“ laser tattoo removal on arm... waiting to see results”
Tattoo removal: Worth it
Pain: Severe
I have had three sessions of laser tattoo removal with absolutely no change in the appearance of the tattoo. The procedure is expensive and painful. I have several tattoos I would like to remove but I decided to treat one area first to try it out. I chose to address a large tattoo on my left arm. I was quoted $800 per session and to expect 8-12 sessions to achieve my desired result. We agreed to start with the lower portin of the tattoo for $150 to be treated every 6-8 weeks.
At my first visit, I was not offered any pain relief. I left there thinking, maybe my tattoo isn't that bad after all..lol. The pain was 3x worse then getting the tattoo. I called the office and learned that they could use a cooling method during my next treatment to ease the pain. It didnt help much. I was very unhappy and ready to give up. However, I continued another session without change in the tattoo. Laser tattoo removal burns and feels like an intense and constant rubberband snapping at you. It stings for a few days thereafter. I bled during treatment. You must coat the wound with Aquaphor and cover it with gauzeto protect the area. Avoiding sunlight to the treated area is important.
I am disappointed to not see any fading but I expect this to be a long process. I learned recently that I can have lidocaine shots with tattoo removal at a cosmetic surgeons office in my area. I was SHOCKED to hear the price difference quoted. I was told $300 per session for the same large tattoo on my arm as well as two smaller ones and this includes the lidocaine shots. This is 3 tattoos removed for a fraction of what the last place quoted me for one. Also, this office uses better lasers. I am excited that now laser tattoo removal affordable and realistic for me.
I begin this week and I will update this review and post pictures. I HOPE to have good results. So far my experience has not been good but its too early determine how effective it is. I am committing to at least 12 treatments.
Updated on Aug 26, 2009:
Updated on Sep 14, 2009:
I have had a great result from my first session of laser tattoo removal with the switch yag laser. The entire tattoo on my shoulder has lightened in one treatment and many areas have faded dramatically. I am excited to finally see results. The second tattoo lightened slightly. The wounds are still healing. I have gone from oozing and bleeding to now just a deep itching and stinging sensation. I am hopeful!
Aug 24, 2009Comments and replies (4)
5 posts
19 Sep 2009
im getting a huge tattoo removed off my arm too, i just had my first session done and its been about 6 days and its peeling and red, im affraid im not seeing results when did yours start fading? did it take 3 weeks for it to slowly take the ink out? -thanks-
5 posts
23 Sep 2009
thank u so much, mine looks so nasty now its almost been a week and 1 day, its oozing and peeling and dry! i hope you continue to see results and update :-) thank u for replying =]
1 post
25 Sep 2009
I've had 3 laser treatments on a tattoo on my shoulder. It is all black just like yours. I had 2 treatments w/ one laser that I didn't really see results with. It seemed like the dermatologist wanted to give up on me. He actually told me that I should wait for the next generation of lasers to come out. But I told him that I wanted to continue since I had only had 1 treatment at the time, so he gave me another w/ the same laser. Still no change. Then I went for my 3rd treatment and saw a different dermatologist and she used a different laser on me. I think It seems like this new laser is fading it more. The new laser that was used on me hurt less during the procedure but after the treatment was done, it felt like my shoulder was on fire, literally. Apparently the new laser used on me penetrates deeper into the skin. I go in for my 4th session in a few weeks so I've actually had only 1 session with the laser I saw results with and the fading of my tat looks a lot like your picture. Once my skin heals, I use a fade cream on it and a plastic wrap. I think I see additional fading but it might my eyes playing tricks on me. I can't wait for this tat to be gone. I anticipate it taking a while thought...Hope to see good results for you :)