POSTED UNDER Tattoo Removal REVIEWS
Tattoo Remorse
ORIGINAL POST
Hi I am 24 and just a few days ago got a tattoo...
$250
Hi I am 24 and just a few days ago got a tattoo that I really wish I hadn't. I have found some confidence in reading some of your other stories and I really think that writing mine out will help me find some clarity.
I think that getting this tattoo was more of a snap decision and I wasn't focusing on the important things like how it's going to look on my skin and my body. The tattoo is on my forearm and is roughly 13cm x 7cm at it's highest point. The length of it takes up most of my forearm and it's placed in a way (which I did ask for) that makes it very visible straight away. It's black and grey wash so through reading some reviews it seems that I'm lucky there, but after spending a few days with it, I find myself getting more and more depressed. I can't even look at it for long periods of time without crying. I haven't been eating properly and yesterday I was so upset that i was physically sick to my stomach and threw up. I still haven't been eating very much and I just have been not thinking about things very well, all I know is that I have to get this off my body.
There are a few removalist in my area (Townsville, QLD) and I have had my partner call and email some photos in to the one that uses the PicoSure laser, they unfortunately won't start treatment until after at least 4 month but really they prefer 6 months. I understand why, but I don't know if i can live with this for that long. The other place in our area is and injections one Skinial which I have seen mixed reviews on.
Basically if anyone could give me some advise or just some support I would really appreciate it. My partner has been super understanding and he feels really bad that I'm so upset but there is only so much he can do. I just want to be myself again and this tattoo has made me really upset. Please help me.
I think that getting this tattoo was more of a snap decision and I wasn't focusing on the important things like how it's going to look on my skin and my body. The tattoo is on my forearm and is roughly 13cm x 7cm at it's highest point. The length of it takes up most of my forearm and it's placed in a way (which I did ask for) that makes it very visible straight away. It's black and grey wash so through reading some reviews it seems that I'm lucky there, but after spending a few days with it, I find myself getting more and more depressed. I can't even look at it for long periods of time without crying. I haven't been eating properly and yesterday I was so upset that i was physically sick to my stomach and threw up. I still haven't been eating very much and I just have been not thinking about things very well, all I know is that I have to get this off my body.
There are a few removalist in my area (Townsville, QLD) and I have had my partner call and email some photos in to the one that uses the PicoSure laser, they unfortunately won't start treatment until after at least 4 month but really they prefer 6 months. I understand why, but I don't know if i can live with this for that long. The other place in our area is and injections one Skinial which I have seen mixed reviews on.
Basically if anyone could give me some advise or just some support I would really appreciate it. My partner has been super understanding and he feels really bad that I'm so upset but there is only so much he can do. I just want to be myself again and this tattoo has made me really upset. Please help me.
Replies (4)
August 17, 2015
Hi, I'm feeling with you! I got my Tattoo last week - and i absolutely hate it :( maybe i get used to it, but I already started to search for places who do Laser removal. I hope its working for you! all the Best - C
August 28, 2015
I understand exactly what you mean, Got my inner bicep tatted up a month ago and have been fighting regret ever since.... It's tough!!!!!
UPDATED FROM hopeful2345
4 days pre
My Consultation & state of mind- 08/08/15
So I've had this tattoo for almost 2 weeks now. It's gone through the scabbing and peeling stage (was very hard to resit scratching it off..) and i honestly have to say that it's healed really well. The grey wash that he's used has really faded in nicely and the lines aren't as dark so I'm pleased with that. I've made huge progress on forgiving myself and am in much better spirits about things. People really aren't asking me too much about it unless they knew me prior to having it in which case it's mostly just "oh cool is that new" and so on. I have made peace with the tattoo and though I still don't really like that I see it all the time, I'm getting used to it...
I have told my partners parents that I have it and am uncomfortable with it and want to remove it but I have only had the courage to message my parents saying please don't freak out I have a tattoo on my forearm; to which they wonderfully replied "we'll love you with or without ink dear" so that made me feel a lot better but I still haven't told them that I think that I made a mistake... I have spoken to them twice since getting it and still haven't even shown them what it looks like. The only negative comment I get is "that's really big" and because i'm so tiny I can see why some people would say that and I agree. I think that I've come to realise that I just really am not happy with the positioning that I chose... I think that once this is removed and I've had some time to recover mentally and maybe after getting married (when my partner gets around to that haha) I would still consider a forearm tattoo just something more delicate and feminine.
My consultation was with De-ink Me, they are the best in town and have the PicoSure laser. They quoted around $220/ session and said that as the removal proceeds the cost could go down if they are just removing the text ect. The doctor himself had a look at my tattoo (which is only about 10 days old) and he said that there are 2 schools of thought when it comes to removal; wait 6 months until everything has settled or straight away while the ink is still close to the top ... He offered to do a test stop right then and there, no charge, which was really great. I've posted pictures of the tattoo, first one only a few days after getting it and the next few are 2 days after having the test spot done.
If any one has any opinions or experience with newer tattoo removal I would appreciate the insight and any advice. I feel like maybe I should wait at least 6 weeks or something but we'll see how things look in a week, I booked an appointment for the 15th to get the rest of it done if the test spot seems to go well. Most of the shading seems gone just really red at the moment and a little blown out, which I don't really know if I want to have a botched looking tattoo for 6-8 weeks before another treatment to get rid of more... any advice?
I have told my partners parents that I have it and am uncomfortable with it and want to remove it but I have only had the courage to message my parents saying please don't freak out I have a tattoo on my forearm; to which they wonderfully replied "we'll love you with or without ink dear" so that made me feel a lot better but I still haven't told them that I think that I made a mistake... I have spoken to them twice since getting it and still haven't even shown them what it looks like. The only negative comment I get is "that's really big" and because i'm so tiny I can see why some people would say that and I agree. I think that I've come to realise that I just really am not happy with the positioning that I chose... I think that once this is removed and I've had some time to recover mentally and maybe after getting married (when my partner gets around to that haha) I would still consider a forearm tattoo just something more delicate and feminine.
My consultation was with De-ink Me, they are the best in town and have the PicoSure laser. They quoted around $220/ session and said that as the removal proceeds the cost could go down if they are just removing the text ect. The doctor himself had a look at my tattoo (which is only about 10 days old) and he said that there are 2 schools of thought when it comes to removal; wait 6 months until everything has settled or straight away while the ink is still close to the top ... He offered to do a test stop right then and there, no charge, which was really great. I've posted pictures of the tattoo, first one only a few days after getting it and the next few are 2 days after having the test spot done.
If any one has any opinions or experience with newer tattoo removal I would appreciate the insight and any advice. I feel like maybe I should wait at least 6 weeks or something but we'll see how things look in a week, I booked an appointment for the 15th to get the rest of it done if the test spot seems to go well. Most of the shading seems gone just really red at the moment and a little blown out, which I don't really know if I want to have a botched looking tattoo for 6-8 weeks before another treatment to get rid of more... any advice?
Replies (1)
October 16, 2015
Hi, so sorry to hear your tatt has got you so down. Don't despair, you have decided that you want to remove it and that is great that you can focus on a direction.Choose your clothing carefully and if you are very self conscious, it is best to wear long sleeves. There are also great swimming options now (Mambo)have long sleeve swimming leotards that are young and trendy and may be ok until you have this removed. Now, removal is going to happen over a long period of time, you may be lucky and it could be mostly gone in 1-3 treatments, however you need to be realistic about the time frame and I'm sure once you have started your course of treatment for removal, you will feel a lot more confident that you are in fact on course to your destination:) Please choose your laser specialist carefully. Some are very expensive and not all will have the experience you would hope they have. I have two tattoos in the removal process a small one on my arm which had once session five years ago and had the second session 1 week ago. It has blistered but should heal ok. It is VITAL that you ice your tattoo after treatment regardless of what anyone says. You do not want the blistering that goes with it. Our white blood cells cannot consume tattoo ink as the molecules are too large so when the laser blasts the ink into smaller molecules, our white blood cells can consume and rid the ink via urine etc. I have a large tattoo on my back which has had one treatment I did not ice and it blistered. I have had daily dressing changes from GP and likely I will heal nicely with little to no scarring. If cost is an issue please research as there are also non-profit organisations for those on low income and those wanting to remove prison, gang tattoos and also tattoos which prevent getting work i.e facial,neck etc. I hope this is some help to you, don't worry too much and it's not worth getting depressed about, in fact it may help you to think carefully about major decisions in the future, treat it as a lesson. Good luck with your removal, I look forward to hearing how you are doing when you get started on it!
UPDATED FROM hopeful2345
3 days pre
Making the Decison to wait
So I've made the decision to wait a little longer until I zap my tattoo. I have heard that 4-6 weeks is the best time to start if you want it done early because things are healed and settling but not complete locked in. I booked a consult with another clinic that a friend recommended. The have a different laser and I'm just getting confused because i'm not sure which will be best for me. I am leaning towards the PicoSure because there are a lot of people here that say it's the best for black but then I read other reviews that say it's not as good as everyone says. The girl that i had my consult with showed me a few of her tattoos that she had removed with the q-switch and she said she'd never do that again because it scared so much... just really confused so i figured it's better to just wait, let it heal and really do my research. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am in a much better spot with the tattoo and I don't get as embarrassed about it, but I do still have those moments where I try to wipe it off... hopefully i can get 2 treatments in before I go back to the US to visit family. Luckily it'll be winter, yay sweaters!
Replies (2)
August 12, 2015
I agree, the lasers are confusing! But I think with either laser you choose, you should be alright. I've seen great fading with both lasers!
If someone had scarring they may scar easily, might not have taken care of their skin, or had a bad laser technician/doctor. By far the most important thing is to make sure you have a reputable, intelligent technician/doctor - somebody who won't blast your skin!
Honestly, if I could afford the Picosure, I would switch to that. It's worth the "chance" that it works better right? If you really can't afford it and want to use a Q-Switch like me, (I'm using the Quanta Q + C, 1064nm) just make sure you have a experienced doctor/tech. I've had some really great fading so far and no scarring. "If" my fading stops, I may switch to the Picosure. (I'll have to save up...lol)
If someone had scarring they may scar easily, might not have taken care of their skin, or had a bad laser technician/doctor. By far the most important thing is to make sure you have a reputable, intelligent technician/doctor - somebody who won't blast your skin!
Honestly, if I could afford the Picosure, I would switch to that. It's worth the "chance" that it works better right? If you really can't afford it and want to use a Q-Switch like me, (I'm using the Quanta Q + C, 1064nm) just make sure you have a experienced doctor/tech. I've had some really great fading so far and no scarring. "If" my fading stops, I may switch to the Picosure. (I'll have to save up...lol)
August 18, 2015
Thank you for this! I really am just so lost with what to ask when i get to my consult and once the consultation starts all they try to do is pitch you that they are the best and that everything else is horrible. I hate how they use the fear of having scars or a messed up looking tattoo as a way to get you to go one way or another. I've already made one mistake and I'd almost rather live with it than make another rash decision. They pray on the lack of knowledge that is available so I'm trying to really educate myself and know what i'm getting into so that they can't dupe me into some scam package.
Hi there, I am so glad that you found us and shared your personal story with us. I am confident that you will receive loads of support form members at varying stages of tattoo removal and will help carry you through your journey.
From someone who has been through this as well, and fully understands the loss you are feeling right now, and how difficult it may be to extinguish those self blaming and negative self talk. If I may offer you some insight and let you know that in time you will begin to feel better. The initial stages of regret may be very difficult to overcome, and the shock of a new tattoo that you are not comfortable with on your body that is starring you in the face all day long doesn't help. The loss of appetite and lack of focus is common in this situation, and if I can offer you any advice it would be to take care of yourself and not allow your tattoo to determine your day -- it's not worth the stress that you are putting your body and mind through right now. I understand that it's so much easier for me to say than do, because my husband and family all told me to do the same and I was in a state of depression for a long time dwelling on my tattoo regret—looking back, I wish so badly that I had listened and just let go of the regret and move on. The emotional turmoil I was putting myself, and family, through served no purpose.... now, don't get me wrong, crying and negotiating with your emotions is all a normal and important part of the healing cycle, but knowing when to move on instead of staying in that perpetual cycle of negative thought is also important. For me, the key was acceptance, self-compassion, and putting my whole situation into perspective. I find that looking at your situations from different angles, as well as making comparisons to how things could be worse helps put things into perspective. In fact, an example of this was while I was standing in line waiting for a coffee a young man in a wheelchair came into the store, smiling and had a positive attitude, he looked so happy, yet he clearly couldn't walk...and there I stood in a state of misery dragging down my family with me all because of a tattoo on my back!?
Believe it or not, you will discover strength that you never thought you had, and this will end up being a life lesson.
I am so thankful that you have your partner by your side for support, and you found this community, in which you will find lots of comfort. Dig deep and look inward, and you will overcome this challenge in your life and be better for it.
Now, for a few questions about your tattoo, I am curious what it is about your tattoo that you dislike, or do you just regretting the fact of getting the tattoo period. Would you consider sharing some photos of it with the community?
Here is also some additional information that you may find helpful:
Laser Tattoo Removal: 10 Things You Should Know Before Getting Your Tattoo Removed
http://www.realself.com/video/ways-to-remove-a-tat...: <rs-video-player video='{"id":"5893","external_id":"3937563334001","uri":"video\/ways-to-remove-a-tattoo-see-these-high-tech-options"}'></rs-video-player>
Thank you for you kind words. I really appreciate the perspective and am working on finding my own ways to cope. This was my first weekend having the tattoo and it's starting to scab over and shed of the first layer. I'm hopeful that this will take some of the initial darkness out of the tattoo and am doing my best to make sure that it heals as best as possible because I'm hoping that will make removal easier.
I will try to upload some photos and please understand that through talking to my partner I have come to realise that I didn't make a snap decision. I had weighted what I knew of myself at the particular time of getting the tattoo and then after getting it something changed and I knew then that I didn't want it. I am learning to accept that there was nothing that would have changed my mind and that I can't think about before just how to fix it. There isn't anything fundamentally wrong with it, it's a very nice tattoo and well done, if it was somewhere that I could cover with clothing 80% of the time I think I would be in a completely different place than I am now. I haven't had a chance to take a photo just yet, I'll try to but I have found that I am still very emotional when I look at it. I have my consult next weekend and am optimistic but at the same time very nervous because I don't want to get bad news.
We have told a few people here, his family mostly and they have all been very understanding. They know that this is completely out of character for me and have told me that there is no point being so hard on myself, everyone makes mistakes and if this is the worst i've done then i'm doing pretty well. I'm working hard everyday to forgive myself. Hopefully I'll get some good news on Saturday.
Thank you, will try to keep this updated so that I can document my journey.