‘Tattoo regret’ has doctors marketing in new ways

The nation’s tattoo removal business tops $75 million, and it’s growing. Marketing to those who want to delete their ink is a booming business.

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Dermatologists, surgeons and skin care professionals are keeping busy with people who wanted permanent body art but have had a change of heart.

Many physicians are investing in laser devices to keep up with the changing technology and patient demands. Sales of aesthetic equipment has grown to about $1.25 billion annually, according to Cutera, a global manufacturer of aesthetic lasers.

Mid-life crisis: With age comes wisdom (sometimes), and many who decorated their skin with body art feel they’ve outgrown Tweety Bird and The Replacements.

Job market: Millennials who have numerous visible tattoos realize employers aren’t as welcoming as they had thought. With a tight economy, ink could be someone’s professional downfall.

Women: The “tramp stamp” is outdated at PTA meetings and work conferences. The #drunkandtattooed hashtag is often seen on Twitter.

Competing with the other faction

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