Of the estimated 10 million Americans who have a tattoo, more than 50 percent regret having gotten it and want it removed, according to tattoohealth.org.

But tattoos are more expensive to remove than to add, said Omaha dermatologist Christopher Huerter. Multiple, costly treatments are required for removal, and the patient may experience pain and scarring.

"Some people hate their tattoos so much, they don't care about the scars," said Huerter, chief of Creighton's Department of Dermatology.

Lasers are the most common method of removing tattoos. Some lasers result in minimal or no scarring, but require multiple treatments and are more expensive than other options.

Small tattoos may not require a laser, as they can be cut out and the skin sewn together, Huerter said.

There are many reasons for tattoo removal. Perhaps the girlfriend whose name is tattooed on your arm is now an ex-girlfriend. Or the tattoo no longer fits your lifestyle.

"Some tattoos are gang-related, and there's a stigma attached," Huerter said.

Gang tattoos have an interesting historical connection with biblical times, said Rabbi Jonathan Gross of Beth Israel Synagogue. In ancient times, having tattoos meant you were part of a pagan cult of idol worshippers. "According to many early Jewish authorities, that was exactly the reason for the biblical prohibition in Leviticus 28:19," he said.

Job hunting is another motivation for tattoo removal. How tattoos are viewed depends on the company's nature, said Laurie Pieper, director of human resources for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

At Nebraska Furniture Mart, employees can have tattoos, but they must be covered up.

"Our policy is no visible tattoos if you work in a customer contact area," said Heather Hollis, compensation analyst. "And no tattoos that are offensive, derogatory or profane are allowed for anyone."

The Nebraska State Patrol rejects job candidates who have visible tattoos.

Other law enforcement agencies and the military also have policies about tattoos, according to a Dec. 27 World-Herald article in which Nebraska State Patrol Commander Col. David Sankey told The World-Herald: "If you're thinking about getting a tattoo, think about where you're going to put it. You could be making a career decision."

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