Tattoo removal more common but still costly

24 as one of the models on the NBC game show ''Deal or No Deal,'' had been full of hope when she and her fiance had each other's names tattooed across their inner wrists.

But now, when she looks at the letters - P-A-T-R-I-C-K - she is reminded of the failed relationship.

For help, she turned to Dr. Tattoff, a chain of tattoo removal stores where nurses use lasers in treatments to break down tattoo pigments. Dr. Tattoff is part of a growing industry catering to people who may not have thought about the implications of ''forever'' the first time.

Removing tattoos is costly, uncomfortable and time-consuming, but the affinity for body art is so strong that some people said they do it to clear space to tattoo all over again.

Many dermatologists specialize in laser tattoo removal, and some laser hair-removal centers are adding services.