Regret your tattoo? You’re not alone, survey shows
An ex’s name. A misspelled message. A random reptile on an ankle, just because.
Getting a tattoo is a big decision, but so is removing one.
A survey of 1,502 Canadians conducted by The Ink Chronicles for Tony Tonez Tattoo Studio found that more than half (51 per cent) of tattooed respondents felt there was not enough information on tattoo removal, with many of them looking at alternative options to hide or cover up their past mistakes.
As someone who has four tattoos — two I love, two I loathe — the idea of laser removal was something I contemplated longer than when I thought about getting my first tatt.
“Research is always needed before getting a tattoo,” said Tony Tonez, the founder and lead artist at Tony Tonez Tattoo Studio. “This isn’t an easy decision. It requires time and dedication, as it’s a lifelong commitment.”
I’m old now, but at the time I was an 18-year-old idiot eager to impress no one in particular. I just wanted to be that girl who felt like a grown-up.
I knew what I wanted: A heart with the stem of a rose puncturing it. What a rebel.
It might seem like I had my heart broken when I came up with the concept, but, no, that would come later — and that’s for another story.
I didn’t think long term and I didn’t think about the art itself or where on my body I thought would be best to put it. The chest area seemed ideal; I figured it could be hidden under clothing.
After the tattooing was done (at a shop I didn’t research because Google wasn’t yet a thing, but I take small comfort knowing the place still exists), I actually liked it. Heck, I liked it enough to get three more.
But on days when I wanted to have an extra shirt button undone or put on a V-neck, I hid it.
As the years went by, I realized I hated it. But after four painful laser removal sessions, another realization hit: I no longer wanted to suffer through that agony.
My tattoo is small, about the size of two toonies side by side, so the appointments didn’t last long. But those few minutes felt like an eternity after having what I can only describe as bacon fat splattering the spot where the tattoo was, while someone flicks a rubber band against it repeatedly.
Those surveyed by The Ink Chronicles admitted to still having concerns about the permanent removal of a tattoo with 34 per cent feeling there were too many health risks associated with it.
Another 25 per cent said the pain associated with laser tattoo removal had them steering clear of the procedure, so much so that 71 per cent of people with regretful ink would rather work on covering it up that getting rid of it altogether.
I admit, I have a pretty high threshold for pain, but the removal sessions felt worse to me than childbirth.
“Tattoo removal has come a long way with regard to scarring or discolouration, but people need to ensure they are having the procedure done by a licensed artist who has all the certifications,” Tonez added.
For my second inky mistake, I opted to have it reworked from a salamander (I don’t know why!) to arrows and my zodiac sign (more me).
But I’m still left with a faint reminder of my first tattoo. The purple flower is now closer to my skin colour and the red of the heart is still apparent, just less vivid. But it’ll do.
I’ll just leave the V-necks to Simon Cowell and Jude Law.