POSTED UNDER PicoSure REVIEWS
20 Year Old Tattoo Must Go! - Melbourne, AU
ORIGINAL POST
In my teens I got a tattoo on my ankle of a...
VBT4October 7, 2016
$220
In my teens I got a tattoo on my ankle of a Pegasus, which I immediately regretted. I have been covering it for many years with makeup or wearing stockings and done such a great job that many people, including close friends don't know I have a tattoo. I finally got feed up covering it up and made a conscious decision to get rid off it!! So, I did my research, consulted with professionals and found that the PICOSURE laser is my best option.
On the 6 October 2016, I received the first treatment and as recommended I applied ELMA cream, a local anaesthetic cream which is meant to lessen the pain but the laser treatment was still extremely painful (maybe I have a low pain threshold).
Within a few minutes the area was red, sore/tender and my leg twitched spasmodically but other then that no major discomfort. The following day I went about my business as usual and to be honest had forgotten about it, until I got home later that evening. I discovered my foot was swollen (which is a side effect) and the area had blistered up but again no major discomfort. I'm very surprised that with just one treatment I can honestly see that the tattoo has faded and a small section of the tattoo has disappeared. How effective will it be? Well, only time will tell but for now, so far, so good and can't wait to see what it will look like in a few weeks.. I will keep you posted (fingers cross).
On the 6 October 2016, I received the first treatment and as recommended I applied ELMA cream, a local anaesthetic cream which is meant to lessen the pain but the laser treatment was still extremely painful (maybe I have a low pain threshold).
Within a few minutes the area was red, sore/tender and my leg twitched spasmodically but other then that no major discomfort. The following day I went about my business as usual and to be honest had forgotten about it, until I got home later that evening. I discovered my foot was swollen (which is a side effect) and the area had blistered up but again no major discomfort. I'm very surprised that with just one treatment I can honestly see that the tattoo has faded and a small section of the tattoo has disappeared. How effective will it be? Well, only time will tell but for now, so far, so good and can't wait to see what it will look like in a few weeks.. I will keep you posted (fingers cross).
UPDATED FROM VBT4
1 month post
Second Picosure Treatment
VBT4November 18, 2016
Ok, one month on and I've now had my second treatment. My tatt hasn't faded yet, the pink section actually got darker but the blue and yellow sections did get a little lighter. Again it's blistered but only in the pink sections and it hurts to touch. I will see how it heals this time around and have one more treatment on Jan 17 and if no inprovement then l have to consider defeat :(
Replies (2)
November 19, 2016
Reading your post and wanting to share my experience and insights.
I'm a registered nurse and I work with cosmetic lasers. I'm also having two similar sized tattoos, with similar density removed with the Picosure laser (in Sydney). My tattoos are both around 15 years old. Have just had my third treatment.
With my understanding of how laser work on removing tattoos, I'm honestly expecting that for total removal of my tattoos, I'll be having an absolute minimum of 10 to 12 treatments.
The areas of shading are the most difficult to remove and the density, colour and type of ink used will also influence the removal process.
Every person and every tattoo responds differently to treatment, but the laser you have chosen is a great choice and should give you the result you desire.
Don't be disheartened at this early point.
Also a good idea to have a minimum of a month between treatments. 6 to 8 weeks, even better.
It's a very slow process in most cases as the ink is broken down and removed via your lymphatic system. This takes time.
Don't pick at the tattoo after treatment and protect it from the sun.
Hope this puts things into perspective.
Matt
April 28, 2017
Thanks for your encouragement Matt. I now have realistic expectations - there's no magic wand to make this mess of a tottoo go away immediately. I'll keep going.
UPDATED FROM VBT4
6 months post
Third treatment
VBT4April 28, 2017
I was meant to have my third treatment back in Jan 2017, but pushed it back. Finally returned on 26/1/17 and this time the laser treatment was unbearable. I followed the same prep ( applied ELMA cream) but no relief. Again, the following day it blistered up and the area was very sensitive. I can see that the ink is starting to break down ( lines are not as clear ) which is a good sign. Given the age and location of my tattoo, I know it's going to be a looooong process.
Replies (2)