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January 2016 - I decided this was the year - the...
January 2016 - I decided this was the year - the year I finally started the process of getting my left arm tattooed.
After lots of consideration, I knew I wanted to express the side of myself I hide from people in the form of tattooing. I wanted a Ghibli/Totoro design on my upper arm to represent my love of anime especially Ghibli. I knew it would be something different, something for me, a way of telling the world I wasn't just a frumpy Mummy working on a till in a shop. I didn't want the tattoo anywhere I couldn't hide, but not some where only I would see it.
DISCLAIMER: I do NOT blame the tattoo artist for my reaction. It had nothing to do with the quality of the tattoo or the actual design. It is my fault I am in the situation I am in now.
I found a lovely artist and together we came up with a design. I walked into the shop, saw the design, loved it. We put the stencil on my arm, I decided I loved the design so much it should right on the front of my bicep, not on my inner arm (like I originally wanted)....this was my first mistake....
Tattoo took two hours, I got wrapped up and sent home - happy as larry! It wasn't until the next day that the regret demon came in.
Friday morning, before work, I had a huge panic attack....it came from no where! My brain decided my new tattoo was too big, too dark and right in the front, where everyone could see it - what have I done, I can't get rid of it...I can't move it...can I go back in time...no..no!
Honestly, I haven't experienced emotion to that extreme before. It was crazy! I then spent the next three weeks obsessed with laser removal photos, clinics, stories and RealSelf. The support I found here was vital in helping me realise I wasn't alone, it wasn't completely my fault that this regret had happened.
All of sudden, roughly a month later, I woke up and didn't think about my tattoo...I looked at it in the mirror and felt nothing. No panic, no hate, no shame, just - ok. My brain accepted what had happened and that this was how things were. From here, everything got so much better, so quickly. Yes, I still wanted my tattoo removed but it wasn't the end of the world anymore.
I emailed Wayne at the Reset Room Soho. He is the most honest, down to earth guy I've met. He knows his laser stuff and I booked in to see him.
My appointment was last Saturday (16th). Wayne and Sig were brilliant! Wayne explained everything to me clearly. He made sure I totally understood the realistic expectations of tattoo removal (I knew them already because of my weeks of obsessive research after getting my tattoo).
My tattoo was new, so the healing was going to be brutal and the process would take longer than an older, faded tattoo.
Unless I could keep the tattoo cold with ice packs for about four hours after treatment, blistering was a real possibility
I would probably see about 30% fading after a few weeks (this was much better than I expected as a guess) but Wayne made it clear EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT AND OUR BODIES WILL RESPOND DIFFERENTLY.
I will post photos and keep everyone updated. This community helped me immensely and if my story helps others, then it is the least I can do!
x
After lots of consideration, I knew I wanted to express the side of myself I hide from people in the form of tattooing. I wanted a Ghibli/Totoro design on my upper arm to represent my love of anime especially Ghibli. I knew it would be something different, something for me, a way of telling the world I wasn't just a frumpy Mummy working on a till in a shop. I didn't want the tattoo anywhere I couldn't hide, but not some where only I would see it.
DISCLAIMER: I do NOT blame the tattoo artist for my reaction. It had nothing to do with the quality of the tattoo or the actual design. It is my fault I am in the situation I am in now.
I found a lovely artist and together we came up with a design. I walked into the shop, saw the design, loved it. We put the stencil on my arm, I decided I loved the design so much it should right on the front of my bicep, not on my inner arm (like I originally wanted)....this was my first mistake....
Tattoo took two hours, I got wrapped up and sent home - happy as larry! It wasn't until the next day that the regret demon came in.
Friday morning, before work, I had a huge panic attack....it came from no where! My brain decided my new tattoo was too big, too dark and right in the front, where everyone could see it - what have I done, I can't get rid of it...I can't move it...can I go back in time...no..no!
Honestly, I haven't experienced emotion to that extreme before. It was crazy! I then spent the next three weeks obsessed with laser removal photos, clinics, stories and RealSelf. The support I found here was vital in helping me realise I wasn't alone, it wasn't completely my fault that this regret had happened.
All of sudden, roughly a month later, I woke up and didn't think about my tattoo...I looked at it in the mirror and felt nothing. No panic, no hate, no shame, just - ok. My brain accepted what had happened and that this was how things were. From here, everything got so much better, so quickly. Yes, I still wanted my tattoo removed but it wasn't the end of the world anymore.
I emailed Wayne at the Reset Room Soho. He is the most honest, down to earth guy I've met. He knows his laser stuff and I booked in to see him.
My appointment was last Saturday (16th). Wayne and Sig were brilliant! Wayne explained everything to me clearly. He made sure I totally understood the realistic expectations of tattoo removal (I knew them already because of my weeks of obsessive research after getting my tattoo).
My tattoo was new, so the healing was going to be brutal and the process would take longer than an older, faded tattoo.
Unless I could keep the tattoo cold with ice packs for about four hours after treatment, blistering was a real possibility
I would probably see about 30% fading after a few weeks (this was much better than I expected as a guess) but Wayne made it clear EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT AND OUR BODIES WILL RESPOND DIFFERENTLY.
I will post photos and keep everyone updated. This community helped me immensely and if my story helps others, then it is the least I can do!
x
First laser treatment
My first laser treatment was just over two months since getting the tattoo done. In a weird way I was quite looking forward to meeting Wayne and starting the process of removal.
After reading through some information and filling out a few forms, I went into the treatment room and met Siggy. Siggy has been trained by Wayne and is such a lovely, warm person. Wayne took a look at my tattoo and explained that the flesh colours might be a problem. He said that it will go dark before it disappears and that he would do two small test patches too see what would happen. Also, Wayne decided he would tackle the red and yellow colours on my next visit.
I lay on the treatment bed and popped on my goggles. Wayne did a quick bit with the laser so I could see what it felt like and I was completely amazed how little it hurt. I was expecting so much worse. I gave it a 6 of out 10 for pain.
It took Wayne about five minutes to complete the procedure. We waited about 20 minutes with the cold air blasting on the treated area.
Wayne explained the aftercare process he advises - using cold packs for at least four hours, using proper wound bandages for burns after. Keeping the area clean. If there were blisters to keep using Jelonet and Melolin dressings. If there were no blisters, use at least 99% Aloe vera gel and no need to cover. Wayne also said that everyone is different and aftercare should be a combination of his advice and common sense really.
After I thanked Wayne and Siggy for all their help, I went to Boots and bought cold packs. On the train home I kept one tucked in my coat. The train journey was a good two hours and a half (I live in Wales).
The next day I had one tiny blister on the green part and the rest of the treated area was raised. My arm felt very bruised for a few days and it developed a scabby/flakiness....once this fell off...I was amazed. The fading I have already is crazy and it has only be a week and a bit! The light grey is pretty much just back to skin now.
I am leaving at least three months between treatments, maybe longer after the summer. I want to give my body and skin plenty of time to heal between treatments.
So far, I'm amazed and so pleased. I'll keep everyone posted! x :)
After reading through some information and filling out a few forms, I went into the treatment room and met Siggy. Siggy has been trained by Wayne and is such a lovely, warm person. Wayne took a look at my tattoo and explained that the flesh colours might be a problem. He said that it will go dark before it disappears and that he would do two small test patches too see what would happen. Also, Wayne decided he would tackle the red and yellow colours on my next visit.
I lay on the treatment bed and popped on my goggles. Wayne did a quick bit with the laser so I could see what it felt like and I was completely amazed how little it hurt. I was expecting so much worse. I gave it a 6 of out 10 for pain.
It took Wayne about five minutes to complete the procedure. We waited about 20 minutes with the cold air blasting on the treated area.
Wayne explained the aftercare process he advises - using cold packs for at least four hours, using proper wound bandages for burns after. Keeping the area clean. If there were blisters to keep using Jelonet and Melolin dressings. If there were no blisters, use at least 99% Aloe vera gel and no need to cover. Wayne also said that everyone is different and aftercare should be a combination of his advice and common sense really.
After I thanked Wayne and Siggy for all their help, I went to Boots and bought cold packs. On the train home I kept one tucked in my coat. The train journey was a good two hours and a half (I live in Wales).
The next day I had one tiny blister on the green part and the rest of the treated area was raised. My arm felt very bruised for a few days and it developed a scabby/flakiness....once this fell off...I was amazed. The fading I have already is crazy and it has only be a week and a bit! The light grey is pretty much just back to skin now.
I am leaving at least three months between treatments, maybe longer after the summer. I want to give my body and skin plenty of time to heal between treatments.
So far, I'm amazed and so pleased. I'll keep everyone posted! x :)
A week and a bit later....
Every day my tattoo is getting a tiny bit lighter. It is a great start!
The best way you can help your body get rid of the ink is to avoid stress and get lots of sleep! Eat well and drink water. Just be happy and content in the knowledge that if you look after yourself, your body will sort out the rest!
Oh and ladies....apparently not wearing a bra or really tight underwear can help the lymphatic system work better :) Good enough excuse for me!
The best way you can help your body get rid of the ink is to avoid stress and get lots of sleep! Eat well and drink water. Just be happy and content in the knowledge that if you look after yourself, your body will sort out the rest!
Oh and ladies....apparently not wearing a bra or really tight underwear can help the lymphatic system work better :) Good enough excuse for me!
Provider Review
Wayne Joyce
Wayne is professional and understanding. He has many years experience of tattoo laser removal procedure.