After getting the tattoos in the college and being at a different point in my life now, decided it was finally a time for a change after reading after up on the success of the Picosure laser. Not a big fan of the tattoos anymore so decided to remove the middle part of the sun tattoo and remove the tribal tattoo. Still deciding if I am going to am to tattoo over it...just depends on if I have scarring after the removal process.
I would love to get feedback from others as to your opinion on whether on or not I have hypertrophic scarring and/or hypopigmentation. I'm also dealing with redness weeks after treatments. I have sent the pictures to my doctor and he is telling me everything is looking normal so just looking for 100% confirmation.
Updated on 13 Dec 2014:
I also forgot to include in my original post that my first treatment was actually the R20 method by the same doctor.
Also, I am using Aquaphor daily and doing daily scar massage although I was not as good about it early on as I am with it with the most recent treatment. I am also using silicone gel sheets and/or silicone gel in an effort to reduce redness and scarring.
Updated on 14 Dec 2014:
I only included one other picture I took of the sun tattoo along the way. Probably because it was progressing so well along the way I never really felt the need to document it.
I also didn't take too many additional pictures of my tribal fully healed, only immediately after to document blistering. This is the only picture I have after my first Picosure treatment back in January. Clearly see that Picosure works and breaks up the ink.
Updated on 8 Jan 2015:
Went in for a follow up with my doctor and we decided to hold off another few weeks before doing another treatment. It has been 10 weeks since my last treatment. When I go back in on Feb 12, it will be about 15 weeks at that point.
For some reason, I am having lasting redness. He thinks I am having a slight allergic reaction to the ink expelling from my body. Some days are worse than others but my doctor instructed me to try hydrocortisone cream for one week and report back on how it looks. He stated everything else looks good otherwise and just continue to be patient.
Updated on 8 Jan 2015:
Updated on 10 Jan 2015:
Included a couple close up pics to show how progress is coming along.
Updated on 17 Jan 2015:
No doubt Picosure is working and the ink is being removed but I'm definitely going to be stuck with hypopigmentation and scarring. Regretting the decision more and more everyday. Would much rather have the tattoo than unsightly damaged skin. Pretty sure getting the R20 the first time may have a lot to do with it.
Debating just holding off for months to see how my arm heals up and waiting 6 months total after my last treatment before making a decision to schedule the next treatment.
Updated on 20 Jan 2015:
I went back to my doctor today for a follow up and he said everything looks ok. There is scar tissue but that I'm doing a good job with scar massage. The thing that has bothered me the most with the whole thing right now is the redness. According to the doctor, it will eventually resolve but that it will take time. It's up to me if I want to hold off on treatments for another few months or continue with my next scheduled treatment in another few weeks. Ultimately, its up to me if I want to push this thing out for for another year and a half. I've already been at it for a year. It is still recommended that I wait 3 months in between treatments either way. Recommendation is to continue with scar massage daily. I guess I need to figure out what I want to do in the next 2 weeks. I'm trying to get a second opinion in that time frame.
Updated on 20 Feb 2015:
I decided to go in for another treatment last Thursday but it may potentially be my last one. I have followed up with another dermatologist (who does removal with another laser) a facility in another site of which I have sent pictures, and another dermatologist out of the state who has seen pictures. All of them have staged I will not receive "full" removal because of the scarring and hypopigmentation.
The redness has reduced, primarily driven by not using aquaphor/Vaseline and switching to Aveeno lotion and another product called Invicible Scars, which I highly recommend.
I met with a tattoo artist 3 weeks ago and he stated he could do a coverup at the current state, but wanted to wait at least 9 months to let the redness and scarring to subside. I'm 90% sold on the coverup as I research more and more, I will never get full removal.
Updated on 21 Feb 2015:
Attaching pictures of my attempt to see what the tattoo looks like with Dermablend coverup and then ideas of what I may attempt for a coverup. Ultimately, this whole experience has been a big fail. Tattoo was definitely lightened but at what expense.