They can be removed effectively, I have a guy working for me started 10 years ago, gang member facial tats, who's now has a low level management role in the logistics side of the business. He started with more tats than Lee and now his face and head tats are gone, kid has turned his life around to the best of his ability, doesn't drink do drugs just works and goes fishing. Cannot be happier for the guy. For Lee at 48 he can lose the tats hopefully he can move on in life as well and find the happiness and direction that has seemed to elude him post bodybuilding. unfortunately it won't set you up for life.