A growing number of South Florida residents are paying to have their tattoos removed, according to a nurse practitioner at Ink Rewind Tattoo Removal in Coral Gables. Lilian Ascunce said the clinic sees 30 to 40 clients a week.
Common reasons include an ex’s name, an anniversary, a poorly done tattoo or an old design that no longer fits the person wearing it. One client, Lucette Larosa, is working to remove a finger tattoo bearing the name of her ex-fiance. Ballet teacher Loliette Ribot, who got her tattoos at 20, is also in treatment for ink on her shoulder, arm and fingers.
Ascunce uses a PicoWay laser. She said the operator’s experience matters as much as the equipment. Under Florida law, a class 4 laser for tattoo removal must be run by a nurse practitioner, physician assistant or doctor. Ascunce warned that an inexperienced operator can cause permanent scarring. One client came to Ink Rewind after a removal attempt by a technician in Colombia left significant scarring on her arm.
Removal takes several sessions spaced weeks apart, so it usually takes far longer than getting the tattoo did. Ink Rewind offers unlimited sessions for a flat fee. Ascunce said removing even a small tattoo averages $1,200 to $1,500 at other locations, and she advises patients to check a provider’s credentials and experience before booking.
