POSTED UNDER Tattoo Removal REVIEWS
Regretting a Brand New Tattoo - Portland, OR
ORIGINAL POST
Hello all. I got my 1st tattoo in 15 yrs yesterday...
$3,000
Hello all. I got my 1st tattoo in 15 yrs yesterday and I regretted it almost immediately. It's a concept I've had in mind for a long time but I don't like the size, placement, or colors. It's a really nice tattoo just not what I wanted. I don't think it's removable just based on my internet research. So I'm trying to come to grips with my mistake. Has anyone else been able to learn to at least like their tattoo that they regretted? I'm trying not to let this feeling of shame and regret engulf me but it's hard!
UPDATED FROM GardenMommy
Why do I hate my tattoo
Okay, so everyone who sees my tattoo says they like it, it's so cute, really pretty, etc. So why do I hate it? It's not at all what I envisioned for my tattoo. I took in a drawing I had worked hard on (see picture). I wanted the vine to go around the very bottom of my ankle (top of my foot) with the open flower sitting on top of my foot and the other flower curving around my ankle bone. I wanted it with maybe some dark green on the leaves and the flower a light yellow with burgundy center.
The artist said it would be better to draw it directly on my ankle. When I got on the table he told me to lie all the way down. I couldn't see what he was doing at all, he drew for about 30 min or so then asked me to look. I said it was too high, he said doing it lower would look stupid and not fit well on my ankle. I said there were too many big leaves and asked him to take some off. He got all pissy and said he'd have to re-draw the whole thing and the balance would be off, blahblahblah.
This is where the artist's blame ends and mine begins: I convinced myself he was probably right and it would look good. SO STUPID! Why did I even care about this guy getting upset with me?! I should've just walked out the [RS bleep] door- [RS bleep]! But I didn't and I let him put this ridiculous thing on my ankle that is nothing like I envisioned. I think it looks awkward. And now I either have to live with it or go through a huge removal process.
My husband is very sweet and says he loves it. He feels partly to blame for making the appointment (he also got a tattoo the day before me). He says it's just a mistake, we all make mistakes that we have to live with and mine is in the form of a beautiful tattoo I don't like.
I just wish I could say [RS bleep] it, it's not that bad. But right now I can't, every time I look at it I think of all the things I don't like about it.
I've scheduled 2 consults in the upcoming months. Thing is, I have a stupid Rolling Stone tongue on my shoulder that is about 18 yrs old that I've wanted to take off for a long time. So I'm thinking I will do both or maybe start with my old tattoo that I for sure want gone and see where that leads me. Ugh, I am so down on myself right now. I broke into tears on the phone scheduling my consult when the lady asked me to describe my tattoo. I'm ashamed to talk to a lot of family and friends about it because I feel like it's such a stupid mistake, it's embarrassing! I'm thankful for this community, I've ready some very uplifting and insightful things on here, I'd probably be worse off if it wasn't for this place.
FYI: I found there to be conflicting info on removing a brand new tattoo- some Dr's recommended at least 6 weeks and up to 6 months, while others just said until healing is done. The place I scheduled with that has a Picosure laser said they consider a 'new tattoo' to be anything younger than 10 years. That it really doesn't matter in terms of fading and lines whether is brand new or less than 10 yrs old. It just needs to be fully healed.
The artist said it would be better to draw it directly on my ankle. When I got on the table he told me to lie all the way down. I couldn't see what he was doing at all, he drew for about 30 min or so then asked me to look. I said it was too high, he said doing it lower would look stupid and not fit well on my ankle. I said there were too many big leaves and asked him to take some off. He got all pissy and said he'd have to re-draw the whole thing and the balance would be off, blahblahblah.
This is where the artist's blame ends and mine begins: I convinced myself he was probably right and it would look good. SO STUPID! Why did I even care about this guy getting upset with me?! I should've just walked out the [RS bleep] door- [RS bleep]! But I didn't and I let him put this ridiculous thing on my ankle that is nothing like I envisioned. I think it looks awkward. And now I either have to live with it or go through a huge removal process.
My husband is very sweet and says he loves it. He feels partly to blame for making the appointment (he also got a tattoo the day before me). He says it's just a mistake, we all make mistakes that we have to live with and mine is in the form of a beautiful tattoo I don't like.
I just wish I could say [RS bleep] it, it's not that bad. But right now I can't, every time I look at it I think of all the things I don't like about it.
I've scheduled 2 consults in the upcoming months. Thing is, I have a stupid Rolling Stone tongue on my shoulder that is about 18 yrs old that I've wanted to take off for a long time. So I'm thinking I will do both or maybe start with my old tattoo that I for sure want gone and see where that leads me. Ugh, I am so down on myself right now. I broke into tears on the phone scheduling my consult when the lady asked me to describe my tattoo. I'm ashamed to talk to a lot of family and friends about it because I feel like it's such a stupid mistake, it's embarrassing! I'm thankful for this community, I've ready some very uplifting and insightful things on here, I'd probably be worse off if it wasn't for this place.
FYI: I found there to be conflicting info on removing a brand new tattoo- some Dr's recommended at least 6 weeks and up to 6 months, while others just said until healing is done. The place I scheduled with that has a Picosure laser said they consider a 'new tattoo' to be anything younger than 10 years. That it really doesn't matter in terms of fading and lines whether is brand new or less than 10 yrs old. It just needs to be fully healed.
Replies (5)
May 27, 2015
Thank you for your update and sharing additional photos. Your tattoo doesn't look awkward to me, and it's very well done. I realize that what I, or anyone else thinks doesn't matter, it's you that has to love it. To confirm, it's simply the tattoo that you dislike, not the fact of having a tattoo - right?
May 28, 2015
I think I would like the tattoo if it sat lower and was not as 'busy', more of a simple, delicate, small vine. I also wanted it to be mostly black, almost a black and white type of picture with a little dark green on the leaves, not the vibrant colors that seem tacky to me. Now that it is there I wish I could take the vibe away and just keep the big flower, which I actually like. If I had to keep the vine I would take all the top leaves off then at least it would be a little smaller and simpler. I'm afraid to start the removal process only to find it can't be completely removed then have to get a cover up in the same area that I never wanted the tattoo! I'm not sure I will ever like it but I'm going to try living with it for a while before I start removal. I bought some 3/4 socks to cover it up this summer. My husband thinks I'm crazy that I want to cover it up. I just don't want to have someone bring it up right now cuz every time I talk about it I start to cry
May 28, 2015
Awe, don't cry ...I feel so bad for you. I am glad that you are going to give yourself some time before you think about starting removal. Keep us posted.
May 28, 2015
GardenMommy, I have a tattoo on my ankle, and trust me, summer is coming, colours will fade away quickly with the sun (they did for me) as this place is almost always out in the summer. I had an intense pink lily which now is delicate and feels totally like a part of me. So I think give it a time, see how it looks after the summer, starting the laser now because of the coming sun wouldnt be a good idea. I hope after that you will come back here to tell us how you love it :) Loads of love, Ania
May 29, 2015
Dear GardenMommy,
I'm like you, I find it very difficult to tell someone I don't agree with their idea/opinion etc and will often say nothing in order to avoid hurting anyone or having a confrontation. It is something I work on every day, and I am constantly getting myself upset in having to stand up to bullies. So you encountered a bully. In my opinion, your drawing was light and delicate and lovely. The tattooist held his own vision, and I think sometimes it is based around their own skill levels. They aren't capable of the fine detail so they state that the tattoo has to be bigger, brighter,or in a different position. I read these type of comments often , and I always think ' the artist didn't have the skills .'
I guess what I want to remind you of is that you had a beautiful vision and drawing, were clear in your placement expectations , and you can be validated in that knowledge.
Whatever your decision with removal , I wish you well.
UPDATED FROM GardenMommy
First Consult Today
I went for my first laser removal consult today. It's a clinic with a Cutera Enlighten laser. It was recommended I wait another 4 weeks before starting treatment on my new tattoo. The tech didn't seem super optimistic about complete removal but said we wouldn't know until we started treatment. It's going to be costly, $1500 for 3 treatments and obviously it'll take a lot more than that. Kinda bummed about it. On the bright side, my other tattoo that I'm looking to get removed will only be $675 for 3 treatments and will likely be able to be removed completely. I have a consult next month at a place with a Picosure laser which I'm thinking might be a better option for my ankle tattoo. It just sucks that nobody can optimally treat both tattoos.
Replies (8)
June 9, 2015
Thanks for the update, I am glad you are doing your research - here is some information that you may find helpful as you prepare for your journey: Laser Tattoo Removal: 10 Things You Should Know Before Getting Your Tattoo Removed
June 10, 2015
I've actually never heard of the Cutera Enlighten laser. Is it a q-switch? Is it good with blacks? Colors? I might have to do some research because I am curious now. However, I do know a little about the Picosure and surely they'd be able to treat your new and old tattoo...? I guess you'll find out in your consult and hopefully let us know. Anyway, I'm rooting for you and keep us updated. I'm always a message away if you need to talk. :-)
June 11, 2015
It's a pico second laser that operates in two wavelengths (unlike Picosure which has only one). It does well with removing black and red but I don't think it does very well with greens.
June 12, 2015
Interesting, thanks for the info. So from the very little research I did I hope I'm right in thinking that the Picosure is newer than any Picosecond laser. Which is good news. And I also saw a some clinics claiming it does remove blue and green inks, which are more difficult as you know. I've also seen pictures here of a Picosure being used on black inks, and it seems to do fairly well. That might be your best option, although, it may also be a little more spendy. But it's worth it if you are miserable.
June 11, 2015
I have almost the exact tattoo as you have. Mine is light and dark green leaves, coloured parts like your flowers (in my case grape bunches) with black outline all around. I worked at a clinic that offered laser tattoo removal with the Picosure laser. After 6 treatments my tattoo has barely faded. I am the only one who notices the change because it is so slight, and the tattoo is now a little blurry and splotchy. I have come to terms with my tattoo after failing to have removal success. My tattoo is 13yrs old. It hurts terribly and is exorbitantly priced. I would have traded pain and $$ for removal. Sadly I was not successful. I didn't pay any money for my treatments. If I had, I would have felt extremely disappointed.. Give it some time, and stop looking at it!
June 11, 2015
PS mine is also around my ankle. Location influences success rate for removal. The extremities (hands, feet) are the worst. I am sorry if I sound negative, I just want you to know what I know so you can make a great decision for yourself based on all the facts out there
June 11, 2015
Thank you for sharing your advice and experience. I'm definitely aware of the fact that I probably can't get this thing removed. At least, not with the current technology. Thing is, I hate it so much that the only thing that makes me feel better is to try my best to get rid of it. I'll probably try a few laser treatments at the end of summer/fall and see how it goes. If it's not going well I'll probably look into excission- that's my level of desperation.
June 18, 2015
I understand completely. Attempting the removal helped me get past my negative feelings towards my tattoo, so I hope the same for you. Best of luck on your journey
Replies (6)
Welcome to the community, I think you tattoo is adorable. I thought I would share the following stories with you which are related to people who have decided to keep their tattoo rather than remove: http://www.realself.com/review/box-hill-australia-tattoo-removal-full-arm-tattoo-major-regret
My full tattoo journey (ends with acceptance, not removal).
Keep us posted on what you decide, but do not rush the process...give yourself some time to accept your tattoo, and if you don't then you know it may be time to start the process.