First Session of Tattoo Removal - Fayetteville, GA

hi, i just had my first tattoo removal a couple days ago, mine is quite a big tattoo with several colours and very dense ink, so i'm up against a long and expensive road ): hopefully we can all find support on here to keep us strong. i was also really worried about scarring, and from what i've read, the closer you schedule appointments the higher your chances of scarring. also, closer treatments doesn't mean more fading as its not the laser that fades the ink but your body taking away the ink particles that the laser has broken up, and this takes awhile! i think the recommendation is at least 8 weeks between treatments is safest for your skin and for more fading between sessions..

aloha awyatt4, first session is under your belt, fantastic. Aftercare is very important: keep hydrated, consult with your professional about medication/vitamins/supplements. Some here on this forum have found that herbal supplements like sam-e, st. john's wort, interfere with the process. My after care sheet says: avoid physical contact sports until blisters have healed, no cover make-up until skin has healed, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol while healing, limit sugar and processed foods. My laser sessions were done at a plastic surgeon's office. I'm very happy with the process so far. I also have been using silicone scar sheets, when all the blisters have gone. Moisturizers are your best friend at this point. Good luck, keep us posted. aloha...k

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your tattoo removal journey with us! Would you mind updating your review and adding the location of your tattoo and the type of laser you are being treated with, this way this information won't get lost once the comments grow. Did you use any numbing cream prior to the treatment? 

As for vitamins and water, eating a balanced healthy diet with lots of fresh veggies, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds etc, and lots of water is key. What I love to do is add lemon to my water as it is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants and has a cleansing effect on your system, you could add lemon to green tea which is a huge immune booster as well. I also use Apple Cider Vinegar as part of my daily ritual for many reasons but among it's many health benefits it is a powerful detoxifying effect on the body and it is actually very rich in minerals such as vitamins A, B's, C and E - it doesn't taste good but it's great stuff! Be sure to get plenty of rest each night and to exercise when possible and above all else having a positive outlook during this process will take you a long way - best of luck to you!

Diet plays a huge role in the recovery process and cell turnover. Also, drink lots of water. I was told 5 weeks between sessions but my tattoo was completely healed in 2 weeks. They do no recommend getting them done this soon though so I'm at 4 weeks between treatments. flushing your system really helps with recovery and speeds up the process. See if this helps!

my aftercare sheet said to keep the bandage on for 24 hrs, otherwise let it air and keep dry unless you're going out and want to protect the blisters then cover it. my doctor also said not to use tap water for a week, and gave me a bottle of saline solution to wash the wound with, and that doesnt hurt me so maybe you can wash with saline instead if water hurts?

if you're interested in excision experience, look at welshchad's review. He was considering it, and had a consultation. http://www.realself.com/review/cardiff-uk-stars-and-text-laser-tattoo-removal

First off, I think your tats are rad. But I understand why some of us opt for removal. I'm in Atlanta, where are you doing your laser treatments/$$ per session/laser? Sorry for the 20 questions. I've just been searching for some time trying to find the right place. And yes, I've heard lots of water/veggies/the good stuff. I've also heard that doing a short detox between sessions can help your body process the bad stuff in the ink. Good luck. We are in this together :)

Hey, welcome to the site :) you'll receive a lot of support here whilst you go through your removal. Like wilhughes said below, laser is the way to go, at least to begin with. You have to be prepared to give it a fair shot (as in a year plus) and understand that it isn't a quick process, but with the right commitment you can achieve great results. I honestly don't think excision would be a viable option for you with a tattoo that size and in that location. If it could be done I imagine it would take multiple operations, probably spread over a similar length of time as laser removal, and you'd very likely be left with multiple, unsightly scars. Laser removal is a long, drawn out process - It's mentally tough, but it's the best chance of leaving your skin looking decent at the end, so it's worth it. Best of luck. We'll be here to lean on the whole time. Remember to set your sights on that final result, and you'll get there.

Thank you guys! I'm so shocked by all this kindness. It's so appreciated! And willhughes- I am going to new you in Fayetteville! fair pricing it seemed and closer to me than Atlanta! I definitely am going to try saline rather than water. the water is very annoying so thank you for the tip! and I have a bandage on for 3 days bc my job requires me to be active constantly (I'm a nanny) and I wanted to protect the blisters until they heal- also if the child I nanny saw the blisters or scabbing I think he would get upset lol. That may be silly, I just don't want him to get upset bc he's too young to understand lol. and lastly, excision does seem too much for my tattoo size/location. I just need to learn patience. This all really is a good learning experience ya know?