Skip to main content

The Personal Reason I Wanted My Tattoo Gone.

By January 15, 2016April 12th, 2022Client Stories

One summer while I was still in college, I spontaneously decided to get an orchid tattoo.  There wasn’t a specific event that made me decide to get one and I wasn’t doing it because I was feeling rebellious, I just did it because I lived on my own and I thought it would look cool.

It seemed like a great idea at the time, but I wouldn’t say the anxiety of having something on my skin forever and the pain I felt when the ink-laden needle penetrated my skin over and over was worth it. I knew it was a decision I might regret, but I chose to get an orchid tattooed right above my breast because I thought I wanted it.

Turns out I was right to be doubtful but not until 20 years later.  My life had changed. I was now a banking professional and I’d just given birth to my beautiful daughter.  One day, I looked down while nursing, saw the orchid staring back at me and I was beyond over it. The orchid just wasn’t me anymore.

I wanted my orchid tattoo removed in Indianapolis, but didn’t really know where to go. The deciding factor for me came when a well-timed ‘Deal of the Day’ for tattoo removal appeared in my news feed and I acted on it.  Let me just say, my experience was not a pleasant one. I arrived at a “hair removal place” that also dabbled in tattoo removal in Indianapolis, as well.  After my first laser tattoo removal treatment, I was severely burned which resulted in discomfort and  scar tissue.  Needless to say, I did not go back for a second treatment but it did spark a desire within me to research options of opening up my own tattoo removal business. I knew there were lots of people just like me and I was confident I could make a different helping people.

I spent the next nine months researching, traveling and educating myself on the latest laser techniques.  I used my own body as a test subject.  I went to competitors to see what laser they used, what worked, and moreover what didn’t work to remove my tattoo.  I quickly learned that getting a tattoo removed is as much of an art as it is getting one.

After my exhaustive research and wide-ranging education on removal techniques, I invested in the best laser on the market and opened Skin Renew in 2013.  I partnered with a laser technician who already had over 3 years in the business (now 6).  It may sound corny but the laser we use is basically an extension of her arm.  She knows the characteristics of this laser and how it will react to the different colors of a tattoo.  From my personal tattoo removal experiences, I can tell you it’s imperative to do your homework in order to find a technician with many years of experience in exclusively removing tattoos. Like I said, tattoo removal is an art. Not every tattoo is the same; different people – and their different tattoos – react differently to the lasering process. Be cautious about who you trust your skin to.

The best part of being in this business is helping our customers. I wanted Skin Renew to have a relaxed, non-clinical feel while still maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and professionalism. Feedback from our clients suggests that we’ve achieved this and each day it’s great to be able to help people work towards their tattoo removal goals. Because treatment plans are typically every 8 weeks, we get to know our client’s lives.  We see them through weddings, pregnancies and promotions. I feel as though our clients appreciate that I’m going through the process as well and I have experienced what they’re going through. I know what it feels like to regret a tattoo; I’ve been there too.

CONTACT US 317-848-SKIN