One Cincinnati doctor is helping give convicted felons a second chance at a decent life.
PicoSure Tattoo Removal Helps Ex-Felons Get a Second Chance
Dr. Jon Mendelsohn, at Advanced Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center, is using his skills as a plastic surgeon to remove unwanted tattoos on criminals. It’s a mission that he hopes will help them live better lives.
Michael Clark and Leroy Turner are two of those Mendelsohn has vowed to help.
“I got three tear drops for the three prison numbers I had,” Turner said. “I don’t want to be judged no more.”
Both men have served time behind bars. Clark was sentenced on drug charges. Turner’s criminal record began when he was 12 years old. Now 31, he’s been locked up more than he’s been free.
“Getting a job was hard. So I automatically jumped back to the streets and selling dope,” Turner said.
But Clark and Turner have more in common than the ink on their face. They both have children now and want a second chance. Their bad decisions feel like a life sentence.
“To take care of her, I have to have a job. So in order to have a job, I can’t look like this. Nobody wants to hire me,” Clark said.
“I want my self-esteem back. I want my confidence back. I want a job,” Turner said.
With the new Picosure laser, Mendelsohn is confident the men’s tattoos won’t be the thing holding them back anymore.
“We never thought we’d be doing tattoo removal, but one of the reasons is because frankly, it really didn’t work. Tattoos looked muddy, but the fact that we can finally clear them really does give people a second opportunity,” Mendelsohn said. “While we all make mistakes in life, we all hope for a second opportunity.”
After one treatment, the men already saw the tattoos fading. They should be nearly all gone after six treatments six weeks apart.
“It’s going to help me turn my life around,” Turner said. “I enjoy my freedom now. I want to be free.”
Clark and Turner have found temporary jobs and housing, thanks to Hamilton County’s re-entry program. Only 3 percent of the 1,100 people the re-entry program has helped in the last year have reoffended.
WLWT News 5 will follow up with the two once their tattoo removal treatments are complete.
Dr. Jon Mendelsohn, at Advanced Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center, is using his skills as a plastic surgeon to remove unwanted tattoos on criminals. It’s a mission that he hopes will help them live better lives.
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