Tattoo removal, a market in full reinvention

There are those who think about it for years before taking action, and others. Those can suddenly find themselves with a sea anchor tattooed on their forearm. The author of these lines can attest to this. According to an IFOP survey published in 2018, 1 in 5 French people is tattooed, i.e. 20% of the population. A figure that would have doubled in 10 years. If tattooing is booming, so is tattoo removal. A youthful mistake, a failure, a pattern that has become hasbeen… There are a thousand and one reasons for wanting to have a tattoo removed. Yet, for years, the market never changed. To become a virgin of the dermis again, patients had to go to a dermatologist or to a center for aesthetic medicine and surgery. « The first observation we made when we started thinking about the project was that there was no or very few places specializing solely in tattoo removal », explains David Rodriguez, co-founder from the Ray Studios center. A phenomenon that sometimes led to complicated situations. Laura, 36, had an unpleasant experience at a dermatologist. « I was already not very comfortable with the idea of ​​showing him my tattoo, but his reaction really discouraged me », she explains to us. While the young woman explains to the professional her desire to have the first and last name of her former companion removed, the latter bursts out laughing. “When he told me the price, he said ‘yes, it’s expensive to act without thinking’. I felt judged, borderline shameful, ”she admits. A point underlined by Pierre Lecat, co-founder of Ray Studios: “Often when we go to get tattooed, we have the feeling of having done something stupid. At Ray Studios, we are tattoo friendly. Our message is rather to play down the gesture: there is nothing serious about wanting to have a tattoo removed. We have the right to evolve, to change our minds, and we are here to provide a truly personalized solution”.

Personalized care

The tattoo removal industry is booming. If in 2016, the latter weighed nearly 12 billion, today the figure would have practically doubled according to a study by Allied Market Research. To stand out and offer a real service, Ray Studios relies on a personalized approach. During the first contact with the doctor, the patient is invited to determine his RTP (Ray Tattoo Profile) in order to define a tailor-made protocol with a number of laser sessions envisaged. A free consultation which analyzes the age, size, type and quantity of tattoo ink, but also the client’s phototype, history and medical treatments. “This appointment is not binding, it only allows us to draw up a treatment estimate and reassure the patient. Each tattoo is unique, and therefore the way to remove it must be too, ”explains David Rodriguez. Another essential point in the DNA of Ray Studios: a medical team at the head of an exclusive and innovative protocol. « To offer a real service, it was necessary to partner with doctors who understand the challenges of tattoo removal, but also people from the world of tattooing, » says Pierre Lecat. In terms of innovation, the center offers two ultra-modern technologies, including RaySpark, a painless therapy using extracorporeal acoustic shock waves that improves treatment by reducing post-laser side effects.

A new request

Contrary to popular belief, tattoo removal isn’t just about tattoos themselves. « New beauty trends such as tattooing eyebrows or freckles also bring us other patients, » analyzes David Rodriguez. A new demand, younger, seduced by the aesthetics of the salon. As for the new aesthetic centers of the moment, Ray Studios wants to be “instagrammable”. Decoration worthy of an influencer’s apartment, futuristic cabins, well-designed cafeteria space… The place is trendy and above all very pleasant. It is possible to watch Netflix or listen to music during the treatment. A non-negligible point for Lionel, 50 years old. “We feel good there since we have to come back for several sessions,” he quips. At 19, this surf aficionado tattooed a series of Polynesian symbols around his left ankle. A carefully considered choice that he will carry for almost 30 years. “Unfortunately over time, he started to drool,” he tells us. After an appointment with a renowned tattoo artist to find out what it was possible to do, two solutions are available to him: cover it entirely or have it removed. Lionel opts for the second option. Intrigued by the presentation video, but above all reassured by the technologies offered at Ray Studios, the latter takes the plunge. For him, this service is not an anti-tattoo act, quite the contrary. “I think this kind of center opens up new perspectives. Since we know that now it is possible to have a tattoo removed in good conditions, of course you have to be patient, but the result is there,” he concludes. According to Ray Studios, 1 in 4 people regret their tattoo. Proof that the tattoo removal industry is a flourishing business.