While tattoos have historically had a place in rebellion, lately they’ve become fashionable for everyone from celebs to models to brides. From Thierry Mugler’s recent menswear show to Gisele’s famous star to Rihanna’s ever-growing collection of ink to Eva Longoria’s wedding tattoo (oops) it seems like everyone’s getting inked with abandon. And it’s a lot more socially acceptable, despite what you may think about the aesthetics.

But what happens when you decide that a) “it’s tacky” or b) “I hate that bastard” and want to get rid of it? Well, you’re in for some pain, a time commitment, a financial commitment, and absolutely no guarantee that it will be gone.

I spoke to Dr. Heidi Waldorf, the Director of Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, about the process of tattoo removal. You often hear people say flippantly, “Well, I can always get it removed.” How feasible is it—really?

“There is no magical eraser for tattooing,” she told me. Her take-away points?

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