Tattoo Removal Chest/Shoulder Wings. Just the Beginning - Altamonte Springs, FL

While out and about I had a hard time carrying my purse over my shoulder... That is the most bruised area and it was very uncomfortable! I almost considered buying a new purse while at the store! A light weight, small one! Lol

I have this weird thin protective layer over my skin which I think is the "No Blister" treatment. It looks like a bunch of little brown dots all going the same direction and rough feeling... I think it's starting to come off but still hard to tell..

Also was able to do some arm exercises.. Some bicep and tricep but nothing that makes me over stretch my shoulders.. Felt good to be getting back in the swing of things!

Feeling positive at the results and praying for more good results next appointment!

My mom and I went in for tattoo removals. I have 3 I want removed which I will be doing one at a time for financial reason starting with the most important and that is my wings on my chest that come up onto my shoulders with dates on top right under my collar bone. I got them about 6 years ago. I didn't hesitate to get all 3 done within a couple months of each other.

When I first went in I told the artist what I wanted, and motion for very small wings just barely on my shoulder and I walked out with wings that come across my whole chest maybe an inch and a half from touching each other in the middle.. I left knowing they were way too big.. A couple days later I realized he messed up one of the dates. Instead of 12 he put 2... How I didn't see it, I'm not sure.. I was mainly looking over the piece as a whole I guess.. I didn't see family often so I never got questioned but I knew and that's what mattered..

The dates were of my bio dad who passed away in a car accident but in all reality it was intoxication... Car accident sounds better... My step dad whom I call Dad now practically raised me since i was 9 and treated me better than my alcoholic dad, who never wanted to be with us anyways... My step dad took us in as his own when he didn't have to.. In my rebellious nature when I turned 18 I left the house thus breaking communication with him and I was angry with him so without thinking I got those tattoo in an unseeming way to hurt him when in reality it's only hurt me BC I couldn't even find it in myself to feel bad when people asked me what the dates were for to even try to think of a good memory of my bio, I didn't have one to say anything positive...

In the end, it was my Dad (step Dad) who said he would help and support me in anyway if this is what made me happy he would help me do it and that he's never looked at me any different.. He reminded me that even though I can physically have it removed the real scarring is in my mind and I have to pray and deal with whatever emotion and feelings I have so I can truly be freed in my mind, not just physically.. I will take those words to heart, if not I probably would've never dealt with it..

Thus the appointment! I googled and wanted a trustworthy place considering this was going to be a big deal and found Pristine Laser, Orlando area which is 2.5 hours away or more depending on traffic. Our consultation went amazing and I felt so comfortable and Dr. E was so professional and understanding. Answered my million questions and explained everything in detail and honesty.
He explained the 4 different types of lasers they have and explained which ones would work best for my skin so it's not darkening it. (so I find it odd that I see people wanting specific types of methods like Picosure, Medlite, Tx, etc considering to my understanding from his explanation every Laser is different and will react diff to diff cultures and skin colors) so he basically told me what he was going to do, I don't think I had too much of an option but what do I know? So I trusted his word.. He also does a No Blister Method that gives you a 5% chance of blistering but you pay extra. I also liked that he used cold air to numb before during and after the process as well as natural ointments for after care ( I eat Kosher so no animal products on me!)

I was shivering from the cold air and yes it hurt too. He showed me how the laser reacts diff to regular skin and then on a tattooed area. Walked me through the whole procedure as I talked to him the whole time. Took maybe less than 7 ish min each wing (but I could be totally wrong! He said 10 min max per wing). My knees were knocking but i think that was just because of the cold lol only super sensitive areas were the parts on my shoukder. We then switched rooms and he used the 2nd Laser which I believe was for the no Blister which was 1/4 less painful.

Before I left all the shading detail in my wings (looked like feathers) was completely gone. I was so happy with the results on the first treatment. Est treatments was possibly 10 and could be more but they have an assurance policy if your treatment needs more than 10 you get 2 sessions free (restrictions apply) and I bought a buy 5 get 6th session free and got a discount for traveling over 25 miles. Per wing will cost $230 + $75 for no Blister. He recommended the no Blister (of course) due to the area on my shoulders he went so deep that there is scarring underneath (you can feel the bumps) and the no Blister technique will smooth out the scars.

I was super sore these last 3 days and there's lost of bruising but no blisters and I possibly see only 1-2 very small scabs. A lot more than I expected is gone which gives me high hopes for not going over 10 sessions.

I also eat very healthy and work out every day. Kosher, no meat. No dairy besides Goats Milk Kefir and I take lots of vitamins. I heard Selenium and Folic Acid help increase your white blood cells which is what the process needs to break down the ink cells and rid them from your body. Also galric, yogurt, Zinc and Vitamin C. Dr. E told me that there are no proven studies of extra things like vitamins or working out that help or not in this process but they are trying to come up with something. He mentioned drinking a cup of grape juice a day since that helps with the white blood cell count but again not proven.. But what does it hurt? Right?

Also I had a question about keeping the gauze on vs airing out and responded to an email follow up and the very next morning I got a phone call from him answering my concern. I just felt he truly cared for my well being and not just my money...

Anyways, after the treatment he gave me a Calendula ointment/lotion and I asked him about using Shea Butter but it was an at your own risk please stop if I have a bad reaction. Anyone use Shea Butter after and is it OK?

So far this is day 4. Fading still gone; along some tips of the wings and dates as well as the detail inside and it's not so red, still muscle sore feeling and lots of bruising but I'm happy for no blisters after reading some very unpleasant experiences and blistering! still taking it easy and just working out legs!

My next appointment is May 3rd and I'm praying for good results on that day too! Will talk more about others to be removed another time!