Tattoo regret is a growing trend across the U.S., and North Carolina is no exception. High-profile celebrities like Pete Davidson and Miley Cyrus have opened up about their struggles with tattoos they now regret, and the increase in demand for tattoo removal services has been evident in Raleigh.
At ExcelLase, a clinic in Raleigh, Noushi Haeussler has been in the tattoo removal business for decades. In recent years, however, she’s noticed a surge in clients seeking to erase their ink. Haeussler uses state-of-the-art laser technology to remove tattoos, a process that has advanced significantly over the years.
“By applying powerful pulses of light in one trillionth of a second, we can shatter the ink particles without causing harm to the surrounding skin,” she explains. “It’s fast, efficient, and non-damaging.”
However, removing a tattoo can be a costly endeavor. Haeussler warns that the price can rival what people originally paid for their tattoos. “Whatever you paid for your tattoo, put one or 20 zeros in front of it—that’s how much you might pay to remove it,” she says.
Despite the high costs, more people are opting to erase unwanted tattoos. According to a Pew Research study, 24% of individuals with tattoos report having tattoo regret. Many of them are now booking appointments for removal, ranging from tattoos of ex-lovers to poorly chosen designs from their youth.
“I get this all the time,” Haeussler shares. “It’s how I pay my mortgage. Tattoo regret is real, and people are making the choice to fix it.”
The reasons behind tattoo removal vary widely. Some seek a more professional appearance for military service or a flight attendant job, while others want to distance themselves from a past relationship or simply outgrow their old ink. Haeussler’s advice? “Think before you ink.” But, if you do find yourself regretting that decision, she assures clients that laser removal can offer a fresh start.
“I feel like I’m the gateway to their next chapter,” she adds. “It’s my responsibility to help them move forward with no regrets.”
As the popularity of tattoos grows, so does the awareness that sometimes, a clean slate is just a laser treatment away.
Related topics: