Ankle Tattoo - Nashville, TN

I have been following these blogs for about a year. I've learned more about this procedure from this community than from any online research or doctor consultations. So, I guess it is time to share my story. I got my tattoo when I was 18. I thought it was a good idea. It was a 2" dove with purple flowers and green leaves encircling my ankle. I don't have any good pictures of it. Sorry. Fast forward 23 years and I am completely over it. I did some research and decided to pursue laser removal. I scheduled a consultation with a Medical Aesthetician. First red flag: no doctor consulted or evaluated me. She charged me $99 and said it could be completely removed in 3-5 treatments. Second red flag: old tattoos, and those located on the ankle, and very difficult to remove and often require many treatments. The first treatment was completed on 11/28/12. It was painful, but tolerable. She scheduled my next treatment in 3 weeks. Third red flag: the minimum wait time between treatments should be 6 weeks, preferably 8+ weeks.
I will continue to chronicle my experience in the hope that others will benefit from my story.

My second treatment was with the same Medical Aesthetician. I forgot to mention that at this clinic they were using an Alex and a Yag laser. She recommended we increase the laser strength. As she began to zap it, a bright green light came from the laser and lit up the room. She was surprised and pulled out 2 pairs of dark glasses. She put a pair on and suggested I do the same. Red flags 4, 5, & 6: the technician should not be surprised by what the laser does, if she is, she should consult with a doctor, and everyone in the room should always wear protective glasses. This treatment was significantly more painful. She bandaged my ankle and scheduled my next appointment for 3 weeks. (See red flag number 3.) My entire tattoo blistered within hours of the laser, and my leg felt like it was on fire. My ankle and foot were swollen for a week and it took ten days for the blisters to go away. I was scabbed for an additional 2 weeks. I called the clinic to reschedule my third treatment as my skin was not intact and needed more healing time.

I arrived for the third treatment and the Medical Aesthetician told me that it was her last day on the job and she was going to another clinic. She said I should continue my treatments with one of the doctors at the clinic. She said she was going to use the same laser settings as the 2nd treatment, but they were definitely lower. She did not charge me for the treatment because "she felt badly that I would have to continue with a new provider". I had no blistering and minimal scabbing. Fast forward 13 months and I see the Medical Aesthetician at the same clinic every time I go there. She doesn't acknowledge me when she sees me in the waiting room.