Mother to get face tattoos lasered off after ’judgement’ from parents at daughter’s school
She says the Harley Quinn inspired tattoos have also impeded her ability to gain employment.
A 28-year-old mother is getting her face tattoos removed after copping “judgement” from other parents while dropping her four-year-old daughter off at school.
Lily Wright from Victoria is one of 150 people who will get their tattoos removed for free as part of a charity initiative program by laser removal company Removery.
Ms Wright told news.com.au she got her three face tattoos at age 20 when she was heavily involved in “crime and drugs”.
The main one says “rotten” across her cheek.
She said comic-book character Harley Quinn inspired the tattoo, which she now “massively regrets”.
“They hold me back especially the face ones because they are pretty unrideable,” Ms Wright said about her tattoos.
“Since becoming a mother, I’m concerned about being easily judged, for example when I pick my daughter up from school … I just want to be the best advocate I can for her.”
Ms Wright said she has also struggled to find employment since getting the face tattoo in 2016.
“The other day I had someone at the rugby ask if they should get a face tattoo, and I just said not to do the face, because I regret it,” she said.
“I’m keen to have them removed as I feel like it’s impacting my life in a negative way.
“I’m just really looking forward to the future.”
Ms Wright said her father is also happy about the removal, saying: “He has always hated it”.
She will begin her laser treatment at the end of August.
“I’m focused on getting my life on track, which will hopefully include employment within the retail or warehouse industries,” she said.
Removery’s co-founder and VP of Clinical Operations Carmen VanderHeiden Brodie said the program aims to give people their lives back “in a unique way”.
The free service was made available to 150 people globally who applied for its INK-nitiative program.
“Everyone has a different story and reason for seeking tattoo removal or fading. We strongly believe that there should never be any shame or judgment in changing a tattoo,” she said.
“We’re here to help those who have had the courage to change their lives feel confident in their new path.”