A 24-year-old man in China, known only as Mr. A, is facing significant challenges in his quest for employment due to a skull tattoo he inked on his face six years ago. The tattoo, which covers much of his face, including dark holes around his eyes, a mouthful of teeth, and a brain pattern on his shaved head, was meant to represent a form of rebellion during his youth. However, it has since become a source of regret and hardship.
In an interview, Mr. A described his struggles over the past six years, stating that the tattoo has made it nearly impossible for him to find stable work. “The past six years have been very difficult for me and my family,” he said. “I couldn’t find a job, was often insulted by netizens when doing live broadcasts, and it was really difficult to use Face ID on my phone. It was embarrassing.”
The tattoo, which was initially a symbol of personal expression, has also caused complications with official documentation, including difficulties updating his identification papers. Faced with mounting obstacles, Mr. A decided in October to begin the painful process of tattoo removal, starting with one of his arms. While the laser procedure was uncomfortable, it was manageable. However, removing the face tattoo has proven to be far more challenging.
According to the laser removal technician handling Mr. A’s case, the procedure is one of the most difficult the clinic has encountered. “Ordinary tattoos can usually be removed in three or four sessions, but his tattoo is dark and covers a large area, particularly around the eyes and tear ducts,” the technician explained to Morning Star News. Because the skin around the eyes is especially sensitive, a low-intensity laser is used, but even this comes with significant pain and risks.
After the first session of facial tattoo removal, Mr. A reported intense pain that affected his heart, forcing him to take a break from the treatment. Despite the setbacks, he remains hopeful that after four or five more sessions, he will be able to return to a more normal life.
Mr. A’s story has gained widespread attention on Chinese social media, sparking a divide among users. Some have praised his courage to share his experience and make efforts to reverse what he now sees as a poor decision, while others view his story as a cautionary tale for young people considering similar tattoos.
As Mr. A continues his journey of self-correction, his case raises important questions about the permanence of body art and the social and professional challenges that can arise from extreme forms of self-expression.
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