Tattoo Removal: Why people get tattoos and then want to get rid of them

The history of tattooing is a long one, dating back to the Stone Age (12,000 BC). Studies of people who have gotten tattoos indicate that, for most people, obtaining a tattoo is a way to establish or reinforce a person's identity. Through a tattoo one can attempt to make a statement about ones individuality, group identity, machismo, sexuality, anger, frustration or boredom. When a person is young it may seem important to attempt to establish one's identity in this fashion, but by middle age this often becomes embarrassing or irrelevant. More than 50% of people regret having their tattoos.

Egyptian mummies dated to 4000BC show signs of attempted tattoo removal. It has been estimated that 16% of men have tattoos, and that 50-100,000 women get tattoos every year. Having a tattoo can often be an impediment to getting a job and people with tattoos are frequently perceived as antisocial, aggressive, immature and unable to deal well with authority.
For further discussion on tattoos see Californai Skin Laser Tattoo Removal Page
Gerald N. Bock MD
Stockton, CA
California Skin Laser Home Page