tissue within them from the tattooing process which will still be present even after the colour has gone. Sometimes the laser removal process can also cause scarring or the laser will also remove some sun damage discolouration from the skin, as well as the ink. This can then leave the area paler- although this may lessen with time.

Question: What is the average age of patients having tattoos removed?

Dr Mary Dingley: The age is very variable but most patients are between 25 and 40. I find that young people who thought they'd like to have a tattoo and realised quickly they didn't are common, as well as young adults who find they are limited in their work opportunities by a visible tattoo. Another common occurrence is people who have had a name tattooed on themselves of their partner but are no longer with them and wish to have the name removed. And of course, people who find they just aren't the same person anymore from when they first had their tattoo.


Question: How often do patients have more than one tattoo removed?

Dr Mary Dingley: I find that at my practice, about 5% of patients would simultaneously remove more than one tattoo, and another 5% would remove one and later remove another. Unfortunately, a small number remove one, in order to have a different one and then later come for that to be removed.


Question: What is the average cost of a tattoo removal?

Dr Mary Dingley: Tattoo removal costs vary with the size of the tattoo. Most will be in the order of $200-300 per session; however, some larger ones may cost $800 or so. The size of tattoo that can be lasered may be limited by the dose of local anaesthetic and some tattoos may need to be removed segmentally, and, because of this it can cost more.


Question: How can patients ensure they are having their tattoo removed by a specialist?

Dr Mary Dingley: In many states in Australia there are no regulations governing who can own or use a laser. To ensure that you get the best advice and treatment you should see a CPSA certified doctor who focuses on this type of work - www.cosmeticphysicians.org.au


Interview by Brooke Hunter