Removing Black Inked Background W/ Q-Switch

I haven't been here in so long. It will be 3 years since I started laser tattoo removal (February 13th). I've been waiting for these past 3 years to get to this point, the point where my ink doesn't rule me anymore and I've been savoring it. To be honest, that "my ink not ruling me" thing actually happened about 1 year and 3 months ago around session 14 or 15 when the ink that I hated was really getting to be so light. But now it's pretty much official. No more scheduling laser appointments. What a RELIEF! (Especially for someone like me with pretty rough general and social anxiety...)
As you will notice, some of the black, spider-webby ink is still ever so slightly visible if you really look. While that isn't ideaI, I will take it. I will take it a THOUSAND times over compared to what I had! I am SO HAPPY with my results compared to the absolute horror I had before. I also know that these very faint lines are slightly more prominent on me with my pale skin, and will also continue to get lighter on their own.
The facts: 19 sessions, 2-3 months between sessions, about 2 years and 7 months total, Quanta Q + C Q-Switch @ Northeast Tattoo and Fade Away Laser Tattoo Removal in Minneapolis, MN with Joseph (a really, really patient man who can be held to his word.).
My advice: First figure out if you truly can't live with your ink. Sometimes people are shocked after getting a tattoo (especially their first) and panic. Give it some time. It took me months to decide. You got that ink for a reason, remember that reason and try to make it a part of you and ROCK IT. Tattoo removal isn't exactly easy, you're going to need the FIREY HATE burning inside of you towards you tattoo to keep up with removal sessions.
If you truly have an abomination (like I did) then do your research and do consultations at as many clinics as you can and ask as many questions as you can and pick what you think is best for you. You may have screwed up with your ink, but now is the time to do things right!
You will need to be comfortable with the technician, doctor or specialist because you will be seeing them for awhile. Also make sure they're reputable because you don't want them to blast a hole through your skin.
And then...... use that FIREY HATE to fuel you! Be determined! I'm sure you're a miserable wreck like I was and you deserve to be happy! If you need a therapist or other outside help, DO IT. No shame. Honestly, I should've probably found professional help myself. I didn't, but I was pretty depressed and was driving my then boyfriend and my family INSANE! I talked in circles and was moody AF. I had to take steps like changing my wardrobe to hide my ink, refusing to look at my ink, and distracting my mind every time I thought about my ink, or I would have went completely berserk!
I made a mistake with the ink. It was horrible. But I made the best decision for myself and stuck with treatments like a champ. It's worth it. I'm worth it. And honestly, it was already worth it after about session #3. When you hate your ink so astronomically and then start to see it breaking up... ahhh...the relief....
You can do this!
-Mercedes

Sorry this update is a bit late. I've been busy planning my wedding coming up in October. It's been a whirlwind!

Session #19 went really quick because as you can see, he hit the area where there was still a visible amount of ink. The rest of it is virtually gone. When I am looking closely I can see a little bit of it, but that will just continue to fade on it's own. There was no reason to hit those areas because there is so little ink there that the laser probably wouldn't do much to it.

So am I done?
YES! I think so! My laser guy says I should come back in February, just to check-in and so he can get some pictures of the final result.

I'll update again sometime soon to recap this whole journey. It's been almost 3 years, but what is 3 years of my whole life? I can be happier now the rest of my life because of this. If you're on the fence about this procedure, ask yourself if you can live with the ink you have the rest of your life. If you can, this isn't for you. It takes determination and true desperation to be rid of the ink ruining your life. If you absolutely can't stand your ink and can't imagine ever loving it. Don't wait any longer, start now, and give it everything you got. You deserve to be happy again. Fight for your happiness. You'll be surprised how fast time moves when you have these appointments to look forward to every few months.

Also love seeing your comments here.
Stay strong everybody.

Long time no chat! I've been busy, busy, busy with wedding planning!
Session #19 is scheduled for tonight but a lot of that black ink I used to have is virtually non-existent at this point! You can still just barely see it, but I know it will continue to fade on it's own. I'd like to give it one last good laser blast but Joseph may not even want to.
Could this be my LAST SESSION?! I can barely even imagine that...
And honestly, I can barely even imagine how far I've come. It's crazy how fast a few years goes.
I hope you are all doing well. I love to see your comments about what stage you're at in you're journey!