When getting a tattoo, most have some significance behind them. The ink may be symbolic, like a birth date of a loved one, or a beautiful piece of artwork. Many current students have tattoos for various reasons and plan to get more.

But, on some occasions, tattoos have to be permanently removed. Most people never consider what the process is like to have these ‘permanent’ marks removed.  The tattoo removal process can be extremely painful, as well as overwhelmingly expensive.

For Brenda Taylor, a former Tunstall alumni and teacher, it has been just that.

Taylor graduated in 1994 then worked at THS as a math teacher for 7 years.

Now, Taylor is the Director of Athletic Operations for Averett University. She has been in the process of removing two large tattoos from both of her wrists due to tattoos not being allowed within administration.

“In my original position at Averett, as a head coach, tattoos were permitted,” said Taylor. “I am now in administration and it is frowned upon, so I have to wear long sleeves 100% of the time in 100 degree weather at football games.”

With eight tattoos in total, only two of Taylor’s are visible.

“My left wrist was originally my children’s names made into the shapes of flowers with stems and leaves, but I had them covered up because I was unhappy with how they had evolved,” said Taylor. “The other wrist was of a sunrise at the beach, which I got to help calm me in stressful times to remember times at the coast.”

Her tattoos originally cost around $500, and to remove them has cost Taylor more than $5,000.

She has had 14 laser removal treatments on each arm and still has about four left to complete the removal. The age, the quality, and depth of the tattoo all play a part into how many treatments each removal will take.

“The laser process is extremely painful and about ten times as painful as getting the tattoo itself.  I am left with blisters that cover the whole tattoo that stay for about a week after each treatment, said Taylor.

The removal of her tattoos has been very stressful because of the amount of time it is taking. She has treatment every six weeks so she has time to heal between sessions.

“I have to take the day off of work as a sick day because of the pain that it causes for the remainder of the day,” said Taylor. “I have to travel to Raleigh for treatment because no one local is certified with the most up to date lasers.”

Overall, Taylor wants to let people know how expensive and painful tattoo removal is and to urge students to think about the consequences of getting a tattoo. She does not want anyone else to have an experience like hers.

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