At Removery, we are constantly normalizing conversations surrounding tattoo regret and the positive impact tattoo removal can have on one’s life. Regretting a tattoo isn’t something to be embarrassed of. In fact, tattoo regret and tattoo removal are becoming increasingly hot topics – everywhere.
Plenty of our laser removal specialists have removed their own ink to rebuild their confidence or make room for new tattoos, just like our 300,000+ clients worldwide.
Recently, we chatted with 3 Removery laser specialists who are currently removing their tattoos to hear more about their regrets, the incredible transformations they’re undergoing, and how the process has changed their outlook on tattoo removal.
“This now-infamous quote from the first Matrix movie has always resonated with me. Morpheus offers Neo the choice to leave his life behind in the pursuit of truth. I’ve always loved Morpheus and the existentialism of the scene. What is real? How do we see ourselves? Can we control our own destinies?”
“On the evening of July 9th, 2022, I decided that I wanted a Matrix tattoo, something especially unique: the red and blue pills in my palms, exactly like in the scene with Morpheus. I scoured the internet for anyone else who may have ever executed this idea and alas; I found none.
Wasting no time, I set off to a tattoo shop I had previously been tattooed at. I explained my idea, and to say it was well-received is an understatement.
The artist ruined the red pill; and for some reason, I allowed him to do the blue one anyway.
I can laugh at [it] now; but in that moment, I was crying and filled with so much anger and regret. This was not the experience I had previously being tattooed [there], and there was nothing to help me rectify the situation.
I spoke to the owner, and he gave me some less-than-ideal DIY tattoo removal advice. It didn’t remove the tattoo, and I feel so lucky that I didn’t scar my skin. The owner offered to fix them for free, but I never went back.
Both the experience and my palm tattoos left me incredibly self-conscious, and I started balling my hands into fists. I didn’t want to wave to my son’s teacher at school, catch fireflies, or shake hands anymore.
Like the ending of The Matrix, I was determined to find a way to free myself from these tattoos, along with the experience of getting them. In March 2023, I found a position at a new laser tattoo removal studio opening near me.
As a career salesperson, I wanted a professional change, and Removery was exactly what I needed. During the interview, I explained how much I can relate to our clients and showed the regional manager my palms. As I told the story of my tattoos, he was kind and understanding towards me. I didn’t feel judged; and that made me feel comfortable accepting the job when it was offered to me.
My coworker, Camille, has treated my palms 3 times now. The fading is already noticeable, and my self-confidence has improved significantly. When anyone walks through our doors, it’s hard for my tattoos to not come up in some way because I talk with my hands.
Prior to starting laser tattoo removal, I was so nervous and hated when people would ask about my tattoos. Now, I share the joy that my tattoos will be gone – just like our clients.
With my own tattoo removal journey, I have regained respect and confidence in myself. More importantly though, I get to help people experience those same feelings every single day.”
“All my tattoos were done in black up until 4 years ago when I decided to get a full color, Art Nouveau sleeve. I love the design; but after thinking about the colors I wear and my overall appearance, I decided the tattoo no longer represents who I am.”
“Earlier this year, I made the decision to start fading my tattoo to prepare for a cover-up. A very talented artist will be doing the cover-up when we’ve had enough fading on the current tattoo.
The fading process has surprised me a bit, because I actually like the tattoo more as it lightens. The faded look gets a lot of comments. A lot of people think it’s a sepia-toned sleeve. It’s exciting to see the orange and warmer tones fade. I wasn’t expecting that at all.
Getting laser tattoo removal myself has allowed me to better understand what clients go through at every step of the process. From the consultation, to sitting in the treatment chair. I can relate to our clients and understand exactly what they are going through.
The fading I’ve experienced so far has been accomplished with 4 treatments, completed in segments. I’m in constant contact with my artist to show them the progress, and I’m anxiously waiting for the green light to start the cover-up process!”
“Initially, I asked at a tattoo shop about pricing on the guardian angel tattoo. Instead of looking through portfolios and getting a price estimate, I was pressured into getting the tattoo done right there on the spot.”
“It was poorly done; and over the years, it has become blurrier. I asked for a silhouette of an angel; but the face is a wonky line, and the wing looks like it’s coming out of the back of her head. I take a few prescription medications due to Rheumatoid arthritis. So, my doctor had to sign off before I started tattoo removal, and I expected the process to take a little bit longer because of my autoimmune disease.
The script on my foot was well done, but I grew tired of being teased about it, so I decided to remove that too. Surprisingly, I’m getting great results! Of course, the word laugh is the slowest to fade, like it’s just there laughing at me.
My first experience with Removery was as a client. I was looking for a business near me that offered the PicoWay laser after learning about it during a Candela training seminar elsewhere.
I had such a great experience at Removery and would pass the studio daily, so I would often stop in to show the staff my progress. On one of those occasions, they told me they were hiring a sales lead. I applied immediately!
Going through the hiring process [at Removery] and seeing how much effort is put into training had a huge impact on me. Everyone involved with the company wants the very best for your skin. Being a client myself, I can relate to the whole process.”
As the World’s Tattoo Removal Experts, we are committed to providing clients with the best tattoo removal care possible – with pricing that fits any budget.
We have over 165 studios across North America and Australia, making us the largest specialized tattoo removal provider in the world. With over 2 million successful treatments and counting, we’re ready to be a part of your success story.
Book a free consultation today.
We’re on a mission to give you the most straightforward, easy and efficient laser tattoo removal experience. Your estimate will be entirely bespoke to your tattoo; the size, the colors, the ink. It won’t take long and afterwards you’ll have a plan to finally get rid of your unwanted tattoo and get back to being you.
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