Erasing the ink proves costly and painful

17 percent of tattooed Americans say they regret getting body art

June 17, 2012 at 5:16 a.m. | Updated June 17, 2012 at 5:16 a.m.

Dr. Matthew Concannon uses the surgical tattoo removal method at his practice. Surgical tattoo removal leaves the skin scarred, but it takes less time and is less expensive than using a laser.
Dr. Matthew Concannon uses the surgical tattoo removal method at his practice. Surgical tattoo removal leaves the skin scarred, but it takes less time and is less expensive than using a laser.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, approximately 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo. A 2003 Harris Interactive Poll found that 17 percent of tattooed Americans regretted it.

"Every age and every type of person comes through the door for tattoo removal," said Sara Haslag, RN, MSN, CPNP at DeSpain Cayce Dermatology and Medical Spa. "I get lots of calls every week for consultations."

Haslag said she has done more than 100 tattoo removal services in the past 18 months. Another request she receives is to fade tattoos, but not completely remove them.

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