POSTED UNDER Tattoo Removal REVIEWS
Instant Regret!
ORIGINAL POST
I wanted to share my experience to help others...
I wanted to share my experience to help others that might be in the same situation, with a huge regret and considering laser tat removal. Six months ago, I went & got a tattoo that was supposed to be a dedication of my love for my grandfather, the man who raised me and taught me everything I know today. It was an impulsive act, one without prior consideration. I must add I have 3 other tattoos, which I don't regret, for which of course, I took 4 longs years in between (each) to consider, what I was getting, where and basically weighting all the options. Anyways, the moment I stood up from the chair and the tat was done it became the biggest regret of my life. So from that moment on I was on quest to find a place to get this black thing erased. I checked several laser places, but they sounded all too good to be true. Then my PCP referred me to a dermatologist office that specializes on tat removal. After the initial consultation they told me I needed to wait at least 6 months to start the process, that way some of the ink gets absorbed and the skin properly heals. At first, I was disappointed, but I have come to realized that it was the best thing. It gave me enough time to get used to it (some how), and also to reconsider my initial reaction towards the tat (what if maybe after all I could like it).
With all that been said, I made my first appointment for the removal on 4/24. I put ice on the tat for 30 min before the procedure (everyone's experience I read in these 6 months recommended to put ice before and after, so I decided to give it try), the technician was pleased with that, she explained that the ice helped alleviate the discomfort of the procedure. The procedure didn't hurt one bit (at least this one or not at least like I was expecting it to), she used the minimum that could be used (2), it honestly felt like getting a tattoo. As soon as she was done I wrapped my arm in ice and kept it like that for about an hour. Needles to say, I did not get a blister (thank god, I think I looked at too many pics & that's one thing that terrified me the most, some people get really bad reactions). So far, there has been no change. I know the process of the body removing the ink starts 2 weeks after the procedure (according to all the literature I have read on the subject), but the technician told me I might not see much difference in the first tx and that's ok. I feel very optimistic and good now that I started the process, because to be quite honest I was terrified, I guess I read way too many things on the internet. I must add that I am glad I found this site. not only did I find some many others in the same situation but their experiences really helps me, gives me hope and motivation to do this.
I hope my experience as well as the others helps anyone out there that's going through the same situation.
I hope my experience as well as the others helps anyone out there that's going through the same situation.
ari3's provider
Replies (10)
May 7, 2013
I completely understand, I just finished up with my third session on having my tattoo removed in almost the same area.....I had it in memory of my grandma. It was much larger than I had in mind an at the time it was an impulse also! But best of luck to ya :)
May 13, 2013
aloha ari3, I understand regret all too well. I also have many other tattoos that I adore (each and every one with a personal sentiment attached) but this latest one, one that I thought about for years, was the worst experience. Regret filled me as I too stood up from the chair and my first thought was "well this has to be lasered off". I was so nervous about the first session, but after being numbed with lidocaine shots and the laser was aimed at the offending ink, I actually began laughing. Now five sessions later I see fading and breaking of lines (well saw it after the first session actually) and am so happy. Yes, it's an expensive treatment and a lengthy one but in a few years I'll be ink free, with no scarring and it'll be worth it all. Good luck with your treatments, happy fading and let us know how you get on. Thanks for sharing, silence doesn't help anyone. aloha...k
May 16, 2013
Thank you. I still don't see any changes yet but I am hopeful that for the next one I will since they will be doing a double pass. I will share progress. Xo!
May 21, 2013
Thanks for posting your review, look forward to watching your progress and hope you get the results you are seeking!
UPDATED FROM ari3
2 months post
2nd Tx
I went for my second tx on 6/11. This time she did a double pass. The first pass hurts a little more than last time, I had put ice before for about 10mins, I put it again for about 5 when she was done with the first pass & wrapped my arm on ice when she was done for about 1-2 hours. The second pass did not hurt as much, I guess because the area was kinda numb from the 1st one. I have did not blister. Neither have I noticed any change. What I do notice is little tiny areas that might flake off (kinda like when u get a sunburn). They are gradually incresing it, to minimize skin damage she did tell me that I will start to see the results by the 3rd tx which I have scheduled for 7/31. I'm waiting 7-8 weeks in between txs.
Replies (1)
April 9, 2015
Ok your saying you have little to know results from two treatments on a black ink tattoo ? There stringing you baby. I had ONE treatment with a pecosure on a black and grey with great results. I see yours is dence dark black, maybe thats why hmmm....any ways good luck to yu whats it say anyway would love to know ....ps my lazer girl told me to wait at least 11 weeks in between treatments. Gives your body enuff time to carry ink away
Replies (4)
July 8, 2013
Did you buy a package of treatments? If you still haven't seen any change before going to number 3, maybe you should try somewhere else..?
July 8, 2013
Jw, we all have our reasons, but why do you regret it?
Good for you for taking the 6 month waiting period to educate yourself on tattoo removal! I'm so glad to hear that what the others shared was helpful in preparing you, and now you are paying it forward to help others - so awesome!!
I know you mentioned the tattoo was a tribute to your Grandfather, do you mind me asking what the symbol is? If you prefer not to explain it, that's perfectly fine though, so don't feel bad saying if you would prefer not to go into that.
Oh, I think that's cool! But since you are feeling it, at least its black ink since that seems to be the easiest to remove.