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POSTED UNDER Tattoo Removal Reviews

Five Year Old Tattoo Removal - USA

UPDATED FROM bluejayway
3 months post

Not seeing much progress?

bluejaywayApril 14, 2014
$280
Hey guys, i'd really like your input here.

It's been over 5 weeks since my second treatment. I've attached a pic of my progress as of today. I am rather disappointed with how much it is faded, it only seems to have faded slightly on a small part. I was wondering whether I should confront my current doctor and ask that a far higher energy level is used for my next treatment, as this last one was at level of 3.5 and (in my opinion) hasn't done much at all. Either that or I wait a few more weeks to see if I do get any more fading. I just don't want to throw money away at these treatments.

My lack of progress is bringing my motivation down, i'm was quite sure that I would see a lot more fading after my first couple of sessions.

What do you think? Maybe you're seeing something I'm not?

Replies (1)

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wilks1986
April 14, 2014
Hey - try not to be too despondent, you're still very early on in your treatment! Having said that, and this is obviously just my opinion, I agree that the power sounds like it needs to go up. I can understand why they use a low fluence for the first treatment - to see how the skin reacts/heals etc, but 3.5j for the second treatment doesn't sound enough to me. If the power isn't high enough then you the laser will barely react with the ink. I'd let your doctor know that you're feeling disappointed thus far, and that you're ready to have things cranked up a bit! Like you say, you're paying decent money for this, you need to see results. Keep at it :)
bluejayway
April 14, 2014
Thanks! That's what i'm thinking, I don't think it's reacting too much at all. What level should I be aiming for for my next treatment? 5.5J or possibly more?
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wilks1986
April 14, 2014
I'm not too sure to be honest, I just think 3.5 sounds too low. My last treatment was at around 10j! I would say 5+ should be where you're heading for treatment 3.
bluejayway
April 14, 2014
Thanks for the reply mate. It definitely helps to hear your opinion and it kind of reaffirms where I think I want to go for my next session.
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kahelelani
April 14, 2014
I don't mean to rain on others' parade...but I'd like to point out that 1) you should always seek professional advice, in person professional advice. They can see your skin, discuss the reaction. And secondly, those that suggest a higher level, risk residual redness. I have seen questions on the "ask an expert" asking about this very thing. To offer the suggestion to bump up the laser level is simply not good advice. Intentions may be admirable, you want the best for the followers here, but let's leave it up to the professionals, to offer in person advice. We, here on this forum, can offer support, encouragement and perhaps some guidelines to be discussed with professionals. But we simply do not replace professional, medical experts. I have seen far too many people on this forum, offering advice, and I can no longer stay silent. We may be experienced with our personal stories, but we are not experts. We can only offer support.
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wilks1986
April 14, 2014
I agree, Kahelelani, you're absolutely right. I did preface my original comment with "and this is just my opinion". Ultimately, it's down to the doctor or technician on to decide how to proceed and and with what fluences etc. The most important thing, I find, is the ask questions, and keep on asking them. If you think they're not treating you with sufficient power then it's important to make them aware that you're feeling that way, so they can suitably respond and let you know exactly why they're doing what they're doing.
bluejayway
April 15, 2014
Hi Kahelelani, I absolutely agree, I am aware though that it was merely wilks opinion and is not something I would take verbatim as medical advice.
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kahelelani
April 15, 2014
aloha wilks1986, I do not see "this is just my opinion" in the original comment. But I'm relieved that you agree that it is up to the medical professionals.
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wilks1986
April 15, 2014
Hopefully my original comment loaded correctly - it begins with... "Hey, try not to be too despondent" and then mentions that this is purely my opinion. Its currently located at the top of this comments section.
storm
February 21, 2016
Yes it is
UPDATED FROM bluejayway
2 months post

3 days post 2nd treatment!

bluejaywayMarch 10, 2014
Hey,

It's been three days and I think i've noticed a bit of fading. The area remained a little sore for a couple of days but now i'm feeling the itching... I guess i'll now get to see how bad it gets!

Anyway, i've added some photos including 1 day post and 3 days post. I've been super busy so I haven't been able to read your updates but I will when I get some time! Apologies for the lighting in some of the photos. Feeling optimistic about this session!

Thanks guys!

Replies (1)

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kahelelani
March 10, 2014
I was told no alcohol before or after the laser sessions. Just like Eva G has said below. Alcohol interfers with the healing process. Your immune system has to be in top notch condition to gobble up the lasered ink particles. I was given an aftercare sheet and I'm looking at it. It says to limit exercise for a few days afterwards, to prevent bumping any blisters. I was told to eat a healthy diet, limit sugar and processed foods. Don't scrub in the shower, keep bandaged until blisters have healed and protect from the sun. I know this the hard way, it felt like it was burning, but I live in the tropics. Drink lots of fluids, healthy fluids. Stay safe. As for my experience, the laser setting on the alex trivantage was low in the beginning and I had few blisters. Blisters are not your friend. Then with each session they increased. The highest I ever was was 5.5. I've had ten sessions, most of them in the 5 range. This all takes time, patience...I know that may suck at times, but it's definitely worth it. Good luck...aloha...k
bluejayway
March 26, 2014
Thank you so much for your reply (and sorry i'm a bit late!) Thanks for your advice with the aftercare, i've definitely made it a priority to stay on track with my water consumption, diet and exercise! It does really suck, it requires so much patience. I'm constantly trying to picture the final result to keep my motivation levels up, but it is a long, long journey.
UPDATED FROM bluejayway
2 months post

Update

bluejaywayMarch 8, 2014
Hi guys! So it's a day after my 2nd treatment and it's still a bit red and swollen, but pulling through well! I'll add a picture as it starts to heal!

I just wanted to ask, what is the general opinion on drinking alcohol a couple days post-treatment? Does it tend to hinder the process?

Thanks!

Replies (1)

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Eva G
March 8, 2014
I would not recommend drinking alcohol before or after this treatment, however I am no expert and would suggest you check with your Doctor, and or feel free to Ask A Doctor on the site. 
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