POSTED UNDER Tattoo Removal Reviews
Brand New Tattoo Regret - Denver, CO
UPDATED FROM ap1191
Another question for you guys - scarring from the actual tattoo?
ap1191April 23, 2014
Hey guys. Quick question. It's now been a little over 6 weeks since I got this tattoo, so I am technically able to start removal. I am still waiting though to make sure I am 100% sure I'm ready to go through this very long and expensive process (mentally ready, financially ready..and prepared to deal with the whole "unknown" part of this tattoo removal business). So the wait continues. I also feel like at least getting started with the Picosure/Medlite combo would be my best bet due to the purple, greens, and light blue in my tattoo and there isn't a Pico where I live yet. There is one where my family lives in Texas..so I may be able to swing getting treatments during visits.
Anyway...my question for you guys is about scarring from the actual tattoo. I noticed tonight that on certain parts of my tattoo, the outline feels raised. I'm wondering if this is scarring and if it is, how does scarring from the tattoo affect removal? If anyone has any insight on this, I'd appreciate it!
Anyway...my question for you guys is about scarring from the actual tattoo. I noticed tonight that on certain parts of my tattoo, the outline feels raised. I'm wondering if this is scarring and if it is, how does scarring from the tattoo affect removal? If anyone has any insight on this, I'd appreciate it!
Replies (4)
April 24, 2014
Hi, I just read your update about scarring. I thought for a long time that my tattoo was scarred, because it is VERY raised, and still VERY raised and has the texture of a scar. I still do think that it is scarring, despite having two dermatologists tell me that it isn't. Sometimes the raised outline can be because it is black ink (I don't know, is it?) which is said to be raised anyway. Or he just went over it a couple of times to make sure the outline looks good (so it can be raised because there is more ink in there). Or it is scarring. I think a good way to tell is this: inspect your other scars (you may have had some surgery somewhere, etc.) and you'll notice that around the raised bit, it is red and puffy, or used to be. If you have photos of a couple of days after your tattoo was done, can you see any redness or puffiness around this outline? I know that sounds a bit obscure, but it's one way that you can check if your tattoo is scarred or not. Also, get an opinion from a dermatologist. Or two. Or three. Now, to answer your question about what it means for tattoo removal - the ink is harder to remove in scarred places as the scar tissue blocks a lot of the laser and the ink is down quite deep. But I'm sure it can be done ...
May 7, 2014
I am right here with you. I did research, went to a reputable artist & he added in so much green that it looks horrible! I'm depressed, sick to my stomach & am freaking out. My tattoo is also on my back & is bigger than yours (which I do think yours is pretty)... I'm just having to wait 6-8 weeks for it to heal so I can start getting it removed.
May 8, 2014
Hi Mancubmama! I'm so so sorry you are feeling this way and have found yourself in this situation, too. I can tell you, the feeling does get better...especially with the help of all of the wonderful people on this forum! I seriously felt like I had fallen into a deep depression that I wouldn't get out of until I got this thing off of me. I couldn't eat, pay attention to anything or anyone else, and pretty much just didn't even want to get out of bed. I am still not all that happy with my tattoo, and am still considering removal options, but I have found a way to be happy and move on with my life as much as possible in the meantime. I also don't want to let this thing get in the way of some other things going on in my life right now - I feel like I will end up beginning treatments at some point but I don't know if right this moment is great timing. So we'll see! Trying to remain positive and keeping yourself busy with what is really important in life is the key to getting through this, I think. Before and during the removal process! One thing I also did that really helped me personally, was during the waiting time before I could even begin removal because the tattoo was so fresh, I went to as many consultations as possible. It really helped me to feel like I was being proactive, getting as educated as possible, and I got a feel for the people in my area who do removal ....because there are a lot of uneducated techs out there and having time to think about who might be working on you with lasers and how their knowledge and experience compares to other people in the area is HUGE, in my opinion.
Please stay in touch and don't hesitate to message me if you ever need to talk. It really helps so much. I'm always here for you!
UPDATED FROM ap1191
Ooops...other picture didn't upload
ap1191April 8, 2014
Here is the one that I took this morning
Replies (2)
April 8, 2014
Hey! Seems like you tattoo is reacting good on removal. If you ask me what would I do, I would go for removal as I think sooner or later you will come to this decision anyway. That's why I am removing mine. Whatever you decide to leave it or start removing it is a long way in one case accepting and in another waiting. Whatever you decide will be a brave decision! Really! Good luck to you!
April 9, 2014
THanks, Marisska! I agree with you...I guess I'm just scared of starting this and then having to end up getting a cover up if it won't go away. A faint hint of the old tattoo would be fine with me. So I just want to be 100% ok with my decision before I start. I'm glad you are on your way though and staying so positive. That will help you a lot throughout this whole thing :)
April 9, 2014
Thank you! :) I do have my ups and downs, but time is flying and it is getting better and easier and I kind of accept the situation! :) Life is amazing and this is what really matters! Positive attitute will take you far far away :)
April 19, 2014
Hey there! Welcome to this awesome community! I understand those feelings of not knowing where you belong, or where you fit in. I'm 32 years old, and still don't know exactly who I am. I love tattoos, and I want to have them. On the other hand, I just want clean ink-free skin. Feeling lost is so hard. I like being tattooed, but I worry about the judgement coming from others. So, it's a hard situation. I hope you come to a decision that you are completely happy with. I love your tattoo! In fact, my first one that turned into a cover was a compass with flowers! It was just executed horribly. I say try to look into Picosure, it may work wonders for you. I've been doing it for a while now, but haven't had much success unfortunately. I've seen others here that are using Pico, and have had incredible fading. I do hear that red is hard to remove, but with other lasers being used, I think it's pretty achievable! Good luck dear, and keep us updated!
April 21, 2014
Thanks so much for this comment :) It's so tough isn't it!? I feel like I go back and forth every day. I still love tattoos on other people. I see them and think "wow that looks so great" but when it comes to this one on me, even though it is beautiful and very well done, it just feels like it doesn't belong on me. I get really sad on warm days when everyone is out and about and and tank tops and I see bare backs everywhere. I want mine back :( But I'm also so scared to start this process and possibly end up having to get a cover up (although seeing everyones progress on this site gives me hope). And, yes, I would at least like to start with the Picosure to really blast the purple and greens and the light blue in the center, and there isn't one near me right now so I don't know if I want to start yet with the lasers that are available. Still mulling things over.
It looks like you have had some really great fading. I'm sure this whole thing is wearing on you after going through it for quite a while now, but you're doing great! I saw your recent update that said you are thinking full removal now?
UPDATED FROM ap1191
Any thoughts on oxidation, guys?
ap1191April 8, 2014
Hi everyone! So it's been a little over a week since I had the test spots done on two of my tattoos. Originally I saw fading of the script on my shoulder immediately, but it kind of seems to not be doing anything now :( . The leaf she tested on my back didn't get red or blister at all, but now it has been peeling a bit and seems to have had quite a bit of fading actually. The picture I took this morning doesn't even show the amount of fading compared to the rest of the tattoo. I'm wondering about the color of the leaf now and if it might be oxidation happening. The color in the bottle was kind of yellowish-greenish-brownish color and after having the laser the brownish tint seems more noticeable compared to the same color in leafs that haven't be touched with the laser. I don't know if this is just the actual color showing now that the shading has disappeared or if it is oxidation. Have any of you experienced oxidation with a color, and if so, have you seen it continue to fade with treatments.
Pretty much everyone I've talked to has said if it oxidizes it can still be treated..they would just use the wavelength for black or brown. But one place I went to terrified me by saying they wouldn't suggest treating this color because if it oxidizes they can't do anything to get rid of it (they compared it to flesh tones in cosmetic makeup...they said the same with the purple in my flowers and compared it to cosmetic lipliner).
Any input you guys have would be soooo appreciated :) Thanks!
Pretty much everyone I've talked to has said if it oxidizes it can still be treated..they would just use the wavelength for black or brown. But one place I went to terrified me by saying they wouldn't suggest treating this color because if it oxidizes they can't do anything to get rid of it (they compared it to flesh tones in cosmetic makeup...they said the same with the purple in my flowers and compared it to cosmetic lipliner).
Any input you guys have would be soooo appreciated :) Thanks!
With regard to removal of a raised tattoo, here is an FAQ from the Doctors section that speaks to that:
CAN RAISED TATTOO BE REMOVED?
Has your tattoo faded since application, as they are so dark when new? I looked at your picture again, and gotta say your tattoo is beautiful.
Take care!
Yes, I am most confident that a cover up is my best option - in fact going to see my artist today!
Have a wonderful day!!