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Tattoo removal spikes as unemployed Nevadans search for jobs

By Molly Waldron

CREATED Jul. 26, 2012

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  • Nevada tops the nation in unemployment at 11.6 percent. But even in a slow economy, some businesses are booming. Video by ktnv.com

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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Nevada tops the nation in unemployment at 11.6 percent. But even in a slow economy, some businesses are booming. 

Many of the unemployed are doing whatever it takes to get a job and paying big money for tattoo removal.

22-year-old Andrian Vasquez wants to be a Marine. 

But there's one thing holding him back, a homemade tattoo he got when he was 13. Marines can't have visible tattoos while wearing their dress uniform.

Laser technician Renee Walters sees many cases like Andrian's and has removed thousands of tattoos.

"I feel bad actually. I inflict pain on every client every day," Walters said.

From eagles to roses to the dreaded "significant other" tattoo, Renee says she's seen it all.

"Ankles, necks, behind the ear." 

All visible places that many employers look down on.

"The majority of them I do get is someone changing careers, or maybe someone trying to better themselves in a career," Walters said.

Holly Dumproff recently began the tattoo removal process. The mom of two admits her dolphin belly tattoo seemed cooler when she was in her twenties.

"It didn't stay as nice as it started. It was time to go," Dumproff said. 

Removal takes several appointments.
 
"It stings, but goes quickly so it's not intolerable," Dumproff said.
 
Whether for personal or professional reasons, tattoo removal is big business.
 
"Getting tattoos is on the rise, so it only makes sense tattoo removal is on the rise as well," Plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Blake said.
 
But looking for a job doesn't mean you have to get rid of the ink completely. Many companies allow tattoos or have varying policies.