Must have hurt like crazy

Medically best perhaps. One possible reason is chronic ingrown toenails. My dad and uncle had theirs done for that reason.

Well that's one thing. Idk why you'd get it tattooed though.

But the way she said it makes it sound like she got them removed in order to get tattooed

Nah. My uncle actually still had a bit left right in the middle but it hasnt grown at all in the years since he had them done.