Posted: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 12:00 am
I wish this answer could be as precise as a laser, but it's tough to get an unbiased view on who's reputable. No specific certification is required to zap that ex-girlfriend's name off your biceps.
The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery based in Wausau recommends going to a medical doctor, spokeswoman Nadine Tosk said. The group's online physician locator (http://www.aslms.org - search under Dermatology or Plastic Surgery) lists several in the Chicago area who do the procedure.
At least two other providers who work under the supervision of doctors are closer:
- Laser Centers of Wisconsin, which is located at 5201 N. Port Washington Road in Milwaukee, (800) 821-5532.
- Cosmetic Laser Center, which comes to Gemini Salon & Spa, 7435 117th Ave., in west Kenosha, the first Friday of most months, and the Hidden Retreat, 11712 W. North Ave. in Wauwatosa, most Mondays, (866) 344-8244.
Laser treatment has become popular because it's the least risky of the removal methods, but it's also often the most expensive, Dr. Mario Montalbo of the Medical College of Wisconsin wrote in an e-mail.
"On average, five to 10 sessions may be needed with cost ranging from $200 to $500 per session," he wrote.
The procedure typically clears about 80 to 90 percent of the ink, said Cindy Graf, who does consulting for Laser Centers of Wisconsin. It's especially popular with those entering the military who can't have tats on certain parts of their bodies, she said.
Graf also runs a nonprofit called Lose the Tattoos, which allows kids in southeastern Wisconsin to have gang tattoos removed if they agree to do community service and stay out of trouble. About 20 Racine-area kids have been referred to it, she said.
Black and red ink are easier to get out, said Aaron Gabrielse, a cosmetic laser specialist for the Cosmetic Laser Center. He recommends asking providers for several references of people who've had it done.
Lasers, alas, have no power to remove the nasty memories that prompt some tattoo removals.
With the upcoming switch to digital TV signals, how are people supposed to dispose of their old television sets?
By now, most people have heard through the government's PR blitz that they don't have to slap down hundreds for a new television. People who don't have cable or satellite TV services can just buy a converter box to adapt the set they've got.
Then again, it's a good excuse to buy a snazzy new plasma. In Racine, garbage crews do collect old TVs when they're left on the curb, according to the Department of Public Works.
If you're willing to pay to be a shade greener, you could take it to a business called Greener Racine that recycles TV parts. Customers pay between $7 and $35 depending on size, because the tubes have to be taken apart by a specially licensed recycler, owner Larry Longo said. Greener Racine has reduced its hours - 7 a.m. to noon weekdays - and Longo suggested calling first at (262) 898-8070.
You could also wrap up that 27-inch baby and surprise somebody who's still squinting at a (gasp) 19-incher. Or keep it and dedicate it to "Call of Duty" or other video games, which will still work on older TVs without a converter.
It shouldn't be an all-out trash-a-thon here, Mark Lueth predicts. He's coordinating the transition in southeastern Wisconsin for the Federal Communications Commission. Only about 14 percent of Racine County TV households use the rooftop antennas or rabbit ears that are affected by this.
To order a coupon for a converter box, call (888) 388-2009 or go to http://www.dtv2009.gov (the Web site has other information, too).
Mike Moore compiles the Glad You Asked column, which seeks answers to questions of local interest. Call us at (262) 631-1758 or e-mail: ask@journaltimes.com