POSTED UNDER PicoWay REVIEWS
Healthy Man in Late 20s Regretting New Tattoo. Woodbury, MN
ORIGINAL POST
Just got a tattoo a week ago. It's beautiful, it's...
reversetheinkNovember 29, 2015
$1,300
Just got a tattoo a week ago. It's beautiful, it's meaningful to me, and my experience was all around perfect. Unfortunately, as I look in the mirror, it just feels off. I have incredibly fair skin, and my colorful tattoo is just too eye catching. Further, it's on my forearm, so I've effectively committed myself to an eternity of long sleeve shirts at work. I keep telling myself this is what I wanted, this is who I am, but I'm just not adjusting.
So, I went to a clinic with fantastic reviews to get it quoted. The staff was helpful, considerate, and really has me feeling hopeful about how this will go down. They have both Picosure and Picoway. They have multiple deals going on and if I pay up front for 6 Tx, the total cost is $1300, which she estimated will have me "ink free" by Sep next year. If I still need more, it's free for a year after the last Tx. Almost seems to good to be true. She was honest that the yellow and white ink might be stubborn, but I'd be thrilled to have just that ink remain.
My tattoo is practical healed already, which I largely attribute to my health: I'm young, no conditions, fair skin (ideal for removal), work out every day, no smoking, clean diet, etc. I'm thinking about setting my first appointment for mid Jan, starting with Picoway. She said new tattoos (6 month or less) respond well as the body is still attentive to it.
I'll update with baseline pics soon. Any and all comments welcome as I embark on this journey. I feel like such an idiot for putting myself in this position, although I did honestly think about my tattoo for years prior to getting it. Sometimes you just don't know until it's there. Please help me set realistic expectations.
So, I went to a clinic with fantastic reviews to get it quoted. The staff was helpful, considerate, and really has me feeling hopeful about how this will go down. They have both Picosure and Picoway. They have multiple deals going on and if I pay up front for 6 Tx, the total cost is $1300, which she estimated will have me "ink free" by Sep next year. If I still need more, it's free for a year after the last Tx. Almost seems to good to be true. She was honest that the yellow and white ink might be stubborn, but I'd be thrilled to have just that ink remain.
My tattoo is practical healed already, which I largely attribute to my health: I'm young, no conditions, fair skin (ideal for removal), work out every day, no smoking, clean diet, etc. I'm thinking about setting my first appointment for mid Jan, starting with Picoway. She said new tattoos (6 month or less) respond well as the body is still attentive to it.
I'll update with baseline pics soon. Any and all comments welcome as I embark on this journey. I feel like such an idiot for putting myself in this position, although I did honestly think about my tattoo for years prior to getting it. Sometimes you just don't know until it's there. Please help me set realistic expectations.
UPDATED FROM reversetheink
1 month pre
Back and forth, back and forth
reversetheinkDecember 1, 2015
Well it's been a few days and my opinion of my situation has been so volatile. One moment I'm focused on my job, thinking I have a great tattoo and should be excited about my next session. The next moment I'm calling and scheduling consultations.
As of right now, I have 3 consultations: one with a clinic with only Picosure, one with Picosure and Picoway, and another with more traditional lasers. Former two are chains and have locations across the U.S. The latter is actually inside a tattoo shop - how bizarre. I'll spend all day getting quotes.
In the mean time, I canceled my upcoming tattoo appointment because I obviously need to resolve some things. The receptionist has the gall to get pissy and probe me and put me on hold, as permanetly modifying my body is something I don't have the right to question. I'll know right before Xmas what I want to do, and maybe I'll just say eff it all and wait a year.
I really want Picoway but there's so little actual evidence of its effectiveness. The more I read, the more it seems that the laser operator is the real X factor.
I just want to learn to love my tatt, to get another on my other arm to balance me out, then to just move on. Why am I having so much trouble with that?
As of right now, I have 3 consultations: one with a clinic with only Picosure, one with Picosure and Picoway, and another with more traditional lasers. Former two are chains and have locations across the U.S. The latter is actually inside a tattoo shop - how bizarre. I'll spend all day getting quotes.
In the mean time, I canceled my upcoming tattoo appointment because I obviously need to resolve some things. The receptionist has the gall to get pissy and probe me and put me on hold, as permanetly modifying my body is something I don't have the right to question. I'll know right before Xmas what I want to do, and maybe I'll just say eff it all and wait a year.
I really want Picoway but there's so little actual evidence of its effectiveness. The more I read, the more it seems that the laser operator is the real X factor.
I just want to learn to love my tatt, to get another on my other arm to balance me out, then to just move on. Why am I having so much trouble with that?
Replies (6)
December 3, 2015
I know exactly where you are coming from. I experienced the same wishy-washy attitude towards my tattoo before finally getting removal treatments. Unlike you, my tattoo means very little to me. I was talked into taking it down to a 3/4 instead of a half sleeve and a couple other things regarding the color. I finally decided that I needed to try to remove it and I'm still not sure if this was the best choice. You've done right in checking out multiple doctors and not trying to rush into it. I would suggest giving it even more time to chew on your decision. You may learn to love it and appreciate that you get to show such great artwork off on your forearm. Good luck to you!
December 3, 2015
Pretty irritating that the receptionist reacted like that. Sounds like a break with some time to think will be beneficial. Remember that your tattoo will likely fade a bit with time, so perhaps you will love the subdued version? I hated my tattoo for 6 years before I decided to start my tattoo removal journey haha. Although, I do wish I started it earlier. So many things to consider. Good luck.
December 3, 2015
Thanks sunshine. I'm finding exercise and hobbies are clearing my brain of the negative thoughts. I genuinely like my tattoo most of the time and I hope it will fade a bit naturally. It's the uncertainty that kills.
December 3, 2015
I don't know how much of my review you've read (it's incredibly long and embarrassing) but I totally understand your emotions and thought process being "volatile". I literally thought I was losing my mind.
However, you should take some pride in the fact that you are listening to your emotions and are not continuing the tattooing process, especially since the more ink you get, the harder it is to fix. I can tell you that initially when I got my tattoo background done that I wasn't sure whether I liked my tattoo, hated it, or thought that maybe I could get it "fixed" or covered up. It actually took about a month for me to finally decide I COULD NOT live with my tattoo the way it is. And you need to figure that out before you continue. For some people it's the initial shock. Tattoo regret it not uncommon at all. And for some people, they seriously do hate their tattoo and need to fix it to feel better about themselves.
The best thing for you right now is to postpone anything tattoo related (which you did) and really try to organize your thoughts. Maybe do a little research (which you are doing) but don't make any fast decisions. The initial shock of having your body permanently altered is probably still affecting you, so please just take it easy on yourself and take your time with decisions. That tattoo parlor receptionist can just go and...well you know.
On another note, I think it's interesting that you will be visiting the removal shop that I have chosen. I do hope you get to talk to Joseph. PLEASE let us know what you think of each place you visit! I am very curious! I wonder if you'll be visiting Invisible Ink or Renewal Laser? I did consultations at those as well and ended up at NE. Please also remember that 100% tattoo removal should never be guaranteed because it's unlikely. A lot of places will try to sell false promises, but you sound like the kind of person that would be able to detect that.
Anyway...
sorry for that long comment. If you need anything from me, ask. Otherwise please keep us updated on your journey. :-)
However, you should take some pride in the fact that you are listening to your emotions and are not continuing the tattooing process, especially since the more ink you get, the harder it is to fix. I can tell you that initially when I got my tattoo background done that I wasn't sure whether I liked my tattoo, hated it, or thought that maybe I could get it "fixed" or covered up. It actually took about a month for me to finally decide I COULD NOT live with my tattoo the way it is. And you need to figure that out before you continue. For some people it's the initial shock. Tattoo regret it not uncommon at all. And for some people, they seriously do hate their tattoo and need to fix it to feel better about themselves.
The best thing for you right now is to postpone anything tattoo related (which you did) and really try to organize your thoughts. Maybe do a little research (which you are doing) but don't make any fast decisions. The initial shock of having your body permanently altered is probably still affecting you, so please just take it easy on yourself and take your time with decisions. That tattoo parlor receptionist can just go and...well you know.
On another note, I think it's interesting that you will be visiting the removal shop that I have chosen. I do hope you get to talk to Joseph. PLEASE let us know what you think of each place you visit! I am very curious! I wonder if you'll be visiting Invisible Ink or Renewal Laser? I did consultations at those as well and ended up at NE. Please also remember that 100% tattoo removal should never be guaranteed because it's unlikely. A lot of places will try to sell false promises, but you sound like the kind of person that would be able to detect that.
Anyway...
sorry for that long comment. If you need anything from me, ask. Otherwise please keep us updated on your journey. :-)
December 3, 2015
Thanks for that. I won't take any guarantees, although invisible ink does at least back there's up with a year of free Tx. I'd just rather have s nice tattoo than a blurry half removed one, given its on my ark after all.
UPDATED FROM reversetheink
1 month pre
Three consultations
reversetheinkDecember 10, 2015
Went and got three consultations, with very, very different assessments, which is a testament to the the importance of not just going to the first person who pops up on your search browser.
First Consultation: Cosmetic Spa
Overview: the moment I stepped inside, I knew I wasn't in the right place. This place does all sorts of things: botox, liposuction, etc. Tattoo removal is clearly not their focus. The ladies were nice, but a little disengaged. Probably because I'm the first man to step foot in there.
Cost: predicted 6-8 treatments with Picosure at $600 a pop. ~$3600 to $4800
Guarantees: their only guarantee was that I'd have some tattoo leftover, no mater out.
Summary: No
Second Consultation: Tattoo Removal Clinic
Overview: Place was busy. They clearly have a grip on the market, hopefully for good reason. The place was clean, the staff was dressed in clinical attire but was also friendly, many of them were tattooed even. The technicians were trained aesticians who a certain amount of laser experience required. Though they're not physicians, they're focused on one thing: lasers. I had went to a different location of theirs initially and got an extremely generous quote. With this second, more thorough visit, there was an additional expected Tx tacked on, which increased the cost considerably: bummer!
Cost: Predicted 7 Tx with Picoway and Picosure. They had buy 2 get 1 free + 20% if you pay in full up front, which got me a quote of $1700.
Guarantee: if the tattoo wasn't gone to satisfaction after my 7th Tx, I get a year of free Tx until it's gone.
Thirst Consultation: Cosmetic Surgeon
Overview: The physician was nice. He seemed knowledgeable, though reluctant to give any credit to the Pico systems. He didn't explicitly call them bunk, but he hinted at his vigorously. Upon me letting him know I was well researched on the topic of tattoo removal, his felt a bit more apprehensive to make bold claims about anything, which concerned me.
Cost: He predicted 10-11 treatments over the course of almost 3 years. The upfront total cost was about $4000, and it varied slightly if I chose to use a dermaroller double treatment versus single treatment.
Summary: I like the idea of a physician doing the work, but the guy didn't strike me as totally honest. His cost was too high, and he's not using the Pico systems which I have interest.
So, with it all said and done, I'm going to wait a week and decide. I'll probably go with the tattoo removal specialists, though DAMN do I wish I would have pounced on their original quote of $1300. Oh well, $1700 is practically nothing relative to the other places. Plus, I really just dug the vibe there. The technician showed me pictures of her own patients. I'm feeling quite a bit more hopeful, but I'm doing doing anything just yet.
First Consultation: Cosmetic Spa
Overview: the moment I stepped inside, I knew I wasn't in the right place. This place does all sorts of things: botox, liposuction, etc. Tattoo removal is clearly not their focus. The ladies were nice, but a little disengaged. Probably because I'm the first man to step foot in there.
Cost: predicted 6-8 treatments with Picosure at $600 a pop. ~$3600 to $4800
Guarantees: their only guarantee was that I'd have some tattoo leftover, no mater out.
Summary: No
Second Consultation: Tattoo Removal Clinic
Overview: Place was busy. They clearly have a grip on the market, hopefully for good reason. The place was clean, the staff was dressed in clinical attire but was also friendly, many of them were tattooed even. The technicians were trained aesticians who a certain amount of laser experience required. Though they're not physicians, they're focused on one thing: lasers. I had went to a different location of theirs initially and got an extremely generous quote. With this second, more thorough visit, there was an additional expected Tx tacked on, which increased the cost considerably: bummer!
Cost: Predicted 7 Tx with Picoway and Picosure. They had buy 2 get 1 free + 20% if you pay in full up front, which got me a quote of $1700.
Guarantee: if the tattoo wasn't gone to satisfaction after my 7th Tx, I get a year of free Tx until it's gone.
Thirst Consultation: Cosmetic Surgeon
Overview: The physician was nice. He seemed knowledgeable, though reluctant to give any credit to the Pico systems. He didn't explicitly call them bunk, but he hinted at his vigorously. Upon me letting him know I was well researched on the topic of tattoo removal, his felt a bit more apprehensive to make bold claims about anything, which concerned me.
Cost: He predicted 10-11 treatments over the course of almost 3 years. The upfront total cost was about $4000, and it varied slightly if I chose to use a dermaroller double treatment versus single treatment.
Summary: I like the idea of a physician doing the work, but the guy didn't strike me as totally honest. His cost was too high, and he's not using the Pico systems which I have interest.
So, with it all said and done, I'm going to wait a week and decide. I'll probably go with the tattoo removal specialists, though DAMN do I wish I would have pounced on their original quote of $1300. Oh well, $1700 is practically nothing relative to the other places. Plus, I really just dug the vibe there. The technician showed me pictures of her own patients. I'm feeling quite a bit more hopeful, but I'm doing doing anything just yet.
Replies (11)
December 11, 2015
Is yours full colour? If so, what colours?
December 17, 2015
Integrity MediSpa is offering $99.00 treatments for PicoSure. They are located in Hopkins, just a suggestion. It's where I go.
December 30, 2015
Sorry for the delay. I believe it's for 20 minutes of laser use. I paid a flat fee for my arms and recently started my back. It's a fairly big piece. There's no taxes or extra charges. You can pay an additional $20.00 for lidocaine injections if you want them too. I just had another treatment completed today - as always, they did a really good job. There was frosting on my arm band - I've never seen this there and it's had about 20 treatments. Do call them and inquire if you have some time, I think you would be pleased with what they have to offer. Happy New Year :)
December 31, 2015
Hey. I actually already went and saw them and got my first treatment. Can't thank you enough for the recommendation. Great group of ladies running the place and the price is almost too good to be true. I'll surely be recommending anyone else I know in the future as well.
December 31, 2015
That's awesome. Glad to hear you got the process started and made it in to see them. The price really is great. They are very reasonable.
December 31, 2015
I got 6 total consultations and Integrity was 33% the cost of the next closest place . The next closest even had discounts added on there that would have required me to pay in full upfront to get the full discount, so I would have had to float 1600 bucks. All the blue and purple in my tattoo is totally gone after one treatment, though the red/orange/yellow looks the same. Probably do one or two treatments with the other wavelength to dull those, then call it good for the summer. Pretty stoked really. Thx again for the recommendation.
Replies (6)