POSTED UNDER Tattoo Removal Reviews
My journey to erase a big, ugly mistake. We may not have time machines, but at least we have lasers. - Detroit, MI
UPDATED FROM lostspyder
4 days post
Four days after my first session...
I will post a pic once I see progress from my first session, but I thought I'd post an update for anyone new to the process (like me).
The procedure itself wasn't nearly as painful as I anticipated. Due to the size of my tattoo, it took about 15 minutes (no breaks). The technician was very nice and held conversation with me while she was doing it... I think that helped. What I really haven't liked is the healing in the days since the procedure. It immediately formed many blood blisters on various parts of the piece and within a couple of days, the entire thing was bruised. Today is the fourth day of healing and most of the blisters are still there, but are slowly leaking on their own... so I'm wearing black dresses to work and patting the blood spots with tissue throughout the day. Sore and disgusting. :-( Fading doesn't occur for several weeks after a treatment, so right now it's especially depressing to see a bloody, bruised leg with no progress. I'm sure I'll be fine in a few days, but I wanted to share my initial experience. Aaaack!
The procedure itself wasn't nearly as painful as I anticipated. Due to the size of my tattoo, it took about 15 minutes (no breaks). The technician was very nice and held conversation with me while she was doing it... I think that helped. What I really haven't liked is the healing in the days since the procedure. It immediately formed many blood blisters on various parts of the piece and within a couple of days, the entire thing was bruised. Today is the fourth day of healing and most of the blisters are still there, but are slowly leaking on their own... so I'm wearing black dresses to work and patting the blood spots with tissue throughout the day. Sore and disgusting. :-( Fading doesn't occur for several weeks after a treatment, so right now it's especially depressing to see a bloody, bruised leg with no progress. I'm sure I'll be fine in a few days, but I wanted to share my initial experience. Aaaack!
Replies (4)
May 29, 2013
They say you dont really see any difference for at least 3 laser treatments so try not to get depressed!
May 30, 2013
Yes, I agree with you MomofTwoBoys, my Clinic told me 3 treatments before seeing a difference. I've had one treatment and after the light scabbing healed that the tattoo perhaps looks less shiny than it did before (it was only 4 months old when I got the first zap). You definitely need to be patient and that's the hardest part of this whole experience.
May 30, 2013
Yes, patience and not being able to put on pants are the worst parts for me. ;-)
May 29, 2013
I had my first picosure treatment today in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Great office, very friendly. I'd be happy to post photos as I move along this process. I must say...it hurt! More than I was expecting. Thank goodness it was quick. And I guess it's my price to pay to get of this thing...
May 30, 2013
I've mentioned this on my posting review, the day of the laser session I feel ecstatic full of hope and positive feelings that the laser will blast away the offending ink. Then the next day as I bandage the area I'm full of "woe is me" thoughts wondering what I've gotten myself into. It's all part of the healing and the battering of the body and psyche. Now nine weeks post session (I'm having the R20 and waiting three or four months between) I have my good days and my bad days. Today was a bad day wondering when this thing is going to leave me (with my luck it won't...there I go again with the negative feelings). I've seen bruises, blood blisters and scabs and then I do it all over again. I feel like a [RS bleep] (do I have that right?) putting myself and my wallet through this torture. I'm so looking forward to the sweet reward in the end for all this trouble. Good Luck with the fading. aloha...k
May 30, 2013
Thank you for the comment. You echoed exactly how I feel. I do feel like a [RS bleep]! And I keep thinking of all the fun things (vacation!) I could be doing with the money instead. Thankfully, I just want it lightened enough for a cover-up... otherwise, this would take years. Good luck with your fading also. At least we're not alone!
May 30, 2013
I imagine it isn't any worse than the feelings and regret I have with my tattoos. Some days I'm okay with them, other days they are ALL I think about. I wish I was already getting laser treatment!
UPDATED FROM lostspyder
1 day pre
First session tomorrow! Yikes!
My first removal session is 6:00pm tomorrow. Admittedly, I'm freaked out about the pain and wondering if anyone could recommend an OTC lidocaine cream? My jerk doctor wouldn't call in a prescription. Also, wondering if it's it customary to tip the laser removal technician? Using a tech that works out of a tattoo shop... sounds strange, but I know two people that have had excellent results using this technician. Thanks in advance for any advice!
Replies (2)
May 25, 2013
In the 10 sessions I have done (8 with a dermatologist and 2 so far with a laser tech at a different practice) I have never received any recommendation for any pain cream. Actually at the dermatologist I didn't get any googles to wear, any cool air while it was being lasered. So the fact that I get the cool air on the area being removed is wonderful at this new location. As far as tipping - it has never occurred to me, until you have mentioned this now, to even think about it. I certainly wouldn't have with the first office because he was a dermatologist. The 2nd place I have been going to is a laser tech but no I don't feel a need to tip her. I'll be interested to hear if others do differently.
May 25, 2013
lostspyder i have been following this post and am curious if you are definitely going to get it removed? My tattoo is a hideous tribal piece on my lower back with a butterfly and i hate it. I want to get it removed but i am so scared i will spend all that money and it wont work. I want to lighten it as much as i can and then get just a butterfly in its place.
May 29, 2013
hi there... not sure how i missed this comment a few days ago, but i was referred to a laser technician by a friend of mine. he was able to remove the majority of a 1 year-old full back tattoo in 5 treatments by this technician. it does work. seeing the photos of his progress and now seeing his cover-up work gave me a lot of hope. she thinks she might be able to make it light enough for a cover-up in 3 treatments (depending on the cover-up i choose). she did recommend waiting 8 weeks between sessions for maximum benefit. a laser tech who tells you to come every 4 weeks is wasting your money because the process takes 7-8 weeks to carry away ink particles.
if you want to cover it after a few treatments, i recommend finding a quality artist from the start. i had a couple artists tell me they don't like working over lasered skin. the same friend who had his back redone referred me to his artist so i'll be working with him to determine when it's light enough to cover.
May 29, 2013
I might end up getting Lillies or a cherry blossom tree or something in its place . I know there will be left over ink but I don't mind having a tattoo, I have 4 of them. I just don't like the tattoo I have lol The people at the laser place seemed more positive when I said I only wanted to lighten it greatly to cover it up. The way it looks now (my profile pic) nothing can be done. It's an eye sore :( I think following stories like yours on this website will really give me the confidence I need to go do it eventually. I'd definitely wait at least 6-8 weeks between treatments to get the most for my money, I'm in no hurry. I've had this this since I was 18 and I'm 31 now so even just thinking about removing it has calmed me down a bit. Thanks for the reply!
Replies (4)