DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have a relative who would like to have a tattoo removed. I have checked with the state board of licensing and was told (I am paraphrasing) that they do not require a tattoo-removal “artist” to be licensed in Maine.

I was amazed when I was told this as it seems that a person seeking the removal could develop an infection or even contract Hepatitis C, just to name a few problems, if the removal artist did not use sterilized instruments or was not schooled in the proper technique.

Could you help us find a company in Maine that does tattoo removal? By the way, I contacted several dermatologists in central and southern Maine and was told we would have to travel to Boston for this service. Thank you for all that you do for our community. — Mary, Auburn

ANSWER: Thanks to her colleague Jessica, Sun Spots can point you to three Maine options, including, most notably, a Groupon offer (www.groupon.com/deals/maine-laser-clinic-1) for the Maine Laser Clinic, 50 Park Road, Westbrook, near Portland (mainelaserclinic.com/tattoo-removal/).

If you are interested in the Groupon, don’t dally because it probably won’t last long.

One of the other options Jessica found is Your Best Skin Laser Treatment Center at 34 Center St., Suite 3, Auburn, ME 04210, 207-333-3069, yourbestskinofmaine.com.

Finally, in Portland there is the Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England (www.gr8portlandme.com/cosmetic-enhancement-center-of-new-england-portland-me/laser-tattoo-removal/p/37104).

If anyone else provides this service and wants to be listed, please email sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Sun Spots notes that these services use lasers, not a knife or needle. According to licensing information at newlooklasercollege.com, “the vast majority of states allow nonmedical people to perform laser procedures, but it’s important to have a full understanding of your state’s laws.”

It also said that while some states don’t require a doctor to actually perform laser procedures, they do supervise the technician. (The Maine Laser Clinic website does show a doctor on the staff.)

Sun Spots found this at Maine.gov: “No tattoo shall be penetrated, abraded, or treated with chemicals for the purpose of removal, except by licensed medical doctor.” Sun Spots is not sure if that applies to lasers. Perhaps that license falls under cosmetology? She will try to find out.

Meanwhile, you should certainly ask about any licensing before you sign up for the service. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For No Name looking for a non-spicy meatloaf recipe (March 14), here’s a recipe I, and my mother before me, used that’s not too spicy so little kids would like it.

“Souper” meatloaf

1 can Campbell’s vegetarian vegetable soup

1½ pounds ground beef

½ cup dry bread crumbs

½ cup chopped onion

1 tablespoon (or more to taste) Worcestershire sauce

1 egg

1 teaspoon salt

Dash of pepper

Mix all ingredients together and place in loaf pan. Bank at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1¼ hours. That’s it!

I’m looking forward to seeing what other meatloaf, stuffed pepper/cabbage recipes make their way to your most helpful column. — Virginia Labbe, South Paris

ANSWER: The variety of recipes submitted has been most interesting. Here’s another meatloaf recipe, with more still to come. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the lady who wanted a meatloaf recipe not too spicy, this is my mother’s recipe (I am 87).

Use 2 pounds not-too-lean hamburg, one medium onion in half-inch squares, about 10 soda crackers crushed by a rolling pin (put them in a bag first!), one egg, salt and pepper (not too much).

Mix all together in a bowl. Roll into a loaf. Crunch a few more crackers and roll meatloaf in crackers. Put a piece of butter or margarine in a pan at low heat. Brown meatloaf on all sides.

Add water even with the meat. After water boils, cook 45 minutes on low. After 45 minutes dump a can of Campbell’s tomato soup on the meat. Cook 15 minutes more. My in-laws think they’ve never eaten a better meatloaf, and no oven needed. — J.B.T., Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots has used a similar recipe, and it was quite tasty. Her mother liked it so much she made it again the next week.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link