Fresno business removing tattoos for free

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- For some people, a tattoo may end up being something they regret. But a Fresno business is offering a way to help remove the past -- for free.

Christine Lucio is excited to be in the patient chair at Beautologie, because she's getting a helping hand with her own hands.

"Because I have these hideous tattoos on my hands," she said.

Lucio is one of a handful of patients receiving free tattoo removal services at Beautologie in Northeast Fresno. She's on her third laser treatment and is already seeing results. Lucio says she got the ink at 18 and is now pursuing a career as a nurse.

"The first thing they see is you walking through the door and people judge, and so having 'hell yeah' on your knuckles isn't a good first impression," said Lucio.

Beautologie Medical Group is now offering the free service in Fresno, but has helped others with its Bakersfield office. Dr. James Knoetgen says the program has helped many former gang members.

"It's difficult because they have this tattoo that identifies them as being in a gang, and many of them can't get a job because they've been in a gang. So they can't afford tattoo removal because there can be several laser treatments involved, so we offer a free clinic for them, up to about 15 treatments," said Dr. Knoetgen.

The service is open to anyone who has tattoos on their hands, face or neck, who has been affected by negative perceptions.

As for Lucio, she's seeing her past fade and her future shine even brighter.

"I think I'm going to feel really good because I'll be able to go out and work in the field as a nurse, and not have to worry," said Lucio. "That won't be in the back of my mind, like what do these people think about my tattoos."

So far, Beautologie has helped more than 100 people remove unwanted tattoos, and many of those people say it's been life changing.

Beautologie is located at 1903 E. Fir Ave. in Fresno.