Candela PicoWay System Tattoo Removal Journey

Ok, so maybe this time I should of considered applying numbing cream, the pain was a bit intense and I can smell the burnt skin. The process only takes about a few minutes since my tattoo is just about the size of a credit card and the feeling is like most people have described that of snapping rubber bands. After applying bacitracin and taping the non stick gauze the process is done, the area is usually in shock so I get a bit of sharp pains that last about half a second and come and go every now and then following the 2 hours after the procedure, or usually just feels like a sunburn. The results are great so far! Since my tattoo is in my lower abdomen, I have to be very selective on the pants and underwear I choose to wear because it can easily rub against the scabs causing them to fall before time and increase the chances of scarring. I have been applying Vitamin E ointment (personal choice) after it is completely healed to help prevent scarring. I have noticed a bit of discoloration where there is no longer ink, but I'm hoping once all the ink is completely gone I can tan and it will be unnoticeable. Either way I'm so happy to finally wear low cut jeans and a bathing suit without having people ask me what my tattoo is about.

I'm one step closer to complete removal of my tattoo and the results are great so far. On the previous update, after session number two, the results were visible but more so in person. Since I always avoid to wet the area post treatment for at least 24 hours, I shower before going in. I also avoid applying any lotions on the area before the procedure. Once i am in the patients chair it only take about 5 minute from there. The intensity on the PicoWay increases for every session. This time around the healing took a little bit longer than usual because my scabs were a little thicker than my last session. There was a tiny bit of brusing right around the edges along with a little swelling which went away in about two days of so. I have not yet experienced any type of blistering. I apply bacitracin ointment and cover the area through out the healing process which usually takes about a week or so. Even though it is summer in California I have kept away from tanning in order not to interfere with my results, I also drink lots of water. Since the ink particles are carried away through the blood system, I try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Once the area is completely healed, I have been applying Vitamin E oil to prevent any possible scarring after the scabs have shed, but this is only my personal choice. So far so good.

It has only been my second session & I am glad to say I see a difference! The picture above shows the before and after my second treatment. There is definitely complete fading on the thinner lines, and dotted fading on the thicker areas. Although the intensity on the laser was increased, the pain level remained the same as my first session. Since the pain was completely tolerable numbing cream was not needed. Plus the environment and staff are always very pleasant making it so much easier to distract away from the pain. I had a minor burning sensation soon after the treatment but quickly went away, bacitracin zinc was applied and the area was covered with a non stick gauze. I also experienced minor brusing around the edges, which eventually went away days later . At home i followed the post treatment care instructions provided, Bacitracin Zinc is an antibiotic ointment which helps prevent infection, I apply it and cover the area for about a week or until it heals and cover it with a non stick gauze as well. My sessions are spaced to every 8 weeks, allowing my skin to recover. Since laser tattoo removal breaks up ink droplets for white blood cells to carry away, The Laser Picoway System bursts of energy create a photo-mechanical impact breaking up tattoo ink into smaller particles making it much easier to eliminate particles. I very much look forward to my next session!