POSTED UNDER Tattoo Removal REVIEWS
Large Side Tattoo Removal
ORIGINAL POST
Hello! I am currently removing a large side piece...
$243
Hello!
I am currently removing a large side piece on my back/side that says "Follow Your Heart." I mean at times I feel like I hate it but right now I don't feel to bad about it since I can see that it is fading. I am fairly fair skinned (around a 2) and my tattoo contains black and same white ink in the letters. I must say it hurts pretty bad but its soooo fast! The worst part is the itch that comes along with it. It will be a long road but in the end I think it will be worth it! I will be waiting 8 weeks between sessions until session 4 or 5 then I will wait about 15 weeks to give my skin a good break. Unsure if I will continue through the summer months as it can be extremely hot... and I am sure the itch would be awful in those months.
I am currently removing a large side piece on my back/side that says "Follow Your Heart." I mean at times I feel like I hate it but right now I don't feel to bad about it since I can see that it is fading. I am fairly fair skinned (around a 2) and my tattoo contains black and same white ink in the letters. I must say it hurts pretty bad but its soooo fast! The worst part is the itch that comes along with it. It will be a long road but in the end I think it will be worth it! I will be waiting 8 weeks between sessions until session 4 or 5 then I will wait about 15 weeks to give my skin a good break. Unsure if I will continue through the summer months as it can be extremely hot... and I am sure the itch would be awful in those months.
Replies (17)
April 14, 2017
Where are you going for removal? And what type of lasor? I'm going for treatment as well but every ten weeks weeks as it's a waste of money to go sooner because ink is still breaking down ....

April 14, 2017
T lee What laser are u using? How many sessions have you had? Will you start a review so we can follow your progress?
April 15, 2017
I just had my second treatment with picosure lasor, im really happy with the results so far. Yes I will start a review :)

April 15, 2017
Thank you looking forward to following your progress! I'm happy it's working for you :)

April 17, 2017
I am going to New Canvas in Calgary! They use the Revlite there and so far I am feeling pretty good about it. My only concern is the white ink.. I don't want it to oxidize so I'll talk to my provider to ensure we don't go over it. Yeah I am aiming every 8-10 weeks or even longer. Best of luck on the third treatment!! We all have such a long road a head of us, but at least we have a community for support!!

April 18, 2017
Maybe! I've heard different views from so many people about the picosure. Picosure definitely has better marketing! Just seems dependent on the colours within the tattoo. If it stops fading I'll most likely look into it but thus far I am fairly happy with the amount it has faded!!
April 18, 2017
We seem to have the same type of tattoo we're dealing with.. mine is dark black outline as well. I would love to compare after 3rd treatment to see which lasor seems to be working faster :)

April 18, 2017
Yeah that would definitely be a good idea!! It would be nice to see a realistic comparison.. instead of all the marketing pictures the companies have posted. I'll be posting another picture in about a week and a half just before my second session too!! :) :)
April 18, 2017
Sounds good!! Can't wait to see. I've just had my second treatment so I'll post a pic in 2 weeks.
July 22, 2017
wow amazing result! where do you go?

UPDATED FROM Minniechel
1 month post
Second Session Booked
My second session is on April 29th. Pretty nervous considering how painful the last one is and I've heard they amp up the laser since the ink may be deeper.... Looking forward to it being removed though. I was estimated 3 sessions for the top portion and seven for the lower. Plus it looks like [RS bleep] when its faded hahaha. Looking at others removals I am betting that both will take longer, but a girl can hope that it will be less sessions.. and less money. I am currently paying 325 per session! I'll be posting a photo pre-session and post session. Mine raised significantly for about 3-4 weeks. I am not sure if had an allergy or it was my cream or the antihistamine cream but something irritated my skin. Going to stick to very simple products this time!
Replies (4)



April 23, 2017
Can't wait to see those pics! Please keep us updated! :)

UPDATED FROM Minniechel
1 month post
2nd Session (Revlite)
Hello!
Had my second session on Saturday and it went well (still very painful). It was a little bit sore and now that I am on day two it is lifted and really itchy!! OMG! Last time mine didn't itch until 1.5 weeks after. Does anyone else get itchy right away? Just wondering if this is a normal reaction or if I am having an allergic reaction or something. I've looked at others peoples pictures and in some mine looks similar since its really red and raised still. Just not sure if itching after is normal!! Freaking out a little bit.. it would really suck if I couldn't continue these treatments and wasted my money & time... as well as be left with a half faded tattoo with lines missing.. this whole thing just sucks. Everyone understands the pain of having to go through this and dealing with the possibility of our tattoos never being gone. I will also be uploading a picture before and after my session probably tomorrow. This procedure really weighs on you mentally and physically. Between the pain and the itch.. its awful. Hopefully in a few days the itch subsides..... I couldn't imagine dealing with this for more than a week. Happy lasering everyone! ;)
Had my second session on Saturday and it went well (still very painful). It was a little bit sore and now that I am on day two it is lifted and really itchy!! OMG! Last time mine didn't itch until 1.5 weeks after. Does anyone else get itchy right away? Just wondering if this is a normal reaction or if I am having an allergic reaction or something. I've looked at others peoples pictures and in some mine looks similar since its really red and raised still. Just not sure if itching after is normal!! Freaking out a little bit.. it would really suck if I couldn't continue these treatments and wasted my money & time... as well as be left with a half faded tattoo with lines missing.. this whole thing just sucks. Everyone understands the pain of having to go through this and dealing with the possibility of our tattoos never being gone. I will also be uploading a picture before and after my session probably tomorrow. This procedure really weighs on you mentally and physically. Between the pain and the itch.. its awful. Hopefully in a few days the itch subsides..... I couldn't imagine dealing with this for more than a week. Happy lasering everyone! ;)
Replies (11)

May 1, 2017
Yay! Second one down! I'm not too familiar with the itching phase I hope you find an answer soon. Have you contacted your laser removal clinic?

May 1, 2017
I know right!! Two down!! yeah the itching phase isn't fun... haha but as long as it subsides in a few days I am okay with that. Just want to make sure I am healing properly! I had contacted the first time about my itch and she said I am probably sensetive so I am going to wait this time around and see if it stop itching in a week. My clinic gave me a sheet that said I would itch the first 1-4 days and blister. I haven't blistered yet with any of the procedures but I have had pin point bleeding. So if it goes away by day 4-5 I think I should be okay.. so lets hope so! I don't want to have to stop half way through and have this faded ink :(

May 1, 2017
I can't wait to see progress pics! I would contact the place you had the laser done, just to make sure. Mine has itched before but I cannot remember if it was that quick. I agree with what you said, the uncertainty of this process is the hardest. It really makes everything harder to be so unsure of what's going to happen. Best of luck to you. Keep us posted!!

May 1, 2017
Thank you! I will post a picture today of it.. its pretty red but I am sure it will go down soon! My first time it didn't itch that quick, but everyone seems to have such different symptoms each laser appointment! It was right after I put on the polysporine so that why I am thinking maybe my skin is just irritated! Agreed!! Best of luck to you as well :)

May 1, 2017
I feel like every time my level of itchiness is different lol. Sometimes I itch right away as soon as I get home, sometimes it takes a few days, and sometimes I don't itch at all. I believe the itchiness is just the skin healing and boy, it drives me crazy sometimes! For me it helps to gently rub a little lotion on the area. Just lightly dragging the pads of my fingers over it is slightly helpful.
The one thing I think you should look for in an allergic reaction to the ink breaking down is hives. If you get any itchy hives/welts around the area then it's definitely an allergic reaction. Keep an eye out. Most people don't have a problem though. The itch is probably just healing skin. :)
Don't give up! Someday you'll be able to look back on this and think, "Wow... that sucked... but I'm so glad it's done!" Haha! It's such a small part of our lives and we'll be much stronger and happier because of it. Looking forward to your next posts! :)
The one thing I think you should look for in an allergic reaction to the ink breaking down is hives. If you get any itchy hives/welts around the area then it's definitely an allergic reaction. Keep an eye out. Most people don't have a problem though. The itch is probably just healing skin. :)
Don't give up! Someday you'll be able to look back on this and think, "Wow... that sucked... but I'm so glad it's done!" Haha! It's such a small part of our lives and we'll be much stronger and happier because of it. Looking forward to your next posts! :)

May 1, 2017
Thanks! I went to the doctor and she subscribed me a cream and something orally to help with the itching. I'll post a picture of it tonight, I am not sure if its hives. Its read around the entire area, but not small bumps. Its just one huge red bump over the tattoo. Its definitely gone down today so maybe I am just sensitive! I hope its not a reaction because my clinic said they wouldn't continue treating me if it is one.. Thanks!! Hope is all well for everyone. Such a good support system on here :)

May 1, 2017
Also when you get your done is it still red around it for two days?
Mine is still red around the entire tattoo and lifer and itchy so hope this is somewhat normal haha. I don't want to be having an allergy! Just not sure if its a giant hive or if its just irritated!! Its not random bumps its just a huge bump connected around the entire tattoo.
Mine is still red around the entire tattoo and lifer and itchy so hope this is somewhat normal haha. I don't want to be having an allergy! Just not sure if its a giant hive or if its just irritated!! Its not random bumps its just a huge bump connected around the entire tattoo.

May 2, 2017
My last session was 5 days ago and my ink is still a little red and itchy. Mostly it's starting to look bruised though. But yeah, it usually takes awhile for my skin to go back to normal. Maybe upwards of a week and a half until it looks normal again.
I'd say the swelling you are experiencing probably shouldn't last more than 4 days. If it stays swollen, then maybe there is a problem? I'm not a doctor though. Just speaking from personal experience.
I'd say the swelling you are experiencing probably shouldn't last more than 4 days. If it stays swollen, then maybe there is a problem? I'm not a doctor though. Just speaking from personal experience.

May 2, 2017
Okay that makes me feel better then! The redness has definitely gone down, its still a bit itchy and tender but it'll be gone in a few days I am sure. I honestly think my skin is just super sensitive, but I am glad I am having a similar reaction to other people. It's always freaky since everyone reacts differently after each session so its nice to be able to compare it to people!
May 2, 2017
Arnica gel is the best for swelling/bruising and itching. My surrounding skin was yellow bc of how strong the treatment was. Btw it was given to me by my MD

May 2, 2017
Mine bruised last time too! Its just super irritated right now.. So hope that goes away in a few days :(
Thanks! I'll look into that gel! My doctor prescribed me some cream to help and an oral antihistamine! Hopefully that helps!!
Thanks! I'll look into that gel! My doctor prescribed me some cream to help and an oral antihistamine! Hopefully that helps!!
Have to keep one another updated on our progress!
Good luck with your process. :) :)