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POSTED UNDER Tattoo Removal REVIEWS

Recent Half Sleeve Tattoo - Seeking Removal. New York, NY

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Hi everyone, I just got this tattoo of a winding...

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jt nyc
$8,000
Hi everyone,

I just got this tattoo of a winding river outline and immediately regretted it. I have truly been having a mental break, anxiety and depression and haven't been able to eat or sleep. I've never felt like this before and am looking into laser treatments. I've gone to 5 places to shop around, with mixed results. Some places are more encouraging, and say that the time in between treatments really doesn't matter as long as you heal, while others say much longer time intervals are needed.

My tattoo is black only, outlines and done professionally. I know that I've got a long journey and this blog has been a lifesaver. Thank you all for posting your stories over these years. I have an appointment in a month (it will have been 6 weeks since the tattoo was put on) and will try and track my progress. Anyone with a similar tattoo who's gone through the process it would be great to hear from.

Cheers,

J

Replies (19)

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March 25, 2016
Ur in the city? I highly recommend KERIN MEDICAL SPA in Tuckahoe. Not only is it a board certified medical doctor (U NEED THAT), but they also have a wonderful Groupon deal! I've had 3 treatments there w good results, check out my page for reference. Time between treatments should be ideally at least 8 wks. Sometimes I wait 6 months since I'm further in my removal. Ur tatt might also be too fresh to be hit w a laser, consult w a MD whether that is appropriate action. Good luck! Make sure to do ur research and make smart decisions, laser removal can be tricky.
March 25, 2016
Thanks I'll definitely look into them. What is the time you've heard before starting treatment?
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March 25, 2016
It really varies, diff docs say diff things. U can search here for doc answers or call ur local medical offices (make sure it's a medical professional, not some douche mcGouche who calls himsef a laser expert lol). I hear 6mo is the average, but I have no experience since I started lasering when my tatt was ~10yrs . U have to take ur skin n body in consideration here. The process of inserting chemical ink by tattoo gun into ur dermis is destructive to ur skin and throws off ur homeostasis. Then using a powerful laser further damages ur skin and puts ur body at stress. So I guess waiting between the two would be an advantage here.
March 25, 2016
I really feel your pain, I'm going through the same ordeal. I've never been such a wreck in my life. I've got a half finished sleeve with colour that was supposed to be a cover up but it looks terrible.
March 25, 2016
Thanks, I'll keep you posted. 2 docs said to wait at least 4 months and 2 docs said it doesn't matter so I'm not sure
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May 11, 2016
My dermatologist also said that as long as the skin was in good shape, the wait time was not necessary.
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March 25, 2016
Sorry hummerh3 is still me made two profiles by accident
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March 25, 2016
Hi I'm in exactly the same place as you , I've had a large floral piece done on my back in black and grey and I feel physically sick about it . There's no other way for me to go other than removal which I know will take a long time and be painful and expensive , with no guarantees of success but I have to try . I'm so angry with myself for doing this to myself and frankly feel dreadful . Good luck on your journey x
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March 26, 2016

Hi jt nyc, it's going to be ok, just take it one day at a time. Right now you're in the eye of the tornado and everything is swirling around but soon will settle. I'm so glad that you're finding some support here, everyone understands completely what you're going through so you've come to the right place. Good luck on your journey and be sure to keep us updated on your next steps. Chin up! 

UPDATED FROM jt nyc

Appointment booked

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jt nyc
Just made an appointment to start laser treatment for the middle of July, exactly 3 months after I got the tattoo. Due to the very thin lines, its healed very quickly, though I wanted to wait a little longer than the 4-6 week period I've been hearing.

I've been to 6 or 7 consultations and every one of them, save for one, was extremely positive on the prospects. The one who was not I believe was being realistic, not necessarily negative. Though if I'm being honest, it really seems like they are trying to sell you something, and wouldn't tell you something negative even if they thought it. Its a very hard world to navigate.

I'm incredibly anxious to start the process. Given the nature of my tattoo I doubt I will see real change until session 4 or 5, but continue to be hopeful. I am definitely in a better overall place than 3 weeks ago, however I continue to be self conscious in public, but recognize of course that it cannot paralyze one's life.

Thanks to everyone for continuing to post.

Replies (7)

April 9, 2016
Fingers crossed for your journey! I actually will start my removal process as well. I've been on and off with this decision but I came to a conclusion that I will not accept my tattoo after all so there's no point in me being miserable all the time.

Greetings!
April 9, 2016
Good luck, I feel the same, I don't think I will ever get mine finished and accept it, so I have no option but removal even though it's a long shot!!
April 9, 2016
We have to be positive and don't let such things to take over our lives! We're humans, we're prone to making mistakes and that's fine.

We'll go through this, we will succeed and this whole thing will only make us stronger :) Have a nice day!
April 9, 2016
Very true, it's very hard accept but I know if I can get through this I will be a better person. I just can't see how this thing can be removed, I haven't seen any success stories for something like mine.
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April 9, 2016
Jonny what about your tattoo makes it not able to be removed? There are so many stories here but sometimes they just don't follow through posting to complete removal.
April 9, 2016
It's very detailed and dense in places where the cover up is. Also multicoloured, it's like have about 5 large tattoos but it's not finished so maybe that's a plus!!
May 30, 2016
I am in your boat! What did the "realistic" doctor tell you about your prospects?
UPDATED FROM jt nyc

Pictures

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jt nyc
Some more before pictures (for a record) to give a better sense of the density (or lack thereof depending on the spot) of the line work. What do you all think? Just gotta get this process going already...

Replies (10)

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April 18, 2016
I feel your pain. I just had color added around an existing tattoo, and it looks GOD AWFUL. I have not slept, I cannot eat, I cry every day. It was the WORST mistake I have ever made and I am just disgusted. I just got it and have already booked a consultation with a laser removal. I am horrified. I am hopeful. I hope yours can be resolved as well.
April 18, 2016
Fingers crossed!
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April 18, 2016
I have black lines on my chest that I am removing and currently am on session #7. But your lines look even thinner and lighter than mine! I think you have a great chance for removal.

Can't wait to follow along on your journey.
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April 18, 2016
Thanks! Need those words of encouragement. The docs say it's possible but may take a while. That's all good with me as long as I get there. I admire your positive attitude through all this. I have to wait to start in July but here's to the next likely 2 years. Cheers!
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May 1, 2016
From what I read about the process it seems like you'll have this off you in 1-2 years max. The first pic you posted is a cool angle and makes me think how cool this could look colored in. But you have to do what gives you inner peace. In the grand scheme of things 1-2 years is a fairly small amount of time, but the mental pain that comes from it can make the time crawl and hurt. Talk to people and get help if you need to. It's helped me. If you wanna chat you can PM me.

I'd be interested to see into the future 3-4 years and see the state of a lot of the people on here that struggle. I really think people that suffer and overcome it transform themselves into even better people. Keep pushing, working, fighting, and remember to relax. You'll get there man.
May 14, 2016
Are you gonna be doing the tattoo in sections or have the full thing lasered in one session?