How to beat tattoo blues

Charlie Sheen is not alone. The charm of a tattoo has faded for many trendy types here, too Charlie Sheen has recently had some of his 13 tattoos removed. A happily married new dad, Sheen insists he no longer has any connection to the tattooed image and the days when he was a party animal with many lovers. Earlier, hot babe Pamela Anderson had her ex-husband, Tommy Lee's name tattooed around her left ring finger.When they divorced, she had the 'T' replaced with 'M' so it now reads 'Mommy.' Tattoos may be trendy, but the messages and memories associated with them can sometimes becomes as painful as getting them in the first place. And removal seems to be the only way out. A Bangalore model now based in London had to get a tattoo bearing the name of her ex-husband removed. An artist here had her boyfriend's name and face tattooed on her chest and breast and got them removed when they split up. Dermatologist Dr SC Rajendran has seen an increasing number of people coming to him to get their tattoos lasered out. "They may not find them cosmetically very appealing or acceptable to society after awhile. For instance, youngsters get them removed when they have to go for a visa interview." Then there are those who've got it done in the josh of the moment and regret it later, he says. Breaking up or marrying someone else can lead to bitter embarrassment and even depression for young people. "In such situation both they and their families want to get rid of any tattoos that remind them of their past love," he says. Getting a tattoo removed can be a painful emotional experience, albeit cathartic for some. Sometimes, the tattoo may change colour and turn blue. "There are some who simply get fed up of their old tattoos and want new ones done," says tattooist S Vishwanathan. Getting a large tattoo removed can be rather expensive (upto Rs 10,000) and you may need to go in for 3-4 sittings. sangeeta_cavale@indiatimes.com