**Influencer Catherine Ebs Begins Tattoo Removal Journey with Husband**
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In a candid display of personal transformation, Catherine Ebs, a 29-year-old influencer, along with her husband, Raphael, has embarked on a journey to remove several tattoos that both acquired during their teenage years. Ebs took to TikTok earlier this week to share their experiences with the initial stages of laser tattoo removal, a decision that she described as long overdue.

Ebs posted a video on March 10 detailing their first appointment, during which she revealed plans to have 12 of her 15 tattoos lasered off. Raphael, for his part, expressed a desire to remove both of his arm-sleeve tattoos. A specialist in the video informed Raphael that he would need to return for treatments every few weeks until the process was complete. Ebs had a particularly successful first session, with one of her finger tattoos vanishing almost entirely after just one treatment.
Reflecting on her experience, Ebs stated that the removal was “super simple” and “super easy,” admitting that she regretted not initiating the process sooner. This sentiment was echoed in her follow-up video the next day, during which she addressed a wave of critical feedback she had received regarding her decision to remove her tattoos. Many viewers had expressed disapproval, prompting her to clarify her long-held feelings about the body art.
In her remarks, Ebs elaborated on her history with tattoos, noting that she had regretted her decisions to get inked as a teenager. “When you’re in Florida, you can start getting tattoos at 16. What 16-year-old has money for a decent tattoo, right?” she reasoned, pointing out that many young people succumb to societal pressures to fit in during their formative years.
Speaking with PEOPLE about her tattoo removal process, Ebs expressed satisfaction with the outcome while still being somewhat taken aback by the mixed reactions to her initial video. “Ultimately, I wanted to share my process because I’ve seen ‘before and after’ photos, but no one really takes you along for the entire journey,” she explained. Ebs was keen on providing a real-time account to help others contemplating similar decisions.
Ebs also mentioned that one of the reasons it took her so long to commit to the removal was the lack of informative content available that showcased the emotional and physical aspects of the process. She remarked, “I thought the pain would be unbearable. Granted, it’s not comfortable, but neither is looking at tattoos every day that I don’t like.” Her intention was to demystify the treatment for others who may share similar concerns.
In addressing the shared experiences she and her husband had, Ebs highlighted that Raphael is in a similar position. Despite retaining some of his tattoos, he plans to laser off those that he feels are subpar. “He grew up in Florida, and the football team was getting tattoos,” Ebs said, elaborating on how societal influences and youthful impulsiveness often lead young people to make decisions they later question.
Raphael’s tattoo journey involved acquiring numerous pieces in less-than-professional settings, especially during his youth. Although he has since invested in higher-quality artwork, Ebs noted that he still feels the need to completely remove his earlier tattoos to avoid any visual dissonance. “If you remove the older ones that aren’t done properly, you kind of have to remove all of it. So he was like, ‘At this point, I’m just gonna take off my arms,'” Ebs explained.
Despite facing some criticism, Ebs remains positive about their decision, viewing it as a personal evolution rather than an admission of regret. The couple’s journey is indicative of a growing trend among young adults taking a second look at their body art choices, especially in light of the popularity of social media platforms that allow for broader discussion on topics such as body modification and personal identity.
As the Ebs couple moves forward with their tattoo removal, their story highlights the importance of sharing personal journeys, be it for support or education. Their intention to document and share their experiences serves as a reminder that what may be fashionable in youth can often change, leading to a deeper understanding of one’s self as time progresses.
