Tattoo Removal Program Offers Fresh Starts for Justice-Impacted Individuals

The Clean Slate tattoo removal clinic in San Diego is making a significant impact on the lives of justice-impacted individuals by helping them erase gang and prison tattoos. Launched in 2016, the clinic serves adults over 18 with a history of incarceration, providing services that are crucial for improving employability and reducing stigma. Currently, the clinic operates with just one laser, limiting its capacity to treat clients, which has resulted in a waiting list of around 30 people. Despite these challenges, the program is unique as it also serves as a training ground for dermatology residents and medical students, fostering a deeper understanding of the issues faced by their clients. Surveys indicate that participants experience improvements in confidence and self-image as they undergo the removal process.

Key Details: • Clean Slate clinic operates once a month on Saturdays for clients with histories of incarceration. • The clinic currently has a waiting list of about 30 clients and operates with only one laser. • Adding another laser would cost approximately $200,000, which is currently unfunded. • Each session includes supervision from faculty dermatologists and involvement from medical students.