POSTED UNDER PicoSure REVIEWS
Picosure Laser Tattoo Removal - Pittsburgh, PA
ORIGINAL POST
I'm in the process of getting multiple tattoos...
cal6005September 5, 2016
I'm in the process of getting multiple tattoos removed by a Picosure laser. The tattoos are on my forearms, wrist, and one of my fingers.
After only one treatment so far, I'm very optimistic about the procedure; though, it hasn't been without it's downsides. I have extremely sensitive skin (which is one of the reasons I want to remove my tattoos - they flare up and get itchy at random times, even though they're years old). So, I'm not sure if my experience post-treatment is normal, or due to my sensitive skin.
I'll try to keep this review updated between treatments, because I relied on the honest reviews of other Picosure patients before making the decision to have my tattoos removed.
Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of all of the tattoos pre-treatment. I have some pictures of some of the tattoos from immediately after getting them, but obviously they faded and didn't stay as dark once they healed.
After only one treatment so far, I'm very optimistic about the procedure; though, it hasn't been without it's downsides. I have extremely sensitive skin (which is one of the reasons I want to remove my tattoos - they flare up and get itchy at random times, even though they're years old). So, I'm not sure if my experience post-treatment is normal, or due to my sensitive skin.
I'll try to keep this review updated between treatments, because I relied on the honest reviews of other Picosure patients before making the decision to have my tattoos removed.
Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of all of the tattoos pre-treatment. I have some pictures of some of the tattoos from immediately after getting them, but obviously they faded and didn't stay as dark once they healed.
Replies (6)
UPDATED FROM cal6005
28 days post
Pictures from 2 weeks after 1st treatment
cal6005September 6, 2016
Pictures from 2 weeks after 1st treatment.
My skin felt fine until the 2 week mark - then it became incredibly itchy, keeping me up during the night and making my days miserable. The itchiness started with hives, which I tried to take pictures of. After dousing my arms in tea tree oil, the hives went away after a couple of days, but the itchiness was still there. For about a week, all of my tattoos were very raised and felt like brands.
My skin felt fine until the 2 week mark - then it became incredibly itchy, keeping me up during the night and making my days miserable. The itchiness started with hives, which I tried to take pictures of. After dousing my arms in tea tree oil, the hives went away after a couple of days, but the itchiness was still there. For about a week, all of my tattoos were very raised and felt like brands.
Replies (1)
February 10, 2017
I have several tattoos and want to get rid of three of them for work but also because they flare up like yours. It's weird when a storm cell comes through where I live, two of them get raised and so itchy it's crazy. I've found that putting a mild steroid cream helps with an antihistamine pill.
UPDATED FROM cal6005
28 days post
Pictures from 4 weeks after 1st treatment
cal6005September 6, 2016
Pictures from 4 weeks after 1st treatment.
Only took pictures of areas that have faded significantly. The darker tattoos haven't faded much, and the ink has a blown-out look making the lines look thicker than they were pre-treatment. But I'm not worried since I think the laser probably broke up the ink and it just hasn't moved yet.
My skin is still itchy at times, but I've been sticking to a complicated and time consuming regimen of moisturizers that seems to be helping a lot. First, I use raw shea butter lotion mixed with lavender and lemon essential oils. Once that's absorbed, I massage coconut oil into my skin for as long as I can. After that, I put a layer of Aquaphor over the tattoos and wear a long sleeve shirt. For some reason, my tattoos are much itchier when I don't have long sleeves covering them. Another thing that helps soothe the itch right after a shower is rubbing an ice cube over the tattoos.
This experience has made me feel super bad for people with chronic skin conditions like eczema. I can't image having to deal with itchy, painful skin all the time. Very thankful that this is temporary (and technically self-inflicted).
Only took pictures of areas that have faded significantly. The darker tattoos haven't faded much, and the ink has a blown-out look making the lines look thicker than they were pre-treatment. But I'm not worried since I think the laser probably broke up the ink and it just hasn't moved yet.
My skin is still itchy at times, but I've been sticking to a complicated and time consuming regimen of moisturizers that seems to be helping a lot. First, I use raw shea butter lotion mixed with lavender and lemon essential oils. Once that's absorbed, I massage coconut oil into my skin for as long as I can. After that, I put a layer of Aquaphor over the tattoos and wear a long sleeve shirt. For some reason, my tattoos are much itchier when I don't have long sleeves covering them. Another thing that helps soothe the itch right after a shower is rubbing an ice cube over the tattoos.
This experience has made me feel super bad for people with chronic skin conditions like eczema. I can't image having to deal with itchy, painful skin all the time. Very thankful that this is temporary (and technically self-inflicted).
Replies (6)
September 19, 2016
Hello! Thanks for sharing. This has been very helpful in my decision to get my ink (wild rose on my forearm) removed. I'm going to try the Picoway laser which is similar to Picosure but I think a little newer technology - just a guess. Things seem to be breaking up nicely for you after just one treatment. Can you tell me how bad the pain was? Be honest, please. :) Thank you!!!
September 19, 2016
I don't want to give anyone false hope - the tattoo that's fading the most was not thick, dense, or deep to begin with. The thicker, denser tattoos hardy look different. There was no pain during the procedure because the laser technician applied numbing cream to my skin about a half hour before the treatment. About 15 min after the procedure, each tattoo burned intensely but only for a few minutes. After that, there wasn't really any pain - just major swelling and some blistering. The worst part by far was the itching that started a few weeks after the treatment. It was awful and I was miserable and unable to sleep because of it. But that went away and now I'm just enjoying the normalcy of my skin for the next couple weeks until my 2nd treatment :)
September 19, 2016
No false hope here, I appreciate your honesty! I'm impressed that you didn't feel pain - everyone else seems to have a lot of trouble with the pain with/without numbing cream. I will be following your progress closely. Good luck!! -Amy
September 19, 2016
Thanks Amy! I might be one of those weird people that enjoys the feeling of getting tattooed or having tattoos lasered off...so my perspective could be biased :)
I am also planning to remove both of them when I get the money. Long story, no job coming anytime soon :( The one on the ribs I plan have it removed surgicaly. I phoned loads of clinics in my area and the price is same as about 5 laser treatments. It can take up to 8-10 laser sessions and I honestly don't mind a linear scar. I have other scars on my body where i've had stitches due to being a naughty child. I will also post here my experience once I start becaise is nice to have somebody to share your stody and plenty of people are in my situation. I will deffinatly follow your post. I am thinking picosure for the birds tattoo so will be nice to see your experience.
Wish you best of luck!