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POSTED UNDER Tattoo Removal Reviews

Impulsive Ink in So Much Regret - Asheville, NC

UPDATED FROM brandon52

Cover up???

brandon52June 17, 2015

$400

Wondering if I should try a cover up, if removal is even possible or a cover is even possible. If I did cover it I would like nothing but black and grey. No color

Replies (5)

June 17, 2015

You should do a couple consults to see what tattoo artists think about covering your tattoo. Judging by the last pictures you posted the reds might still be too vibrant to cover, but I am no professional. Definitely ask a tattoo artist. I know you're feeling discouraged but it has faded a lot since your first treatment. I know that red inks can be stubborn, but have seen them fade quite a bit more on other people. Maybe you need a different kind of laser? I had read online that the Picosure does a good job on stubborn green, blue and purple inks. I guess the 532 nm q-switched Nd:YAG laser is better with reds. Apparently a 532 nm wavelength is good for reds because that is in the green spectrum, and green is best absorbed by red pigments, meaning it would be most effective.

June 17, 2015

Yeah, feeling real discouraged. The tattoo is just dingey and I don't see the green moving at all. Just turning darker yellowish brown. Really don't know what to do. I've paid up for complete removal. But who knows if that will happen, this just gets old.

June 17, 2015

Yeah... I'm only on session 3 and it's old!! I think it's good that you are at least contemplating the idea of a possible cover-up. I know I am. I've seen a lot of great results, some virtually gone, but a lot that have a little left as well. It's good to be realistic. But also, you are only on sessions 6. I still think there's hope for you. Really, I do. I know you can't switch lasers, but I think you'll still get fading from the Pico. I'm rooting for you.

June 17, 2015

Thank u so much. I just hate seeing my arm this way and the thought of the rest of my life with it. I'm in ur corner also.

June 18, 2015

Hi.. This is coming from someone with no tattoos, I'd try to power thru the removal, then wait until you're feeling better and decide if you want another tattoo. I can see noticeable change in your removal. I wish you luck, it really does look so much better..

June 18, 2015

Thanks, that's probably the best choice. I would like to be ink free

June 21, 2015

Brandon, stay with the removal. It is a very discouraging and long road but There is a lot of fading happening and more is likely possible. It seems like you just want a cover up because you're ready to be done with the process. Do all that you can to live life during this removal process. Don't allow yourself to get too obsessed and fixated on the time it's taking. Live life, enjoy life and the rest will take care of itself. I have a forearm tattoo so I know how you feel with it being summer. It's the hardest time. But, life goes on and you don't want to miss out! It's only a tattoo! That's it. Just a tattoo.

June 21, 2015

Thank you, I do believe it's the whole process and summer. One day, I'll get back to the way I was. Thanks again for being so positive and good luck with yours

June 18, 2015

For a cover up I think you would have to at least get that red to ease up through a few more treatments. How many treatments did you doctor say it would take in total? Also, have they had results removing red ink completely? I ask because I will begin removal of a tattoo with heavy red ink soon which I do plan on getting covered up.

June 18, 2015

They said 8 and they have had results. Good luck on its, guess I'll just keep on going

June 18, 2015

On urs*

June 19, 2015

Brandon- give it one year then see where you are at.

June 20, 2015

Will do Steve. Hope you're doing well.

June 20, 2015

Brandon- I had some time today and I studied your original pictures with your latest. The difference is amazing. It is working. I would say you have a 50% fade and even more in some areas. Do not lose your way and do not give in to a cover up, I've gotten to know you well enough where I don't think more ink ( even ink you like) will be the answer. While this forum is great and there are many supportive people, most of the people here are the ones not getting great results and some of the speculation and pessimism ( even by some of the clinical people) is amazing. People lose patience and just get an even thicker heavier cover up. Not the answer. These things DO get removed. Takes time. Ever see how every few years there is a media fueled example if so done getting heavy face tattoos removed. FACE. They ALWAYS get them off with no noticeable scarring. It seems when necessity calls these things manage to come off, while everyone else whines and speculates and puts in their 2 cents. Here's mine- 4 more treatments it will be so light it will no longer bother you. Guaranteed.

June 20, 2015

Thanks Steve, you always know exactly what to say to lift my spirits up man. I may not know you personally but it has been nice to meet you on here and I really do appreciate your honesty. I hope everything is going well for you as well.

June 21, 2015

You're welcome Brandon. Stick with it. I go for my poco consult next week

June 21, 2015

Pico*

June 21, 2015

Good luck buddy. I know you can do this

June 19, 2015

But your results are amazing and you have only had 6 treatments, I have had 8 treatments on a hand black tattoo and I still have a long way to go, I also go through stages of wanting mine covered but look at the pain you have been through and how far you have come. In a few years you will look back and be glad that you didn't cover it. Amazing results.

June 20, 2015

Thanks, adding insult to injury probably wouldn't be the best of ideas I suppose. I would like it just to be gone and have went through a lot of pain

June 22, 2015

Same here. Everyday I wake up and think how many more sessions until its gone, you need a lot of patience when it comes to removal. Keep at it though you have come so far with your removal.

June 21, 2015

I know I don't know you personally but I started following your journey. I have dealt with some depression in my life and understand how hard that can be.. Just know.. That people are thinking of you and that everything is always fixable.. And by the way.. Though I don't have tattoos, I don't think it looks

June 21, 2015

Bad.. Nor never did.. I think it's really honestly pretty brave and courageous to go through the pain of having it removed. Just saying.. It really says a lot about who you are and how strong you are..

June 21, 2015

Thank you so much. It's really easy to get down about this. Been through a lot the last couple of years. Trying to move forward every day.

UPDATED FROM brandon52

Two days after 6th session

brandon52June 7, 2015

Had a session on Friday. It really doesn't get any easier. Too many ups and downs especially with summer here.

Replies (3)

June 7, 2015

Sending you some healing hugs - you're doing great. I look forward to seeing your results.

June 7, 2015

Thanks Eva, I'll check it out

June 7, 2015

Hey you know what - watch the documentary movie - "Happy" it used to cheer me up :)

June 7, 2015

I'm rooting for you. :-) Make sure to try and find time for yourself. Doing something you like to do. I like listening to my 'happy music' or sitting out in the sun. This process really really really sucks but you're moving in the right direction and doing what's right for you.

UPDATED FROM brandon52

After 5th session

brandon52May 23, 2015

My 6th treatment is June 5th. This is what it looks like so far. I feel like its getting darker. I was hoping to be further along, haven't worn short sleeves in a year now, really wearing on me. I can't tell much change in it. I've even thought about covering but don't even know if that's possible, would really just like nothing there.

Replies (4)

May 23, 2015

Hey there, I think it's drastically changed, it's hard to notice when you see it all of the time. Hang in there, don't give up just yet.

May 23, 2015

I'm trying to but like you said its just I see it all the time. I hate how the green has turned a yellowish. Just so hard

May 23, 2015

Just feel its never going to go. So want to wear short sleeves again

May 24, 2015

This is the way I see it... be happy with how much it has faded, because remember you were doubting that laser removal would work because of all the color...but as you can see, it is indeed working—and as you continue with your treatments it will continue to fade...in fact, it's fading as we speak, as those little white blood cells continue to eat up that ink long after your treatment. As silly as this may sound, instead of feeling down and stressing out your immune system, give the white blood cells a boost by thinking more positive. And hey, wear the t-shirt that you miss, just try it for one day. I remember about 7 treatments in, sitting at the beach, hiding behind a t-shirt in the blistering hot sun wishing I could tear off the shirt and feel the sun on my back. You know what I did...I took off my shirt, and with the shirt I released the fear and worry of showing my back with it. That was a big moment for me, and from there on I wasn't so afraid to show parts of my tattoo. It was in that moment I found myself again, I found my courage and you can too. Free yourself from the shackles of tattoo regret and be happy and enjoy your summer, I encourage you to wear your t-shirt. What's the worst that can happen, someone asks about your tattoo? Maybe you will help someone else that is hiding a tatttoo they hate too?

May 24, 2015

Thanks Eva for all that you say and do for ppl on here. I need to start being more positive and quit stressing so much. I'm gonna try what you say

May 24, 2015

Oh good, I look forward to hearing how it goes :)

May 24, 2015

Hey Brandon, I think your progress looks great. Like Eva says, it's probably hard for you to notice on yourself. We are always the toughest critic of ourselves. Honestly, it looks dramatically lighter than your earlier pictures, which really gives me hope. Hang in there :)

May 24, 2015

Thank you so much. Its just tough, we are our worst enemy. I'm glad it gives you hope and I hope yours goes well to. I understand exactly how you feel. I really don't think we can train ourselves to like something we just don't like.

May 26, 2015

Your tattoo has faded so much since you started! I understand for large, colored pieces they say it will take 12-15 sessions so don't lose hope. I have tattoos that I already regretted and were thinking of having removed and then I just went and got a new one that I now wish I had never done. I think the worse part of it is having only yourself to blame for your mistake. At this point I think the best thing to do is move forward. I agree with Eva that you should put on a t-shirt, I think you will feel so much better if you can focus on my he things that make you happy instead of dwelling on the things that drive you into despair. I'm new to this but this is how I'm trying to think about things. I have 2 young kids that I have to take care of and I'm trying to stay strong for them if not for myself. Just try and be happy that you're doing everything you can to remedy your mistake. And if it's not enough, at least you tried. You persevered, you stayed strong.

May 26, 2015

Thanks, I'm going to do my best to push forward and quit letting this run my life.

May 27, 2015

The tattoos looked great. With the fading it still looks really good. Just my opinion. Accept yourself how you are right now no matter the outcome. :-)

May 27, 2015

Thanks, I'm working towards that feeling. I think I wrap more things into this arm than just the tattoo

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