The Emotional Benefits of Tattoo Removal

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When I was offered the opportunity to train up a laser tattoo removal technician, I

felt pretty excited about the opportunity. Having spent over 12 years working in

mental health and learning disability focused work, it initially felt like a bit of a

strange trajectory for my career path. The biggest appeal for me at first was the

opportunity to spend an extra day off with my wife, Leah, in Mt. Moon rather than

lie on my backside at home whilst she went out to work. But then the more I

learned about the process, the more fascinated I became with how it all worked.

Keen to get started, I put my name out there and started meeting people and I’ve

learned so much more from meeting people since then than I did in my laser

training!

I have learned that many people get tattoos in their youth or during challenging

times. Over the years, they come to regret those tattoos, especially if they no

longer reflect who they are or if the tattoos are associated with negative memories

(e.g., past relationships, mistakes, or traumatic events). Removing tattoos can

empower people to take control over their bodies, allowing them to redefine their

identities and make decisions that actually reflect their current self. It's about

reclaiming their appearance and shedding any lingering negative associations. The

process of removal can represent a form of closure or an emotional "reset" for

them.

Some tattoos can make people feel self-conscious and that in turn can significantly

impact their confidence. Once we start work getting it removed, they feel more at

ease with their body and appearance, especially if it’s in a prominent place. I have

had customers that have been through significant trauma and their tattoos serve as

a reminder of that trauma. That could be an abusive relationship, or it could just be

a reminder of someone or something that they can no longer bear the thought of

having on their body. Of course, some of us just have tattoos that are no longer our

style, or we just don’t like certain technical aspects of them and it doesn’t run that

deep, but for others there is a much bigger significance on the removal process.

When we are younger, we are given the wonderful freedom that money can offer

and getting a tattoo can be a long sought out act of rebellion against the disciplines

of schooltime and family life. As we then grow, even a few years, our brains finish

developing and we recognise things in context a little more. We’re able to

understand the bigger picture more and we discover more about ourselves and who

we are. This means that things we were so sure about a few years ago have

changed. As young people, it is impossible for us to foresee things any differently.

This can lead to tattoo regret. Holding onto regret can weigh heavily on someone’s

mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, or even shame. Tattoo removal can be a

step toward letting go of these feelings, offering an opportunity for healing.

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Tattoo removal is a form of self-care because it involves taking active steps to

improve your well-being and make choices that allow positive emotional growth. It’s

not just about appearance but about prioritising mental and emotional health. So I

have been learning that the connection to mental health (and my previous work up

until this point) was more closely linked than I initially thought.

The process of tattoo removal can be physically and emotionally healing. As tattoos

fade and the skin regenerates, people feel a sense of renewal. Not just in terms of

their appearance, but also their emotional state. Tattoo removal allows people to

get a clean slate, not just in terms of the area we’re treating, but it helps you to

feel more mentally like the person you are trying to become in the world, leaving

the past behind.

So I have come to know that tattoo removal isn't just a cosmetic procedure but can

be a deeply personal and emotional process. It allows customers to let go of the

past, feel more at ease in their own skin, and embrace the future with newfound

confidence. Helping people reclaim their narratives and feel good about themselves.

Andy - Lunar Laser Clinic