The stigma of a tattoo, especially when the tattoo is gang-related, can label a person for life. The person’s ability to fully remove themselves — physically, mentally and emotionally — from the gang is hindered as long as the tattoo(s) is still there. In addition, the person’s ability to advance themselves educationally and gain employment can be significantly hindered.

Since 2005, AestheticA Skin Health Center has provided free laser tattoo removal treatments to those referred to us by the Madison Police Department and Oakhill Correctional Institute. The referrals must have made a commitment to remove themselves from active gang activity and demonstrated this commitment to officers within the Madison Police Department or Oakhill Correctional Institute.

Gang-related and otherwise offensive tattoos are removed from areas of the body that will pose a hindrance to education and employment opportunities. These areas include the neck, face, head, chest, forearms and hands (additionally, the lower legs on girls/women.)

In exchange for the free laser treatments, participants in the program are expected to remain gang-free and provide services, as assigned by their supervising officers, to better their community.