The Beginning: Upcoming Clinical Trial Laser - California

I got the tattoo on my last birthday as a gift to myself (total backfire). I loved it for about a week.. I'm very finicky, which held me back for years from getting one in the first place. The tattoo is actually well-executed, it's a moderate size thin black-outlined red rose with dark green leaves and 2 vines- and is located on my left ribcage.

I've gone to 2 different doctors for consultations. The first one was a bust (anyone who tells you don't worry about it and they can make it disappear.. is lying).. he test-spotted a small single leaf in my tattoo using an Er:Yag first and Ruby secondly, in the end scarred the small site. The second doctor is actually extremely reputable, being one of the top dermatologists in the US.. he used the Revlite and AlexTrivantage and test-spotted a full red petal in my tattoo and 2 small leaves using the appropriate lasers. The green test spot has faded mildly, and the red petal has faded moderately.

I recently (yesterday) went to a state-of-the-art research facility at a highly recognized dermatologist's office for my third consultation and personal entry into their upcoming clinical trial. The condition that I be accepted was that the tattoo be symmetrical (yay). They will be treating the entire tattoo four times (R20 Method), however they will be applying a new ointment to one side of the tattoo inbetween passes that is supposed to decrease the amount of time needed to wait between passes. In the end, I will have four treatments at once.. and, as a gift from the facility, I will be given 2 free treatments after 2 follow-ups spaced one month and two months. The EXCITING thing is.. they will be treating me with the NEW Picosure laser (picosecond 755 alexandrite laser), which has been shown to clear green/blue ink close to 100% in one session! (And not to be released until early 2013). The trial starts in the next 2 weeks, where they will take pictures and follow my progress. Another great thing is, the medical director will ALSO treat the site with a laser for any leftover scarring, pigmentary/textural changes after my removal is complete.. which I'm told and hoping that it will only take a short couple visits, lessening the likelihood of scarring.


I will be sure to post pics before, after, and during the following weeks! :)