Big Ol' Meh

First the tattoo, I had always wanted one, I had some designs and thoughts, but nothing set in stone. During a difficult time in my life around 24 years old, I ended up getting a tattoo that was less than desirable. It wasn't ugly, over the years it has received tons of compliments, however it wasn't what I asked for, nor does it represent me. I asked for 3 small stars behind my ear, solid red, no black outlining. I was very specific about not having black as an outline, because I didn't want it to become the thick line it does over time. Personal significance was just to represent my two brothers and I. I needed something that would be easy to hide so I wanted 3 small stars behind my ear that could be easily covered with my hair down. What I ended up with was a set of stars that went down my neck, outlined in black. I was pretty angry. I kept the tattoo for a while but after 6 years, I felt like it was holding my back from progressing career wise. Maybe it isn't, but even so it was never the tattoo I wanted.

I just had my 4th session. I was told originally it would take 6-7. I expect things to take longer than the best case scenario, so I expect for this tattoo to actually take more like 10-12 sessions.
The Red has significantly faded, however, the black looks to me to only be about 50% removed at best. The first two sessions were using a certain piece, cannot recall what it was called, that focused more on the black. After two sessions, I asked when I would see the red start to fade, and they started using two different wavelengths. One for the black and a second wave for the red.

The black is the most painful of the two treatments, the red is significantly less painful. I wouldn't say it is a the worst pain. It's very different from getting a tattoo. It feels very similar to touching your hand on a hot stove and getting a small burn. Only lasts during the actually session. After a week of ointment and washing, the redness and swelling goes down.

I wait 10-12 weeks between each session.