Tattoo Removal with YAG Q-switch laser

Got a tattoo a few months ago, and haven't been happy about the placement since day 1. I even had the stencil places a few different places because I was unsure, but I didn't listen to my gut and went along with the original suggestion of tattoo artist and my friend. This tattoo is on the front of my bicep... And even though I like the tattoo, the placement bothers me so much that after 3 months I have moved forward with removal. I was really nervous about the pain and any scarring that may occur. Seeing all the pictures and stories online can be scary. I'm happy to say that on a scale of 1-10, my pain was between a 1/2. Not at all what I expected. 5 hrs after treatment I feel a little sore (but nothing bad) and see some red areas and my skin is a little raised around the tattoo. I will do my best to post updates. I go back in 8 weeks.

So... It's been 24 hrs since my first treatment. I have been surprised at the LACK of pain, soreness, and blisters! After seeing so many pics of others that have huge blisters and red looking burns I was expecting much worse. I have been applying ointment every few hours and have felt no discomfort. I see some pinpoint bleeding when I apply pressure to rub in the ointment. Other than that I have no blisters, no discomfort, and no red or burned looking spots. I was even a little worried that maybe something was wrong, but after reading responses from others who had the same experience and doctors I see I'm not the only one and its normal. So I will stop worrying and just do my part by taking care of the area and watching for fading.

It's been 9 days since my first treatment with the YAG q-switch laser. The area has not been sore at all. I have been keeping it moisturized with aquaphor ointment twice a day. A couple of the areas that are filled in look a little darker, but I've read this is part of the process and happens a lot after the first treatment. Some of the dot work shading is beginning to lighten up around the outside. Absolutely no painful or adverse effects such as blisters, burns, scabs, or itching.