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POSTED UNDER Tattoo Removal REVIEWS

Realistic Expectations of Removal (Partial And/or Full) North Carolina, NC

ORIGINAL POST

I recently posted this in a discussion, but was...

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mlrandal
$1,000
I recently posted this in a discussion, but was encouraged to start a review in hopes to generate more feedback/advice.

Hey guys,
I recently got a tattoo (my 3rd) on my wrist/forearm area and began to regret it as soon as I left the shop. The tattoo itself is very well done and looks great, but I can't help but think I made a HUGE mistake with the size and location. I don't want to tell anyone about it (other than a few who knew I was getting it) and have been looking into laser removal. I was just hoping that maybe some of you who are currently going through it could give me some feedback and insight as to whether or not it is practical for me to even consider laser removal, or if this is something I'm just going to have to learn to accept and live with. I'm the type of person who can read 100 good reviews about something and then see 1 bad review and only be able to focus on the bad one. I'm incredibly worried that the laser treatment won't work and would leave my tattoo looking worse off than if I just left it alone. Anyway, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Replies (10)

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September 1, 2014
Hey, thanks for sharing. Black and grey work is generally considered the easiest to remove. Perhaps scope out the Picosure laser and see if it's available near you - it's expensive, but I've seen it knock out grey shading in one session! If not, find a reputable place with a high spec q-switched yag laser. The one thing that might work against you is the location. Wrist/hand tattoos can be a little more tricky to remove (along with lower legs, feet) as there is generally less circulation/lymph movement in these parts. That said, it can be done. Looks like a really well done tattoo. Either way, you'll need to wait a couple months before commencing treatment as it'll still be healing. Perhaps use that time to see how you feel about it and if it grows on you!
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September 1, 2014
Thank you for the advice! There's definitely a lot to consider when it comes to the removal process.
September 1, 2014
It is definitely a tough decision. There are no guarantees. Laser removal is painful, expensive, and a long process. That said, if you don't like your tattoo, removal is an option. Wilks' advice is good. Thanks for sharing and good luck!
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September 1, 2014
Thank you for your response. I agree, it is definitely a tough decision!!
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November 20, 2014
I made a mistake with the size and place too. It looks very big wen i look it in the mirror. I have the same fear, that the laser wouldnt work, but i have at least to try cause i cant live with this anymore. I hope you can remove it too.
April 4, 2015
Same here dude. Go to a place with a pecosure lazer. My girl worked with me on price per treetment. Black and dark come out faster. Prob lookin at 5 treetments with 11 weeks apart from eachother
February 13, 2016
Omg mine is almost like that!!!! I don't think artist did a terrible job but I just think it's so black :( I wish I never even got a tattoo in the first place because I already felt fear of regret but I trusted the artist
February 13, 2016
Are you doing laser removal?
February 13, 2016
I also wonder if the outline causes scarring?
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April 14, 2016
Hi, I'm just now seeing your comment since I haven't been on here in a while. I used the picosure laser for my treatments, but it's been over a year since I last had one. Will probably be going back for #4 in May.
UPDATED FROM mlrandal

Where I'm at now...

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mlrandal
I realized I just posted my review yesterday, but I've been researching and considering the removal process for a few weeks now. I've decided to set up a consultation for the end of October, giving my tattoo over 10+ weeks of healing time. The place I've looked into does in fact have the Picosure laser, so I will be interested to see what kind of results they think will be possible with it, as well as how much it will cost. The price will definitely factor into whether or not this is something I will be able to pursue now, or if I'll have to wait for a bit longer. I've also been wondering if it would be possible to remove parts of the tattoo that bother me the most (the leaves) and leave the flowers, or if it would make more sense to remove it all. Has anyone else gone through removal for just specific parts of a tattoo? Also, has anyone had any experience/success covering their tattoo with dermablend or a similar product? I'm not quite ready for my family to see it yet and don't want to have to explain why I'm wearing long sleeves when it's still 90 degrees outside!

Replies (15)

September 2, 2014
I don't understand why people have so much empty skin and they get tattoos on the most visible part of their body the lower wrist. I never understood it. The heavy blacks will be tough to remove. I'm on session 6 and not even half gone. Your lucky to just have black. I'd give pico a try if you want it gone and take your time it's a very long process. Good luck!
September 2, 2014
Everyone on this site has tattoo regret. It doesn't matter where it is and it's not that difficult to understand. Mirandal, this site is generally very supportive. Good luck in making your decision.
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September 2, 2014
Everyone has their reasons. I have one on my left wrist which is no issue at all, I'm just not comfortable keeping the one on my right wrist. I understand the process is long and can be very frustrating. It's not something I've decided on 100% yet... Just a consideration. Good luck with the rest of your removal as well.
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September 2, 2014
Thank you!
September 2, 2014
I am supportive.she has a nice clean tattoo that will fade great if she goes that route.dont be so sensative JLN it was a question I always wondered. Thanks again best of luck you'll be great either way!
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September 2, 2014
Thanks for the support. It's always appreciated. I'll be sure to update once I come to a final decision.
September 2, 2014
Awesome :)
October 3, 2014
I completely understand. I just got one on my right wrist and I'm not comfortable with this one as well although I have one on my left. I am also considering removal.
September 3, 2014
Do some research on the new Cutera Enlighten picosecond nd/yag laser. I bet it'll blow black ink away. Should be available later this year or early 2015. Good luck to you.
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October 25, 2014
I tried dermablend with the setting powder and was quite disappointed! Its pricey, I spent $70 on a small jar of tattoo cover up n a white setting powder to prevent it from staining clothes/running in hot weather and it didn't cover the black ink entirely. I applied several layers as they recommended , waited between each for it to dry and end result was very cakey, obvious and it did stain clothes. (But I took pix w a flash and it looked covered up on pix, but in real life the ink was still poking thru) U can def give it a shot by asking a sales associate to give u a sample after she matches ur skintone and play with it at home, just because it didn't work on my huge ass tattoo doesn't mean it won't be of some help for u :) plus ulta has a fab return policy- use it and return it within 30 days!!
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October 25, 2014
Thanks! I'll look into it!
April 4, 2015
Luck much
February 14, 2016
Hi im going through same thing , got a big coloured tattoo on my wrist , iv had 4 laser treatments so far , and im quite dissapointed with the amount of fading , i think its going to be a long , expensive process , good luck with yours
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April 14, 2016
Hi, I'm just now seeing your comment since I haven't been on here in quite a while. Have you had any more treatments on your tattoo? If so, how's the fading been?
April 14, 2016
Hi , hope yours is going well , iv booked to go to another laser place , going tomorrow (sat) so will let you know how i go fingers crossed
UPDATED FROM mlrandal

Consultation is set...

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mlrandal
I have officially set a consultation for October 24th. I'm very nervous about what they're going to tell me when I go. However, I definitely feel more prepared going into the appointment since I've joined this community! I feel like I now know what to look for and what questions to ask, which is always a good thing... Especially with something as major as tattoo removal! I was told that they typically begin the procedure the day of the consultation, so we'll see if I go through with that or not. I'll be sure to update once the 24th gets here, until then I'll keep reading everyone's stories and hoping for great results!

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