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I'll Take You Back to the Start - Brisbane, AU

UPDATED FROM flowerstoberemoved
11 months post

5th session complete

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flowerstoberemoved
$1,800
As some of you are aware, I completed my 5th session of tattoo laser removal two weeks ago. I didn't want to post a comment regarding the treatment as I wanted to see whether I would notice a difference after two weeks. Hate to say, I am finding it difficult to notice a difference. In saying that, there are subtle changes and the tattoo has faded dramatically. I was wondering whether the lines are suppose to start breaking and disappearing? It appears my tattoo remains in one piece however it is dramatically lighter in colour.

I have my 6th session before christmas. Following the 6th session I will be required to fork out another $1800 (more than likely) for what I am guessing will be another 6 sessions. Loosing patience with the process and I really hope that after the two years I have committed, the tattoo will cease to exist!

Words of encouragement are highly welcome!

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I am happy to recommend the clinic I visit. If you wish to know the name, please inbox me and I am happy to disclose the information.

Replies (4)

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December 4, 2013
Hey, there's definite fading happening here. From what I've read, if the tattoo was applied at a uniform depth all over, and if the laser technician passes over the area using the same setting, then the tattoo will fade out pretty much in one go (rather than different sections). This is where it can be a little deceiving - it might appear that not much is happening, because you're looking for breakages in lines etc, but in actual fact the whole thing is fading down at the same rate. Your pictures show a considerable difference, and I know everyone's tattoo will fade out at different rates. Maybe at your next session you should quiz them a bit on the power they're using and see if it can go up a notch or two to speed things along? Perhaps the position of your tattoo might be playing a role? I know the lower down the body you go, the more difficult it gets, but yours is almost mid-section, so shouldn't be too bad. Whatever the case, you're making progress and heading in the right direction, that's what counts!!
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December 4, 2013
Thanks for the comment, really helped! I will be sure to check out your progress when I get the chance!
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December 4, 2013


Thanks for your update :) I feel for you...it's such a long process!! wilks1986 nailed it,  and I agree there is some fading. The outline is always the most dense so it takes longer. Have you considered waiting longer between sessions? I find mine has continued to fade and my last treatment was in Oct. 


December 5, 2013
Hey. Stick with it. Have been doing tattoo removal for a couple of years now ( on multiple tattoos). Trust me when removing black tattoos treatments 5 to about 8 are like 'no man's land'. the first stages of removal seem quite rapid. The 'no man's land' phase is a real test, I think quite a lot of people drop out at this point. I found that from around treatment 9 onwards things really look up. I don't mean to undermine your clinic but I think they always underestimate the number of treatments required. I was quoted 10 - however realistically I wouldn't be surprised if I need another 5. Which would mean that I will have had approximately 17 treatments on my remaining tattoos. Just be patient...your tattoo is actually quite pretty and easily covered in the meantime ;)
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December 5, 2013
Thank you so much for your comment! I checked out your latest photos just a moment ago - I am super impressed! I guess I just need to be patient and expect another year of hell (at least!). I had a feeling that may be the case; treatments 5 to 8 taking their time. I was quote 12 to 15 treatments which I guess is a little more realistic than 10. I am not looking forward to forking out another $1800 for 6 more treatments. What was a $150 tattoo has turned out to be a very expensive process! Again thanks for your comment, I really appreciate seeing the later stages of tattoo removal. Can I ask, how do you feel about the whole process now that you have more or less removed one entire tattoo?
December 5, 2013
Hmmmm....great question! Tattoo removal is a curious process (which sometimes feels like a beast). I am finding that during the really faded stage, it actually gets more tough than when you had the tattoo!! I am still removing forearm, back and neck pieces. I tend to cover these up around people because they look really weird and pretty ugly! I feel more self conscious of them!! I hate explaining that I am now desperate to erase something that was once a point of pride. At this point I am also a little concerned that I will end up with an obvious removal shadow which would look more stupid than a tattoo. Up close, the tattoo that was on my stomach has an oh so faint mark that looks like a slight bruise. I am really happy with the result though. I am positive that this faint mark will fade out in the next year (like any other scar). Suffice to say that removal is not for the faint hearted!! PS I have been travelling so missed treatment on my remaining tattoos. Might not get treatment till new year so will be sure to post some pics.
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December 5, 2013
Lots of valid points here! It's a curious process indeed and a real test of someone's mental strength and resolve. I'm really hoping that when I reach the end of this process I'll be mentally tougher and I'll have learnt some important life lessons. The waiting is just tortuous though.The fading is not something you can notice on a day to day basis, because it's so gradual, but you can't help but feel deflated when you wake up every morning to what appears to be little change. The progress pictures are a must in order to track your progress and keep your sanity and this site / the other blogs have been important in me not losing my mind! I'm half expecting a shadow of some description when they've removed as much ink as possible, but I know I'll be ten times happier than I am now when I reach that stage, as I know a year worth of treatments will be behind me. I've never felt so low as I did in the summer when I knew I was right at the beginning of a very long process. As each month passes my spirit lifts a little as I see more progress. Mentally, I'm still in a rough place because of all of this, but I'm hoping that in another 6 months and 3 or 4 more treatments, this thing might be near the end! Thank you again for this review, it's really helpful.
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December 11, 2013
I know how you feel with not seeing the results you wish for. I am 12 treatments in on my chest and feel the same now. I am not going to give up though so be patient! it will come
UPDATED FROM flowerstoberemoved
10 months post

5 sessions later

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flowerstoberemoved

Replies (1)

November 13, 2013
Thats a lucky laser.lol,jk
UPDATED FROM flowerstoberemoved
10 months post

6 November 2013

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flowerstoberemoved
Goodmorning fellow bloggers. I have receive an overwhelming response from users, and I am very grateful. I have posted two photos online the first photo is a side angle and shows the tattoo only hours after completion. The other photo (close-up) shows the state of the tattoo 5 sessions later. Unfortunately the photo does little justice. The tattoo has certainly faded and if I stretch the skin I notice it has certainly shattered into smaller pieces. I am due for the second stage of the 5th session next week. The second stage of each session involves removing the upper half of the tattoo. I have noticed the upper half of my tattoo is deeper and darker compared to the remainder of the tattoo. I recall the upper half of the tattoo is where the artist commenced hence why it is deeper and darker. I take it she became fatigued several hours later hence why the bottom half is responding to the removal more effectively. Once I complete the second stage of the 5th session I will post another photo. I will attempt to take better photos for you all so you can get a better idea. I hope I have answered some of your questions and queries. Until next time.

Replies (2)

November 6, 2013
I love your tattoo lol oh well
November 7, 2013
Hey the second photo isn't posted. Try again !:)