Older generations used to warn that people shouldn’t get tattoos because they’re permanent and someone may one day regret getting them. However, these days tattoo removal is an option. Although painful, it works after a few sessions but can leave behind some scarring. Either way, 35-year-old Leandro De Souza has decided to undergo laser treatments to remove almost 2 decades worth of ink.
Leandro De Souza is a native of Brazil and a proud father. However, his divorce almost a decade ago proved to be almost more than he could handle. As a result, De Souza went down a path of partying. During this time he accumulated more than 170 tattoos but his first ink was at just 13 years old. “I did the first one when I was 13,” De Souza explained. “The first ones were very much about the idolatry of the time.” However, he’s recently set out on a religious path of Evangelicalism. As a result, he’s decided to undergo the laser tattoo removal process.
Facing Heartbreak
Leandro’s first tattoos were inspired by his favorite bands, such as Nirvana, Guns N’ Roses, and Metallica. However, the majority of his tattoos were from a decade-long binge following his divorce. During that time, Leandro admittedly experimented with drugs like LSD, alcohol, and ecstasy.
Finding Motivation for Tattoo Removal
“I couldn’t stand the life I was living anymore. I was an attraction at (events I attended) and it felt like a circus animal.” He said regarding his decision for tattoo removal. De Souza was visiting a shelter almost a decade after his difficult divorce. This visit would change the course of his life. “The first step in everything in life is to accept that you can’t do it alone, that you are an addict, that you are a drug addict,” de Souza said. “And I managed to do that, I entered the municipal shelter in Bagé. Within a week, there was a lady who referred me and started to evangelize me.“
Turning a New Leaf
It’s been 2 years since De Souza changed his life and opted for tattoo removal. However, it’s a long process that will be more so for De Souza’s 170 tattoos. Moreover, he now spends his time speaking with “parents and children in homes that are in prisons.”
Leandro began the tattoo removal process with the help of a tattoo studio in Franco da Rocha, São Paulo, which heard about the exciting changes Leandro was making to turn his life around. He’s now been clean from alcohol for 3 years, and free of tobacco and other substances for a year. De Souza still has 6 more tattoo removal sessions before his ink is gone and his transformation, so far, is astonishing and awe-inspiring.
Tattoo Removal is a Modern Possibility
For many, getting a tattoo is inspired by the desire to express one’s creativity, treating their body like a canvas. However, others may regret their ink choices as they mature or their interests and relationship status change. Fortunately, tattoo removal is possible with advancing technology but there are a few side effects like tenderness, skin irritability, and even scarring.
Tattoo Removal Methods
Interestingly, tattoo removal comes with options. De Souza’s treatment, laser tattoo removal, uses lasers to “heat the ink particles,” breaking them down and making it “easier for your immune system to remove,” according to Cleveland Clinic. Laser tattoo removal sessions are scheduled about 3 months apart and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the size of the ink. This method does come with side effects that range from mild skin irritation to painful blisters, but each person responds differently to treatment.
Skin Removal for Tattoo Removal
Another option for tattoo removal is surgical excision. The medical procedure requires a surgeon, who will “cut out the skin that contains a tattoo.” Then they will “stitch your remaining skin together.” The procedure probably sounds intimidating but it’s only used for small tattoos, as cutting an entire back tattoo and then stitching it up would be unpleasant, dangerous, and seemingly impossible.
Meanwhile, dermabrasion and chemical peels are used to remove the outer layers of skin. Unfortunately, both can cause severe skin sensitivity, especially in sunlight. Therefore, understanding the risks and how to treat the skin properly as it heals is essential to your skin’s health and physical comfort.
Not Recommended by Professionals
Lastly, and possibly least popular and effective, are tattoo removal creams. They can be used at home and often take months or years to yield results. Furthermore, they contain acids that “irritate or damage your skin.” As such, they’re usually advised against by medical professionals.
Can Anyone Get Tattoo Removal
In short, yes. However, some things are worth noting when considering tattoo removal. Firstly, tattoo removal takes time and similar or repetitive steps to be effective, regardless of your chosen tattoo removal method. The reason for this is that a tattoo artist applies ink in layers of the skin, so layers have to be broken down which can’t happen in one sitting, otherwise you’ll suffer severe and irreversible skin damage. Ultimately, that would put your overall health and immunity at risk. Additionally, your skin needs time between sessions to “flush out the ink” so, it’s recommended to wait a few weeks or months between most tattoo removal options listed above.
Secondly, certain ink colors are easier to remove than others. For example, blue and black are easy to remove during laser tattoo removal because “they’re better at absorbing light.” Meanwhile, colors like red are difficult to remove because their “molecular composition” is more resistant to the treatment options.
An Alternative
Consider having them turned into something else, rather than removed. For instance, if you’re considering tattoo removal and the reason has nothing to do with necessity, for work, or because, like De Souza, you’re on a new path. Instead, you don’t like how it looks anymore, have separated from the person who inspired the tattoo, or have other interests. In this case, you might consider another visit to the tattoo shop to have them create something else by covering the existing tattoo. For many, this option may be more satisfying and less time-consuming.
Nick Nolte: A Legendary Actor Celebrating 82 Years
On February 8, 2023, Nick Nolte, the remarkable actor renowned for his outstanding talent, celebrated his 82nd birthday. Nolte, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, has long captivated audiences with his amazing stage and film performances. He still exudes charm and attractiveness despite the passage of time.
With his debut performance as “Tom/Tommy Jordache” in the TV miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man (1976), Nolte’s career took off. Not only did his attractiveness catapult him to stardom in Hollywood, but so did his remarkable capacity for character development. He is without a doubt one of the most talented actors we have ever seen.
Nolte has won multiple honors during his illustrious career, including the 1991 Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama. In addition, he has been nominated for Academy Awards for his outstanding work in movies including Warriors, Affliction, and The Prince of Tides.
In the 1970s, People magazine named Nolte the Sexiest Man Alive and praised him as the embodiment of the American hero. Nolte did a fantastic job portraying the soul of a young man who weighed about 150 pounds in his part as Tommy Jordache.
In 1992, Nolte achieved a significant career turning point when he costarred with Eddie Murphy in the ground-breaking action-comedy 48 Hours. In addition to showcasing their amazing chemistry, the movie tackled significant societal concerns and featured the first-ever on-screen criticism between black and white characters. Nolte understood the film’s relevance in the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement.
The personal life of Nick Nolte has seen its share of highs and lows. He is currently wed to Clytie Lane and has experienced three divorces. As evidenced by his widely shared mug photo from 2002, Nolte’s crazy behavior has periodically overshadowed his accomplishments throughout the years. He has experienced challenges and multiple arrests.
Nonetheless, Nolte’s path to recovery gave him courage and comfort. After getting expert assistance, he was able to maintain his sobriety for a long time. Nolte freely acknowledges that he has used alcohol as a coping method for a number of issues, including lost relationships, unfulfilled projects, and the isolation and loneliness that come with being a famous person.
Brawley Nolte and Sophia Lane Nolte, Nolte’s two daughters who have both pursued acting careers, are reasons for him to be proud father. In the movie Honey in the Head, Sophia played her father’s granddaughter and had the chance to collaborate with him. When talking about his kids, Nolte emphasizes his special relationship with Sophia and his son’s desire to become a doctor.
Nick Nolte is 82 years old, and his appearance has definitely aged. Nevertheless, his alluring charisma and indisputable good looks continue to be apparent. Nolte accepts and gracefully embraces his advanced age, seeing it as just another exciting journey. He thinks it’s important to persevere through difficult times and to treasure the chance to keep going forward and doing new things.
We cordially encourage you to share this article on Facebook with your friends and family if you are a fan of Nick Nolte and his amazing talent. Let’s honor the actor’s enduring spirit and be grateful for his exceptional contributions to the entertainment industry.
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