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POSTED UNDER Tattoo Removal REVIEWS

Looking to Remove Black Ink Tattoo (Only 1 Month Old/Denver)

ORIGINAL POST

I made the choice to have a tattoo last month,...

luzoscuraDecember 23, 2013
I made the choice to have a tattoo last month, which in retrospect may not have been the best decision. I have been struggling w/ my decision for the better half of this month to the point of feeling very depressed. I'm not entirely at odds w/ the design, after all I had planned it for several years...but the final product I realize changes my image in a way that I was not prepared to accept and has caused me great distress. I've gone to Ink-B-Gone in Denver, a reputable place which uses a Q Switched Yag laser. I was told that the procedure could be done successfully (Without scarring) but that it would entail 7-10 different sessions over the course of 2 years. While i'm not rich, my primary concern is not cost but quality...I realize I made a mistake...and I'm willing to save the money accordingly...but I want to make sure it's done right. The rep at Ink-B-Gone told me that Picosure is the future of laser removal technology, but that, as far as she knew, has not shown any greater success with black ink than the current gold standard, Q-switched laser. Given reviews and information I've read online, I've seen different reviews on picosure and it's effects on black ink, it also seems to work faster and better. I feel the need to open this discussion as I'm latching on to this hope to get past this funk and start feeling proactive about my decision to move forward with removal with hopes. I was fortunate that the artist I went to was extremely skilled and after only a month my tattoo is entirely flat, save for a couple random lines, I can't feel the tattoo on my skin...nor is there any shine to point to any scarring. I'm hopeful that this can also offer some hope for a more effective removal in the longterm. Denver, as far as I know, does not have a picosure laser, so I am willing to travel, potentially to nyc, fl, or Atlanta for each procedure. Recommendations and feedback are appreciated.

Replies (19)

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wilks1986
December 24, 2013
Hey, welcome along. Sorry to hear the tattoo is having a negative affect on you. You've come to the right place here - lots of supportive people in the same boat. Obviously you have a couple of things working in your favour, which suggest removal should go well for you - the tattoo looks to be all black and, from the sound of it, has been uniformly applied and is all one density - this should see it fade out the same rate. Black is generally the easiest to remove, too (which I'm sure you're aware of). Have you considered trying the standard yag laser for a couple of sessions first to see how it responds? You could be surprised. Like you said, the Picosure laser, being still relatively new, is still relatively unproven with blacks. It certainly blasts through colours like nobodies business, though. There are people on here having decent success with the Picosure on black, but there are others using the standard laser, who are also seeing results. If it were to save you travel time and money, it could be worth trying your local place initially? They sound honest (which is always a good start) as they've stated it'll take a couple of years. Looking at the picture, the inked areas look reasonably dense so it's likely to take a while, but complete removal should certainly be attainable (especially given your intelligent approach!) Welcome again, and I look forward to following your removal journey.
luzoscura
December 25, 2013
Wilks, thank you for your response. I realize it's a long term endeavor for sure, but i think my primary goal with this community is to just know what my options are. The biggest challenge for me since getting my ink is not the design itself, but the permanence of it...which of course i was cognizant of before making the decision, but it didn't hit home until after the fact. I have looked at the yag...and the results are encouraging, my partner has had great success with the yag so far after almost 7 sessionss it's barely more than a tan mark and still fading,; her ink was also as dense and black as mine to start with. She has been going to Ink-B-Gone in denver. My primary incentive to consider traveling and the picosure is in the interest of an expedited approach, without compromising quality, whilst also minimizing the need for more sessions and recovery, which of course can increase risk of infection and subsequent scarring. I guess i'm still just exploring my options...but thank you for your kind worse and thoughtful advice...it comes at a good time.
BeautifulRose
December 24, 2013
I made the same decision last week to get a tattoo, which I now regret. Mine has a lot of green, but the artist layered a lot of other colors in it, as well. I hope that wont cause me problems... So like wilks 1986 said-- I have heard black is the easiest to remove, so you have that in your favor-- unlike me. I think like wilks also mentioned as well-- some of the "older" machines do very well with black ink as well, so I personally would not be afraid to go with one of those, if I were you. I am hoping to make it to Dallas and try the PicoSure for mine-- and only because of the colors. Keep me posted on your progress. You are not alone. :)
luzoscura
December 25, 2013
BeautifulRose...thank you for your feedback. I wish you the best during our process as well...I realize how difficult it can be after getting a tattoo. My partner and several of my friends are major tattoo enthusiasts; they've also told me that they've gone through a major adjustment period following their decision. I'm holding out hope that the way i feel is not entirely out of regret but psosible adjustment. Eitherway, knowing that there are options out there really makes it easier for me to enjoy, or at least tolerate it for now. Whatever happens, i've heard picosure is very effective w/ greens, unlike past lasers...so i'm hopeful you'll get the results you are looking for. cheers.
Stargazer512
December 24, 2013
Hey there! Just want you to know first that I heart your tat. And if you just got it, are you really ready to remove it already -- you don't want to 'own it' for a while? I got a tattoo when I was 18, lived with it for 15 years and am now just starting to remove it. Your ink isn't even dry yet! And it's a good looking tattoo. If you're still
luzoscura
December 25, 2013
Stargazer...thank you, it really means a lot for me to hear that. Today I showered and still noticed ink peeling off, so you're quite literally correct. On account of the weather i haven't had a chance to show it off much, but i appreciate your words b/c i'd lie if i said that this crisis isn't about vanity. Since getting my ink I've been anxious about my decision, not entirely because of the design, but because i went for a large first tattoo and i'm having trouble accepting the permanence of it. I joined realself to find out my options, and i want to believe that it is possible to have my arm back without any scarring...just knowing that there are options, has helped me to adjust to the possibility of owning it for a while, until the time comes to do otherwise. Thank you again...and best of luck to you moving forward...
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RethinkingMyInk
December 24, 2013
I am in Denver as well and I have searched and searched for a picosure. Unfortunately I don't think there is one here yet, which surprises me. I am 3 sessions in with a Q-switched yag and ruby laser, and the black ink has been the quickest to go. I bought a group of treatments, that while I did save money, I would not recommend doing until you see progress with your technician and chosen removal clinic. It is ultimately up to you, but I think you may have good luck with the "older" lasers and wouldn't be so quick to fly around for treatments. Best of luck with whatever you decide!
luzoscura
December 25, 2013
Rethinkingmyink, i know...i've looked around as well and yeah, picosure does not seem to be available here at all. Do you mind if I ask where you are going for treatment? i have a partner who has gone to Ink B Gone, and I've gone there for a consult as well; the results, though lengthy in obtaining, seem promising. My partner, after 7 sessions has had great success to the point where her ink is just a hint of a tan...and still has more sessions to go for full removal...but she's close. Best of luck to you.
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oneTime2many
December 25, 2013
Hi, just read yr bog. I do hope you wait it out a bit and see if you attach to yr tattoo or not. I'm sure you know what removal entails considering yr partner went thru it and I hope hers is fading well. I also am nearing the end of my journey here (8 sessions so far) but still have a little visible ink combined w/ the "tan" remnants. I have other tatts i adore and would never remove, but yes any type of change takes time to adjust to and it was like that w/ a few of my tatts but now I love them. I hope to be done w/ this by spring/summer and just get a nice brown tan to camouflage the tan remnants. I wish you well; btw I think it's a really unique piece :)
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RethinkingMyInk
December 26, 2013
I have been going to What Were you Inking. It's in the Highlands, like 15th right across I25. Ink B gone was my second choice, I just ended up doing the other consultation first and sticking with it. From the research I have done, they are the two most reputable places in Denver. But I agree with some of the other comments in that giving it some time is a good idea. Tattoo removal is incredibly tolling, mentally and physically. Mine is on my hip and I have to take days off of work at a time. It is much more painful than getting a tattoo and takes a long time. Not to talk you out of it, but the tattoo is so fresh, and in my opinion well done. If you want it off, so be it and more power to you during that process. But take some time to think it over. It is a huge commitment that I wish I would have thought over more. After 3 treatments now I can't very well turn back. I wish you the best in whatever you decide. Let me know if you have any other questions about where I went, as I do love the place :)
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Eva G
December 25, 2013
Welcome to the Community thank you for taking the time to share our story with us. Sorry to hear that you are not happy with your tattoo, is this your first tattoo?
luzoscura
December 25, 2013
Eva G...thank you. It is my first tattoo, and large from what you can obviously tell. For a while I was kicking myself for not opting for a smaller design, but i realize such wishful thinking is futile after the fact. I'm still hoping that I may adjust to having it; knowing that there are viable options for safe removal gives me the confidence to enjoy it while i have it and look forward to a time when i may be ready to do otherwise.
UPDATED FROM luzoscura

Ideal Image (Centennial, Denver, Colorado) Picosure

luzoscuraFebruary 11, 2014
It's been a while since my original review while i try to decide how to move forward. At this point I'm leaning towards removal w/ a Picosure laser. I came across Ideal Image, located in Centennial, they have a Picosure laser...however I have not found any reviews for this location's services and their website only provides generic information reg. their franchise. I'm told they have Doctors on staff, and have scheduled a consult w/ them. Does anybody have any reviews for Ideal Image?

Replies (4)

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RethinkingMyInk
February 12, 2014
Holy cow! You found picosure in Denver. I have been scouring the web for one in Denver since beginning removal in april of '12. I couldn't find any reviews either. What worries me is that they barely seem to advertise tattoo removal as a service. When I started this process I was told by several people to look for places that specialize in just that, or at least that is their main revenue source. I have already paid for one more q-switched treatment, but I will keep my eye on these guys for sure. I would proceed with caution though. Seems like that may be newer location? Not sure. Good luck with the consult! Let us know how it goes. I am very interested to hear your thoughts on this place.
luzoscura
February 19, 2014
Rethinkingmyink...I'll definitely post an udpate after the consult. Stay posted.
luzoscura
February 21, 2014
I actually met somebody that has had near total removal...I say near b/c they plan to get more tx but I couldn't see the tattoo at all, from What were you inking in Denver. They use a yag laser but she had only had 6 tx on a solid black tattoo on her foot. I'm still encouraged about picosure, though I may end up canceling my apt tomorrow for the consult b/c of transport issues.
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RethinkingMyInk
February 22, 2014
I've seen great results from what were you inking on everything but the yellow in mine. Which doesn't surprise me. I also just started getting a black outline tattoo removed from my foot. I'll let you know how that one goes as it's more similar to yours!
UPDATED FROM luzoscura

Ideal Image

luzoscuraFebruary 19, 2014
Still exploring solutions for removal; though I'm also trying to heal from this recent trauma by learning to embrace my tattoo for what it is aesthetically, and what drove me to think it was a good idea in the first place. I have my moments though brief, where i'm hopeful. This Saturday I have an appt at Ideal Image for a consult for removal w/ picosure in Denver. I tried calling their office but all calls go to their customer service hotline, and not their local office (yet another concern.) I was told that there is a medical doctor who supervises the PAs and nurses that operate the laser; i guess we'll have to see what i learn from the consult. I'm also trying to explore cities near Denver that I could commute to for removal w/ picosure. At this point, expensive or not, my skin is priority and w/ laser removal as risky as already is, I don't want to take any additional risks that I can otherwise avoid.

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