Azaz – Dayan Junpaz

Young men in northern rural Aleppo are flocking to specialized centers for tattoo removal after getting them for various purposes and reasons. Some are driven by regret and societal views, as well as awareness of the negative health and psychological impacts.

Laser tattoo removal has become an available option, especially with the proliferation of removal centers, although its cost remains dependent on several factors such as the tattoo’s size and the number of sessions required.

Desire for tattoo removal

Removing tattoos has become a priority for 28-year-old Mohammed Jazrawi, residing in Azaz, northern rural Aleppo. He seriously considers this step, having gotten his tattoo while in Turkey to follow the fashion and attract attention, according to him.

Jazrawi expresses regret over the tattoo, which is in the form of a bracelet and crown on his arm, noting the negative reactions from those around him. He points out that many people in society tend to judge others based on appearance, and tattoos are often seen as symbols of negative experiences in a person’s life, making them socially ostracized.

He is looking for specialized centers for tattoo removal, knowing that this process requires a long time, high costs, and numerous sessions. Despite this, he is determined to remove the tattoo as soon as possible, even if the costs are high.

Similarly, Maen Nawaf, 32, went to a specialized center to remove his tattoo in Afrin, northern Aleppo, and has been undergoing laser removal sessions since last June.

Nawaf told Enab Baladi that the laser tattoo removal process requires patience and time, as one might need several sessions that extend over weeks or even months to achieve effective results.

He mentioned that each session targets breaking down the ink within the skin, noting that this process requires commitment, as there can be variations in the speed of response and results based on the tattoo’s size, intensity, and the type of ink used.

Nawaf has undergone four sessions and is expected to need up to eight additional sessions to fully remove the tattoo. His tattoo, on his chest depicting his ex-girlfriend, takes a long time to remove due to the use of Japanese ink and its large size.

Nawaf decided to remove the tattoo after realizing that it was the result of an emotional decision made without careful consideration, believing at the time that he was making a decisive step based on his feelings.

In dollars

Laser tattoo removal centers are among the common options for those who want to get rid of tattoos, offering services with modern techniques that allow effective tattoo removal while minimizing side effects.

Mahmoud Hendawi, the owner of the Aman laser center in Azaz, told Enab Baladi that the demand for tattoo removal centers is relatively low. However, many wish to remove them due to regret, but financial pressures might hold them back.

Regarding laser tattoo removal procedures, Hendawi said that they require between 5 to 8 sessions, with the number potentially varying based on the type of ink, the depth, size, and color of the tattoo.

The cost of a single session ranges from 5 to 25 US dollars, with each dollar equivalent to 33 Turkish liras, or 15,000 Syrian pounds.

He mentioned that his center provides tattoo removal services using modern technologies and equipment to ensure high-quality services and effective results for customers.

Tattooing is a form of body modification done by inserting ink or pigment into the skin with needles. It is an ancient tradition that continues today across various cultures worldwide.

Doctors and medical research centers warn of the dangers of tattoos, including potential complications and allergies. Different tattoo pigments can cause skin allergies like itching and rashes at the tattoo site, which may appear years after the tattoo was done.