POSTED UNDER PicoSure REVIEWS
Massive Dark Tattoo = Depressed - Newcastle Upon Tyne, GB
ORIGINAL POST
Hi guys, Well from reading many people's stories...
$5,000
Hi guys,
Well from reading many people's stories on here I guess I am in the right place. Basically a couple of months ago I decided to get the start of a sleeve tattoo. I was lucky enough to get in with a great artist and I thought I had the design all planned out so I would love it. A few sessions in the chair and I am sitting here absolutely racked with regret and suffering terrible depression.
The tattoo is way darker and bigger than I imagined and I just think it looks awful on me. The artist has done a great job but I just don't want it on me.
I wake up every day hoping that it was all a bad dream and then spend all day in a deep depression about it. I used to be proud of my physique and arms but now I feel like I have ruined it all in one stupid decision. I look at photos before I got the tattoo and want to cry with frustration at myself. I am single and I think I have made myself so unattractive that nobody would find me desirable at all.The tattoo is all black ink which I hear is a positive for removal but the sheer darkness and size of it makes me doubt whether removal is even a possibility.
I am as low as I have ever been and don't feel like there is any way out of this. I have read about the Picosure system but I even that seems like a hit and miss procedure.
If only I could turn back time.
Well from reading many people's stories on here I guess I am in the right place. Basically a couple of months ago I decided to get the start of a sleeve tattoo. I was lucky enough to get in with a great artist and I thought I had the design all planned out so I would love it. A few sessions in the chair and I am sitting here absolutely racked with regret and suffering terrible depression.
The tattoo is way darker and bigger than I imagined and I just think it looks awful on me. The artist has done a great job but I just don't want it on me.
I wake up every day hoping that it was all a bad dream and then spend all day in a deep depression about it. I used to be proud of my physique and arms but now I feel like I have ruined it all in one stupid decision. I look at photos before I got the tattoo and want to cry with frustration at myself. I am single and I think I have made myself so unattractive that nobody would find me desirable at all.The tattoo is all black ink which I hear is a positive for removal but the sheer darkness and size of it makes me doubt whether removal is even a possibility.
I am as low as I have ever been and don't feel like there is any way out of this. I have read about the Picosure system but I even that seems like a hit and miss procedure.
If only I could turn back time.
Replies (15)

June 14, 2014
Hey and welcome to the community! Oh those feelings of shock and depression and wanting to turn back time... So well-known to me! Bad news you can't turn back time and fix your mistakes, good news those feelings will be gone soon and your tattoo can be removed! :) I know it is easier said than done, but try to stay positive and it is only a tattoo and you will feel better soon! I know from my experience that getting a tattoo (even the one you wanted) is a big shock, but in time you will get used to it and maybe (there is a possibility) you will start to like it or will adjust and this can save you a lot of energy and money! The road of removal is long and unknown, so if there is a little chance you might end up liking your tattoo, then I would give it a try.
You tattoo is black, which is good, but quite big. Check review of others to see what to expect. I do believe that complete removal is possible, but it will take time. Meanwhile, hang in there! Stuck to your everyday routine and try not to think about it. Those feelings will pass soon.
Good luck!

June 16, 2014
Thank you Marisska. I can't ever imagine getting used to it or loving it sadly. I think the best I could ever get is just accepting it - I have a big scar on my other arm so maybe I will just think of it like that in time. I hate how it makes me feel so completely unattractive and has killed every bit of my self esteem.

June 18, 2014
Oh I know that feeling, really! Even my small tattoos was making me feel unattractive and so on, but it will pass! I promise! Just give yourself some time before taking next step :) Good luck and stay positive!
June 14, 2014
Hey man. Sorry to hear you're experiencing these feelings at the moment. Everyone on here can relate to what you're going through, so take a little solace in the fact that we're here for ya! We're all in a similar boat. For what it's worth I think it's an incredible looking tattoo! The depth looks just amazing. Do you think perhaps your could try and embrace it for a while and see how you feel? Are there any parts in particular that you're having negative feelings about, or just the size and density?
June 16, 2014
That tattoo.. Looks so cool!

June 16, 2014
It is honestly a brilliant tattoo. I understand not wanting it on your skin, even if it is beautiful. Perhaps you just aren't used to having something foreign on your skin? What is it that you don't like about having this tattoo on your arm? I think you should be proud of it... Who was the artist if you don't mind me asking... I am interested in looking at their portfolio.

June 17, 2014
It could be that I am not used to seeing it on me but I am not growing to love it. The opposite is happening, I am hating having it more each day and desperately wish it wasn't there. I think the artwork is good but I feel it completely hides the muscle definition in my arm and makes my whole body look ugly. It's just too dark, like my entire arm has just been coloured in black.
I'd rather not say the artist, I hope you don't mind, he is a friend of mine and I'd hate to think he could see what I am feeling about his excellent work.
June 16, 2014
i think your tattoo looks amazing!
but if it doesn't make you happy you have a lot of support here!
i know how you feel i also got a huge black tattoo that I am very depressed about and deeply regret! i know how you feel about waking up and hoping it was a bad dream! but the tattoo doesn't defined you as a person! i am sure it can be removed, black is the best to remove! good luck to you!

June 16, 2014
Hey there, wanted to be sure to link you to this new review - have a look:
47 YEARS OLD AND TRYING TO REMOVE MY MAINLY UPPER ARM SLEEVE IN BLACKWORK - SAN FRANCISCO, CA
47 YEARS OLD AND TRYING TO REMOVE MY MAINLY UPPER ARM SLEEVE IN BLACKWORK - SAN FRANCISCO, CA

UPDATED FROM MJG09
Thank you all
Hi,
Firstly may I thank you all for your lovely supportive comments. As I'm sure you all know only too well, being in this position is extremely hard, possibly the hardest period I have ever been through. The fact that I am single and don't really have any support in the real world means that this means all the more to me. I apologise for not replying sooner but I have been in such a bad place that I couldn't even bring myself to pick up my phone or computer never mind try to communicate.
I have a free consultation with Laserase in my home town on Saturday (http://www.laserasenewcastle.co.uk/) just to see what they have to say. I don't hold much hope though because I have seen and read so many stories of people struggling for years and spending thousands to get rid of tattoos a lot smaller and lighter than mine. I don't think I've seen a case study where a large and dark tattoo has actually been removed fully either. I am currently thinking I am stuck with it and should try to learn to love it. I used to be proud to show off my physique but now I just want to wear long sleeves and hide. I am not ashamed to say I also have an appointment booked next week with a therapist to try to help my depression.
Also - As I mentioned on the first post, my tattoo goes round on to the inside of my bicep, I have attached a photo of that part too. As I said the artist is a genius but why did I get this on my skin?
I currently feel as low as I think I could, surely it can only get better?
Firstly may I thank you all for your lovely supportive comments. As I'm sure you all know only too well, being in this position is extremely hard, possibly the hardest period I have ever been through. The fact that I am single and don't really have any support in the real world means that this means all the more to me. I apologise for not replying sooner but I have been in such a bad place that I couldn't even bring myself to pick up my phone or computer never mind try to communicate.
I have a free consultation with Laserase in my home town on Saturday (http://www.laserasenewcastle.co.uk/) just to see what they have to say. I don't hold much hope though because I have seen and read so many stories of people struggling for years and spending thousands to get rid of tattoos a lot smaller and lighter than mine. I don't think I've seen a case study where a large and dark tattoo has actually been removed fully either. I am currently thinking I am stuck with it and should try to learn to love it. I used to be proud to show off my physique but now I just want to wear long sleeves and hide. I am not ashamed to say I also have an appointment booked next week with a therapist to try to help my depression.
Also - As I mentioned on the first post, my tattoo goes round on to the inside of my bicep, I have attached a photo of that part too. As I said the artist is a genius but why did I get this on my skin?
I currently feel as low as I think I could, surely it can only get better?
Replies (24)
June 16, 2014
Definitely see what Laserase have to say. I'm currently being treated by Laserase in Plymouth. Obviously can't speak for all of their franchises, but I've been pretty impressed so far. Aside from that, you might want to look in to Picosure. Look for Jakes updates on here; his first treatment blew away a huge amount of his shading. It's very expensive, but it could make a huge impact on your tattoo, which looks to have a lot of shading, after just one treatment. Also, don't be in the least bit ashamed to admit you've arranged to speak with a therapist. It's very admirable, I think. I still haven't ruled that idea out for myself. Still blown away by the amount of detail in that tattoo, even more so now I've seen the inside of the bicep! Stay strong pal.

June 16, 2014
Hey Wilks, I was just replying to your other comment. Thanks for your supportive comments mate. When I read about Picosure I got my hopes up that it was a miracle system but when I have really read into reviews it still seems hit and miss. I don't want to be left in limbo with half a tattoo on me that I can't fully remove. Have Laserase given you any promises about the level of removal of your tattoo?
Thanks again mate.
June 16, 2014
You're welcome pal. I know what you're going through right now, it's good to talk to others in the same boat. Laserase haven't given me any promises, which is kind of a good thing. If anyone turned around and said they can definitely remove a tattoo 100%, it should ring alarm bells straight off the bat. 100% removal is possible; there are a handful of examples of it online and no doubt many thousand of real life cases around the world that we don't know about because they just haven't been documented, but it can be done. That said, there are so many variables involved in the process, it's very difficult to know how anyone will react. Have a chat with the therapist, let your mind settle down a bit. The tattoo is very fresh and you're no doubt still overwhelmed by having it on your skin. What's important to remember is that nothing terrible is going to happen in the mean time. The tattoo will be there and life will go on. You've got no deadlines to meet with this, you can take all the time you need. Whilst you're waiting, removal technology will continue to improve. There are Femtosecond lasers being developed as we speak, which could potentially remove tattoos ever faster than Picosure. The options will always be there. Maybe in the meantime show off the amazing artwork on your arm and just see how you get on!
June 17, 2014
Hi MJG. It's massive tattoo for sure, and it might seem like it can never be removed. However as wilks said, a member called Jake has had fantastic results with the Picosure laser on his black sleeve tattoo. He has done so well that the clinic he visits, Trueskin in London, are now using his photos on their website. Nothing is impossible!

June 17, 2014
Hey Chad, thanks for this, do you have a link to his review? I can't find it on here.
I've had a look on the trueskin site and it looks good but I wonder how much is true on those sites. The amount of ink in my arm I think it would take about 20 years to clear!
June 17, 2014
No problem - here's a link to his review: http://www.realself.com/review/true-skin-medispa-tattoo-removal-my-chances. I definitely think you would benefit from Picosure, especially if you have lots of shading.

June 17, 2014
Thanks mate I'll have a read. I would pay any amount of money tomorrow if someone could promise me 100% removal.
June 18, 2014
WOW! I think that tattoo in your inner arm is really amazing! So realistic and good job.

June 18, 2014
I agree the artist is brilliant. Viewing it on a portfolio I'd be so impressed but when it's on my arm...
June 18, 2014
Hi, I feel exactly the same. I cry most days and have turned slightly grey I think from all the stress and worry. I feel unattractive, worthless and I just don't know what to do. I saved enough for my first Picosure session, but how I will afford more I don't know, I am also screwed as mine is black/ red/ green/ yellow and blue. Though it is about 8x6 inches im thinking of getting it surgically removed. I think I can live with a massive scar better than the tattoo. I think I will need multiple and maybe even a skin graph, I cant find much about it or many bfore / after photos.... you can get pretty good scar treatments now too.....im not sure...feel stuck. anyway, I hope it goes well for you whatever you do!
June 18, 2014
Really sorry you feel that way and having a rough time. With the right laser(s) you should be able to have your tattoo removed, even if there are several colours. The Picosure wont likely affect the red and yellows, but other wavelengths should. Your tattoo sounds a similar size to mine. Where abouts on the body is it located, if you dont mind me asking? Excision, like you say, would likely have to be done in stages, and could end up taking as long as the laser.
June 18, 2014
So sorry to hear that you are struggling so badly with this Cheese7, you will find your way through this, your first step sounds like it's already complete, you have saved some money. I understand you are considering excision - here is an FAQ you might find helpful.
As well as check out our video section: <rs-video-player video='{"id":"188","external_id":"3292838062001","uri":"video\/tattoo-removal-options"}'></rs-video-player> on Tattoo Removal.
Keep your chin up and allow happiness in, it's just a tattoo after all
EXCISION TATTOO REMOVAL
You may also find this helpfulLASER TATTOO REMOVAL: 10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE GETTING YOUR TATTOO REMOVED
As well as check out our video section: <rs-video-player video='{"id":"188","external_id":"3292838062001","uri":"video\/tattoo-removal-options"}'></rs-video-player> on Tattoo Removal.
Keep your chin up and allow happiness in, it's just a tattoo after all

June 18, 2014
Your tattoo is really nice but I understand not liking your tattoo. It looks as though it is mostly shading and not as dense though so maybe that will work in your favor. Glad you decided to go for therapy. I went for therapy as well and it really helped. I still get a little down at times about my tattoo such as when I see a nice short sleeved shirt I'd like to wear but then I am able to move on from those negative feelings quickly and replace them with positive ones. I hope you can get to that place too! Good luck with your consultation!

June 18, 2014
Thanks for your comment and support, it's really appreciated. When you say my tattoo looks mostly shading what does that mean? Is the ink not as dense as line work? It looks very dense compared to other tattoos I see.

June 18, 2014
Yes, what I meant by shading was that from the picture it doesn't look like it was colored in solid black and just shaded but I could be wrong. My tattoo has dense, colored black areas in it but the good news is I am seeing some break up in the ink from just 2 treatments. I also have lots of color which is more difficult to treat. At least yours is all black which I hear is the easiest color to remove.
Replies (11)
Be sure to check out our video section for more information on tattoo removal.
Also you may find this interesting:
LASER TATTOO REMOVAL: 10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE GETTING YOUR TATTOO REMOVED
Good luck and keep us posted.