Is Laser a Bad Option? Too Big of a Tattoo to Remove? Corner Brook, NL

Welcome to the community, I'm so very glad that you've found us -- everyone here is so supportive and can relate to how you're feeling at the moment. This is going to get easier, right now you are in the eye of the tornado, but you've made your first step forward -- you're here talking with us, and you now realize you're not alone in this.  As for if your tattoo could be removed or faded for a cover up, I would suggest going for some consultations to see what your options are — there are some really amazing success stories and with the right laser and doctor, you can be one of those stories. Here's a  link to RealSelf's Video Library where you can learn more about tattoo removal -- there's a great mini-documentary you should check out: https://www.realself.com/video/disappearing-ink-a-...: <rs-video-player video='{"id":"12269","external_id":"4602053349001","uri":"video\/disappearing-ink-a-tattoo-remval-documentary"}'></rs-video-player>

Also, check out this TED Talks, I watched it several times to help deal with my own regret:  Tattoo Regret: Kathryn Schulz Shares Her Story of Tattoo Regret

Please look after yourself and don't let this situation get the best of you, ok. Chin up!

I totally understand your feelings. it is a horrible place to be, but try to not let it ruin your life. I know that is hard, it feels so isolating and depressing, but it will be okay.

How long ago did you get it done? Maybe spend some time wearing it? I am trying to do that for now, and it is difficult, but I am trying.

Please know you are not alone, and although the regret is an isolating feeling, we all understand.

I am currently with you on the feeling of regret mine is not so big however i have a bit of color in mine. I have a 7x6 colored deadpool on my forearm and it is driving me insane i want it gone also. I just got it done last week and i am miserable.

keep in mind it will be costly and no guarantees can be made.

I had a half sleeve done about 15 years ago. I regretted it before it was complete. I hid my arm for years, even in the summer, because I didn't know what to do. My self confidence was gone, I gained so much weight because I didn't care, I felt so unattractive. About 8 years ago I finally went to get a laser treatment, performed by a dermatologist, cost was $950 per treatment. Yes it was painful and uncomfortable, but worth it. I had redness and swelling for a few days, but no blisters or scars. After 2 treatments I could see it was working. Unfortunately, I moved and I could no longer go to the dermatologist, so I found a laser spa, price was $350. The price difference was due to location but most importantly it was due to the fact that a technician was performing the procedure instead of a medical professional. The first treatment at the laser spa went ok, although I had a few blisters. The second treatment was a complete nightmare. It was a different tech, which caused 2nd and 3rd degree burns on my arm with permanent scarring. I sued and won. But it took me a few years to get over the mental trauma. When I was ready to go back, I made sure I went to a Medical Doctor, not a tech. It is actually illegal in my state for anyone other than a medical professional to perform tattoo removals, unfortunately it's not enforced by the state. So far I've only had one treatment with the new doctor. I was charged $500, since most of the tattoo is gone. This time I have no blisters and just small pinpoint scabs. One difference I noticed between the doctors and the techs was that the doctors used a cooling wand which helps with the pain and cools the skin so there's no blistering. He used a q-switched YAG laser. I have about 2-3 more session before it's completely gone. So about 8 treatments for an all black tattoo. Be sure you go to a medical doctor, not a tech and that they use that wand. I've been on this tattoo removal train for about 7 years because I made that mistake. Don't even take the cost into consideration, that should be your last concern. Good luck, it won't be as easy or cheap as getting the tattoo, but it can be removed.

I understand where you are coming from when you say you feel depressed and anxious about your tattoo, try not to blame yourself. I'm sure the decisions you made were thought out, and it just so happens things have not worked out the way you wanted them to.

With regards to what to do... if it was me and I definitely wanted to do something. Rather than going down the path of getting more tattoo work done, I would try the laser first. As you said yourself it would be harder to remove the tattoo after you had more ink done. If the laser does not work then at least you should have more clear skin to work with for an amazing cover up tattoo.

Be kind to yourself, and think about all the positives that you have in your life. You are beautiful and you made a mistake.... that is all.

For what it's worth, I think your sleeve looks amazing! Very delicate and intricate. But I can absolutely understand where you are coming from.

If you are genuinely interested in having a lovely piece of art on your arm, my advice would be to have a few, or more sessions of laser over the whole arm, especially the darkest areas.
Just to take some of the compromise out of a potential cover up for the artist.
Personally, I'd not rework or use what's already there.
Psychologically, it's still the old tattoo, just polished.
Use the laser as a tool to get a kickass new piece by someone who knows what they're doing.

For the size of your tattoo I don't know that I would rely on full removal. I think you could get a considerable amount of fading, but complete removal, I don't know . I'm only talking from my own experience with what I was told when I went for my consults- even with the pico I was told complete removal with a tattoo my size was unrealistic.
I think finding a good artist to re-work it is a good option, but ultimately you have to do what's going to make you happy and feel good about yourself again. Good luck, I'll be following your progress!

Hi just out if interest with the laser places you've been talking to have they told you to have it lasered in sections or the full sleeve?