Personally, I got my tattoo when I was about 43. I don't consider it disfiguring. It's a true work of art. I thought about it for 18 years. It's a memorial piece for my daughter Autumn.
You really ought to think "before you speak." Every tattoo tells a story. Though I will admit there are some "stories" I look at and have to scratch my head about. While my tattoo may not tell the story in a very clear way to those that don't know the story behind it, it's beautiful without knowing the story. I frequently receive compliments from complete strangers wherever I go - grocery store, events, etc.