Starlight Tattoo introduces Gang Tattoo Removal

Mario Barth and Starlight Tattoo have developed the Starting Over Program to help former gang members and other young adults with gang-related tattoos get a new start. Gangs "brand" their members with tattoos, to remind them of their ties to the gang. These tattoos are usually on very visible locations, often the hands and arms, and even the face. When they want to get out of the gang, the tattoos make it harder to get their past behind them. Many don't want their children to know about their parents were once gang members. Others find it hard to get a good job with gang tattoos on their hands and face.

"In my two decades of tattooing, I've met a lot of people with uncover-able gang tattoos," says Barth. "I always felt bad for these people who have been outcast from society over marks made when most were still children."

The latest modern laser technology allows many of these tattoos to be removed. A tattoo is made up of pigment particles embedded in the skin. Although microscopic, they are too large for the body to remove naturally. The laser light is selectively picked up by these dark particles, and breaks them up into much smaller particles which the body can remove over the subsequent weeks. Most tattoos require several laser treatments to get best results. Scarring is unusual; though if it does occur, it's typically due to the original tattoo placement.

Starlight Tattoo offers this technology to help young people remove tattoos who otherwise could not afford these treatments. In exchange for 8 hours of community service, each participant can get one tattoo removal treatment. The laser treatments are performed by David R. Ores, M.D.

When people begin to regret their tattoos, many resort to drastic measures. One student used a knife to gouge a gang insignia from his hand; he was afraid the tattoo might provoke gang members to attack him. An 18 year old single mother held a flame under a kitchen spoon, heating it "for a long time." Then she pressed it against her cheekbone, just below her left eye. Infection and scaring resulted, leaving a trace of the three dots at the corner of her left eye. These extreme measures to remove gang tattoos illustrate the steps our youth will take to get out of gangs, hoping to lead productive lives.

The individual must WANT to change their life and be willing to donate their time to various agencies and organizations. Community projects include Graffiti Removal, Public Park Maintenance, School Education programs and many more. Community service builds up "credits" that could be redeemed against the laser surgery.

The participants develop real world abilities that parallel actual job opportunities. They are evaluated and counseled throughout the process to ensure successful completion of the program.

"I think the Starting Over Program will finally give those people hope, and a chance to really show what they are all about" says Barth.

The conclusion of the program finds the participant with new job skills, no gang marks and a portfolio of recommendations from all the different agencies and companies involved. They have become productive, tax paying citizens with real hope and a real future.

"We're proud to be a part of this, and to be able to give back to the community in so many ways" continues Barth. "There are many people who deep down are really good and can be so much more for everyone if they are given the chance. We hope this is the chance to make it happen."

If you are interested, or know someone who may, email us for a preliminary screening, noting the date appointment preference. You will be contacted by a Starlight Tattoo representative with confirmation of your screening appointment. At your screening appointment, your tattoo will be examined and you will be interviewed to see if you quallify. Candidates who qualify will be scheduled for community service programs. Upon completion of service hours they will undergo laser tattoo removal.

To schedule your tattoo removal screening, please call 201-556-1478.