ASLMS is proud to announce a partnership with CeraVe to expand the reach of the New Beginnings Tattoo Removal Program.
Wausau, WI (March 17, 2025)—The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Inc. (ASLMS) launched the New Beginnings program in 2014 to offer pro bono removal of radiation tattoos to cancer survivors. In 2022, under the presidency of Paul M. Friedman, MD, the program expanded to include free branding tattoo removal for survivors of sex trafficking.
“Branding tattoos can serve as a painful reminder of past abuse for human trafficking survivors,” said Dr. Friedman. “The removal of these tattoos aids in their physical, emotional, and psychological recovery, allowing survivors to start a path to a new restorative life.”
Now, ASLMS is proud to announce a partnership with CeraVe to expand the reach of this important program. "The partnership between ASLMS New Beginnings and CeraVe is a powerful collaboration in support of survivors of sex trafficking,” said Dr. Friedman.
Thomas Allison, Senior Vice President and Medical Director of L’Oreal commented, “The CeraVe Brand is honored to play a part in helping support survivors of sex trafficking. Our partnership with the New Beginnings program will help the ASLMS spread the word to more providers and drive awareness to the communities impacted, helping CeraVe achieve the mission of providing dermatological care for all.”
Through this partnership, the CeraVe Fresh Start Scholarship Fund was created. “Providers can apply for funding to offset some of the operational costs of providing pro bono tattoo removal, thereby increasing survivors' access to both branding tattoo removal treatment and high-quality post-care skincare. This partnership will significantly expand access for this vulnerable population,” Dr. Friedman explained.
The New Beginnings Branding Tattoo Removal Directory has over 100 ASLMS members who have already volunteered to remove these branding tattoos pro bono. To get involved in changing lives with lasers, join ASLMS and volunteer today! Learn more at aslms.org/new-beginnings-branding-tattoo.
This pro bono service is open to all survivors of sex trafficking with branding tattoos. Patients must have completed or be actively participating in a rehabilitation program or recovery support group. They are required to provide documentation from their case manager stating they qualify for the program and are in a safe and appropriate state of recovery to undergo tattoo removal.