POSTED UNDER PicoSure REVIEWS
Full Arm, Light Lines Tattoo - Boston, MA
ORIGINAL POST
I recently began to outline a full sleeve tattoo. ...
C_Boston13May 20, 2013
$3,000
I recently began to outline a full sleeve tattoo. The first session included laying out ravens around my arm (for the most part the artist I went to uses very few dark lines so this was all done with 'gray lines' which basically look like pen marks.) The second session included added some background filler which were basically flowing lines throughout. He begin to fill in a few of these by my wrist and then filled in one bird silhouette completely black. It was at this point I realized how much I disliked the current work and feared proceeding.
I panicked. Spent the next two days on my couch wondering what to do. Contacted other artists about possible reworking the design. I had good feedback on a rework because the lines are so light. I also met with a laser technician (Carmen Vanderheiden of TatAway) about removal options. After weighing both of these options I think I need to commit myself to a year of laser treatment and then possibly consider reworking of the areas that will likely not be removed (the dark silhouette most notably)
I'm attaching some pictures of what currently exists. Does anyone have experience with removing lines this thin? Do you think it's realistic that after 10 sessions (I will be signing up for a membership package that means paying 250/month) the majority of this will be mostly gone?
I'm anxious to begin this process. I know that treating my entire arm is going to be an extremely painful process but I don't see another option for the sake of my mental health.
Some other factors : these outlines are new. About 2 months old. I've heard different things about old vs. new tattoo removal success. I am 25 and active and my skin tone is fairly light.
What do you think I should realistically expect from this time next year?
I panicked. Spent the next two days on my couch wondering what to do. Contacted other artists about possible reworking the design. I had good feedback on a rework because the lines are so light. I also met with a laser technician (Carmen Vanderheiden of TatAway) about removal options. After weighing both of these options I think I need to commit myself to a year of laser treatment and then possibly consider reworking of the areas that will likely not be removed (the dark silhouette most notably)
I'm attaching some pictures of what currently exists. Does anyone have experience with removing lines this thin? Do you think it's realistic that after 10 sessions (I will be signing up for a membership package that means paying 250/month) the majority of this will be mostly gone?
I'm anxious to begin this process. I know that treating my entire arm is going to be an extremely painful process but I don't see another option for the sake of my mental health.
Some other factors : these outlines are new. About 2 months old. I've heard different things about old vs. new tattoo removal success. I am 25 and active and my skin tone is fairly light.
What do you think I should realistically expect from this time next year?
Replies (23)
May 22, 2013
I wish you good luck. I strongly believe that tattoo can be completely removed. Thank you for sharing.
May 22, 2013
aloha courtW13 You have some wonderful things in your favour: black ink on fair skin (good contrast excellent for laser removal), think lines (again promising for laser removal) and the option of the new picosure. You were smart and brave to stop the tattoo process when you felt it was wrong. I so wish I had done that. You have also a wonderful trusting consultation and you have full confidence in your technician, this all sounds wonderful. Yes, laser removal is expensive but in my opinion so worth it. I will be so happy when this is completed, in the meantime from my experience that I'd like to share with you: the first appointment is often filled with anxiety not knowing what to truly expected despite reading others' experiences. Take a deep breath and release all the anxiety, it's going to be okay. After a few sessions your expected results may be more definitive. One thing I've learned from this process and from reading others' experience is that it takes time, so be patient, it takes multiple treatments so be persistent and it can be taxing on your psyche so be positive...all of this will help you heal and help you stay focused on the task at hand. Ink regret sucks big time, we've all experienced it but modern technology will evaporate that nasty tattoo and the future will be bright and ink free or at least faded. Good Luck! aloha...k
May 22, 2013
Thank you for your kind words. It means more than you know.
I'm hoping for the best but its hard to stay positive as summer approaches and I'm forced to look at this mistake constantly (though I've continued to wear long sleeves in public).
However, I'm fortunate to have found this forum to keep me as confident and comforted as possible.
Thanks again.
May 22, 2013
No issue, that tattoo will be easy to fade or completely remove...there is a guy from California on this site who removed something much darker.
Good luck!
May 22, 2013
I'm strongly hoping it can be completely removed. The size is daunting but I'm trying to stay positive.
UPDATED FROM C_Boston13
17 days pre
Anticipating 1st session
C_Boston13May 24, 2013
I'm having my first laser treatment on tuesday. I've become incredibly anxious and nervous in the days leading up to the start of this process.
What should I have on hand as far as aftercare? What should I expect the following day/days?
What should I have on hand as far as aftercare? What should I expect the following day/days?
Replies (1)
May 24, 2013
congrats, don't worry, you will do fine! Have polysporin and extra bandaging as you will need to change it at least twice a day.
Good Luck!
UPDATED FROM C_Boston13
13 days pre
First Session
C_Boston13May 28, 2013
Survived day one of PicoSure treatment!
Iced up for about 20 minutes and then was able to have my entire arm treated. Darker area has already blistered but the rest of the lines just look red from now. Here's a photo during the session.... I'll update more as things heal.
Iced up for about 20 minutes and then was able to have my entire arm treated. Darker area has already blistered but the rest of the lines just look red from now. Here's a photo during the session.... I'll update more as things heal.
Replies (3)
May 29, 2013
Wow.... The pico really does render all other lasers obsolete. I blistered a lot too after recieving treatment, but I've been seeing phenomenal results. Your tattoo looks like it'll be gone. Hopefully you just have Togo back for a touch up! How many sessions did they say you will need? My doctor said 2-3 more for the outline on my back and a small tattoo on my thigh.
May 30, 2013
I have some crazy blistering happening currently. They're predicting that the light lines may actually be gone by the next session. The darker section (one silhouette on the back of my elbow was filled in black) may take up to 6. Currently all the line work has turned red which is sort of concerning. I'm hoping it starts to fade back to skin tone soon.
Its good that you stopped the work when you started to question it. Good for you for speaking up. It was also wise of you to take a couple of days to research out your options and weigh each one.
Do you know what kind of laser will be used for your removal and how often you will be getting treatments?