POSTED UNDER PicoWay REVIEWS
4 Week Old Tattoo Gone Wrong! - London, GB
ORIGINAL POST
So today I went for a consultation to have laser...
chhd311October 7, 2015
$230
So today I went for a consultation to have laser treatment on a 4 week old tattoo on my inner arm. It's the black outline of a robin with the robin's breast cross-hatched in red...it was supposed to be a cute, little and REALISTIC sketch but turned into something quite cartoony and I hate it! I have found the only Picoway laser in London am am hoping that it really does work faster than traditional nanosecond lasers and will work on the red. I don't want to remove the tattoo completely, but just fade it enough so I'm not restricted with a cover up. I love tattoos and would just get a traditional cover up if it weren't for the fact that it'd be bigger and darker and would therefore not be appreciated by employers. I already have a couple of other sometimes-visible tattoos and anything big/dark/bright/in your face would be pushing it.
So today I had a quick test spot done to see how my skin reacts, just the feet of the robin were 'zapped' I think just twice on each one. I have an appointment booked in 2 weeks time for my first full treatment but will see how these tiny bits are doing nearer the time - I might postpone if I want to see more of the healing process. I have quite sensitive skin and scar easily so I'm entering into this very warily. I will also be discussing cover up ideas with a tattoo artist who might advise me that not all of the tattoo needs to be treated...which would be great if it would lower the price!! £150 per session is NOT cheap but I really wanted to give the Picoway a chance after things I've read about it.
As for the laser itself...it hurt. BUT...I think I was so worried about the pain it actually didn't feel as bad as I expected! I had no pain relief, numbing cream, ice, cold air or anything but was advised that for the full treatments numbing cream and ice will be used.
The little areas went white when treated...I was told that this was a good thing and that if they hadn't done then it would have meant the power of the laser wasn't high enough. The areas are now very red and quite tender.
I will post a pic at some point of the feet after the laser and will keep you updated!
So today I had a quick test spot done to see how my skin reacts, just the feet of the robin were 'zapped' I think just twice on each one. I have an appointment booked in 2 weeks time for my first full treatment but will see how these tiny bits are doing nearer the time - I might postpone if I want to see more of the healing process. I have quite sensitive skin and scar easily so I'm entering into this very warily. I will also be discussing cover up ideas with a tattoo artist who might advise me that not all of the tattoo needs to be treated...which would be great if it would lower the price!! £150 per session is NOT cheap but I really wanted to give the Picoway a chance after things I've read about it.
As for the laser itself...it hurt. BUT...I think I was so worried about the pain it actually didn't feel as bad as I expected! I had no pain relief, numbing cream, ice, cold air or anything but was advised that for the full treatments numbing cream and ice will be used.
The little areas went white when treated...I was told that this was a good thing and that if they hadn't done then it would have meant the power of the laser wasn't high enough. The areas are now very red and quite tender.
I will post a pic at some point of the feet after the laser and will keep you updated!
Replies (10)
October 15, 2015
I hope the first treatment goes ok! I'm really curious to see your results because I'm planning on using this clinic for the Picoway (I think it's the only one in the uk?). Keep posted on how it goes!
October 15, 2015
Slightly disappointed about the test patch as I think I was hoping to see something miraculous but we'll see after the first full treatment I guess!
October 15, 2015
Do you know how many years of experience the technician has at phi clinic? How often did they say the treatments will be and did they give you an estimated number of treatments needed?
October 15, 2015
I don't know how much experience she had, sorry. I must say the place was amazing but the one thing I was a little disappointed at was the woman who saw me...I felt a little rushed. She made it clear there would be much more to discuss at my first proper appointment though so when I reschedule it I will let you know.
October 15, 2015
Also she refused to give an estimate of the number of sessions it might take, but said after a couple of sessions she will have a rough idea.
October 15, 2015
5 more days! Are you ready??
October 15, 2015
I've postponed my appointment! A very talented tattoo artist is going to take a look at it first to help me figure out what we can do with it to avoid needing complete removal and he happens to be free on the same afternoon :-/
UPDATED FROM chhd311
5 months post
Finally started the process!
chhd311March 2, 2016
After a long time considering my options, I went for my first removal session with the Picoway at the PHI clinic on Harley Street yesterday. It didn't hurt as much as I expected it to and was very quick.
It has been about 13 hours, the area is a bit bruised and swollen. I will update with any progress!
It has been about 13 hours, the area is a bit bruised and swollen. I will update with any progress!
Replies (3)
March 2, 2016
Congratulations on getting started -- I wish you much success with your removal. ☺
UPDATED FROM chhd311
6 months post
A few days after second treatment
chhd311April 2, 2016
Apologies for the rubbish photo and that I'd just put vaseline on it! I had my second treatment a few days ago. Again some bruising and scabbing but no blisters. The red is a different colour now and lots of the fine lines are going. I only waited 4 weeks between treatments (it was healed within about 10 days the first time) but I might leave it a bit longer this time to see if it does any more.
Replies (5)
April 2, 2016
I will post a pic once it has healed in the same lighting as the original so you can see the real difference so far!
April 7, 2016
Hi, I have also opted for Picoway laser. Hopefully we both will be tattoo free in the fall ;) Good luck to you
Welcome to the community - I am so happy that you joined us to share your journey. I look forward to following your progress and seeing your new tattoo.