David Main, MBBS, BSc

I got my tattoo about 8 years ago in Thailand using the traditional method of a long bamboo stick instead of tattoo gun. I really didn't put any thought into what I wanted and definitely didn't research the artist. I lived with it without really giving it much thought until one day I decided to see if I could maybe rework it as it was quite an amateur looking tattoo. So I had an artist go over it trying to make it look more interesting and although he technically did exactly what I asked for I hated it. It went from being an amateur tattoo with an interesting story behind it, to just a stupid tattoo of nothing. So it is time to do something about it. I have researched all the clinics in my area and I am very comfortable with my choice. In Western Australia all laser tattoo removal is performed by a doctor. The Doctor I have chosen is a registered plastic surgeon with years of experience in tattoo removal. I have been told to expect 10 to 15 sessions for complete removal. I have prepaid 4 sessions so I got 30% off the price of $420 per session. My plan is to space the sessions out 8 weeks between each one. This site has been really helpful to me in making the decision to start the removal process so hopefully by reviewing my journey I can help someone else (and also keep track of how I am going as the months roll by). I had my first removal session yesterday. I have to say it was nothing like I expected. There was no pain at all. I applied a numbing cream 1 hour before my appointment and wrapped my arm in cling film. This was removed just before we started. The doctor put an ice pack on my wrist for 1 minute then started. It felt like a popping sensation under my skin but absolutely no pain at all! It took about 3 mintues all up. I have other tattoos I would like to remove and I really thought I would have to live with them because I thought I couldn't put myself through so much pain to get rid of them but if this is how it's going to be then I think I can get rid of the others too. I know it's only the first in a long line of treatments but I could not be happier at this point.

Updated on 21 Feb 2017:
New update with photos attached - Photos weren't loading originally:

The first photo is the original tattoo. The second photo is the reworked tattoo and the third photo is one day after the first laser session.

Updated on 28 Feb 2017:
So 1 week post session I am happy with everything so far. I did experience some small scabbing of the coloured area and it did itch (same as when a tattoo is healing). The red and orange is already a lot less intense. I am using Bio Oil in between sessions to hopefully reduce any skin damage.

Updated on 28 Feb 2017:
So 1 week post session I am happy with everything so far. I did experience some small scabbing of the coloured area and it did itch (same as when a tattoo is healing). The red and orange is already a lot less intense. I am using Bio Oil in between sessions to hopefully reduce any skin damage.

Updated on 7 Jul 2017:
I have not updated for a while so thought I'd put a couple of progress pics up. Had my 3rd session today. 2nd session went well but I did get quite a lot of blistering about a week after and it almost drove me crazy with the itching.

Updated on 7 Jul 2017:
So 3rd session went well. Really hope I dont get as much blistering this time. This is a slow process and I really don't give it much thought during session gaps (after it has healed). I am very happy with my Doctor and my treatment.

Updated on 7 Jul 2017:
I didn't have an ice pack in today's session. Instead the Doctor used a cool air hose. Much better! It kind of distracts you from the pain of the laser hitting the ink.

Updated on 8 Jul 2017:


Updated on 10 Jul 2017:
Blisters have come up on the coloured area. This has happened each time. The black ink tends to blister as well but not as quickly. Just smothering it in Bepanthen and keeping it covered.