Q-Switched Laser Removal of Red and Black Tattoo

Seeing significant fading now! I think a lot of this redness is not ink, but redness of my skin after the small scabs just came off in the shower. The skin is still sensitive and the area feels a little bumpy and swollen. Anxious to see what this looks like after a few weeks of healing. I have paid for 3 more treatments, and that will make 10 total. The laser tech estimated 8 to 10 treatments at the beginning for full removal of the tattoo. The place I'm going does a guarantee of removal, so I've paid for 10 treatments, and they will continue to remove the ink until it's gone, regardless of how many treatments it takes. I'm hoping for no more than 10, but super happy about the results I'm now seeing. I also opted for a microdermabrasion treatment ($25 extra) this trip, which was supposed to break up the outer layer of skin, making it easier for the laser to penetrate to the ink. Stay tuned... 8th treatment early July.

I've been bad about posting pics throughout the process. I just had my 7th treatment, and things are looking really good. Finally seeing a lot more fading of the red ink. This photo was taken just BEFORE my 6th treatment. You'll notice the black is very faded and the red is starting to lift. Next treatment (#8) is in July. I'll post pics. I'll also post pics after the scabbing from my last treatment starts to heal.

Update: Valtrex works to prevent cold sores if you're experiencing breakouts after laser treatments. I took one 1,000 mg pill for five days. I took the first one the day BEFORE the treatment, then continued taking one day of, and for three days after. NO breakouts due to the laser treatments for the last several visits. I've also drank LOTS of water. No cigarettes. No excessive sun exposure. Keepin' healthy.