'We’re Erasing a Lot of Tramp Stamps Right Now'

Carmen Vanderheiden started out with laser hair removal business, and was surprised by people’s reactions when she tried to cover up their tattoos.

“About 80 percent of people were like ‘please, hit it. I want it gone,’” she said. “I said, ‘note to self.’”

That was the inspiration behind , a tattoo removal business she recently opened on Newbury Street. Tat-Away is one of the few places that uses a laser machine with fast, pulsing wavelengths that just hit the tattoo, rather than penetrating the skin and causing blisters.

And while removing a tattoo is normally about as painful as getting one, Vanderheiden also uses heavy anti-numbing creams and a special, expensive device she calls “The Zimmer,” which freezes the skin before and during the process.

“Are you going to be comfortable? No.” she said. “But this is the most comfortable your going to be.”

The laser process breaks up the ink, which speeds up the rate at which it’s absorbed by the body and fades.

“The worst part about tattoo removal is I can’t tell how many times it’s going to take someone,” she said.

Technical information aside, being in the tattoo removal business is also a surprisingly emotional job. Venderheiden hears tons of stories about people’s past, and has even formed close friendships with many of her clients. We sat down with her to find out more.

What kind of people are getting their tattoos removed these days?

“It’s been really interesting. The demographic is all over the board. I’ve had a young girl graduating with a masters, and I’ve had a guy stop by in his 60’s and he was just sick of it.” 

Any specific areas?

“We’re erasing a lot of tramp stamps right now. And a lot of guys with one around their abdomens. Those are the two hot spots.”

Is it a sort of ‘I did this as a teenager and now regret it’ thing?

“An overwhelming amount of people come in and say ‘I got this when I was 18’ and it is sort of that knee-jerk decision that I’m erasing. But it’s also very emotional. A lot of times it happens when their 18, maybe in a troubled time, and they’ve grown up and aren’t in that troubled time anymore. And it’s just sort of a reminder.”

So they get into it when they talk to you?

Usually you get the whole story behind the tattoo and why they want it removed. It’s almost relieving them of the guilt. In a way it’s a relief. One woman was getting married soon and she started crying. She said ‘this was a very dark time in my life and I’ve worn sleeves for 20 years now.’ Other people wear jewelry. They’re always trying to find a way to cover it.”

It sounds very therapeutic in a way.

“They’re with me probably at least a year. I come into their lives when they’re at a change, like getting married, so it’s a very pivotal point in their life. Some of my best friends have started as clients.”

Do you work with any tattoo parlors?

“Yes, they refer people all the time. A lot of times what I do is two or three session to reduce that tattoo just enough so they can put another one over it.”

Do you yourself have any tattoos?

“I do. I like it very much and I would consider getting more if I could figure out what I want. Some of the work out there is beautiful.”

What do you have?

“I have Viking ruins on my ankle. It means spirituality, wholeness and individuality. My daughters all have the same one.”

Prices range from $99/session for a 1-3 inch tattoo, to $500 for a large 20-inch tattoo. Most people, by the way, overestimate the size of their tattoo, and are pleasantly surprised by a cheaper-than-expected quote, Vanderheiden said.

Do you have any tattoos you want removed? Or been through the process? Let us know in the comments!