With nearly 40 percent of Americans ages 18-29 sporting ink, body art has not only become mainstream, but can actually up someone's stock. In a recent Syneron Candela survey, attitudes toward people with tattoos were overwhelmingly positive, being described as artistic and creative (50 percent), interesting (43 percent), and fashionable and cool (29 percent).

But the survey finds people do change their mind about their choice of tattoo. According to the survey, 38 percent of respondents have had a tattoo removed or have one they would consider removing. Top reasons for removal include:

• Related to an ex-partner (64 percent)
• Done as a joke or when drunk (50 percent)
• Faded or blurred appearance (29 percent)
• Badly done (27 percent)
• Don’t like it anymore (27 percent)

Syneron Candela says its new PicoWay picosecond laser allows consumers to eliminate tattoo regret faster and easier than ever before. PicoWay works on the widest range of tattoos and ink colors on all skin types, even on faded tattoos, which are traditionally difficult to get rid of. The fast, safe, and less painful treatment clears tattoos in as few as three to four treatments, instead of the 12 or more it used to take. PicoWay’s ultra-short, ultra-fast pulses (a trillionth of a second) shatter pigmentation from the ink into tinier particles that are easier for the body to eliminate.

“The PicoWay dual-wavelength laser delivers picosecond pulses making it safe and effective for all skin types,” says Michael Gold, MD, dermatologist and founder of the Gold Skin Care Center in Nashville, TN. “We can also treat a broader range of tattoo ink colors, including reds, yellows and multicolored tattoos, in fewer sessions with impressive with exceptional results. With the new Resolve fractional hand pieces we can now use fractional lasers in a whole new light — painless, fractional rejuvenation and acne scar treatments – this is exciting.”