POSTED UNDER PicoWay REVIEWS
Well I Just Got the Tattoo and I'm Getting It Taken Off. Short Pump, VA
ORIGINAL POST
Alright so those who may have seen any other posts...
$2,400
Alright so those who may have seen any other posts on my page, I didn't realize that it would be easier to update a review as the normal comment. Therefore I'll be posting on this. The reason I'm getting my tattoo removed is because when I got my original tattoo done, the first guy messed up my koi fish. Actually bad part is he originally drew it up for the wrong arm and then when I told him I wanted it on my right arm, he tried convincing me to do it on my left instead. I said no so he re-drew it. I'm assuming in the process that he rushed the drawing and slapped it on. I was in shock (as in I'm finally getting my tattoo done) that I didn't pay attention to detail. As I got home, I realized how much he really messed it up. When I confronted him about it, he kept acting as if it was all supposed to be like that. My arm looked almost nothing like what he sketched. Thus I went to another artist that apparently had years of experience to fix the mistakes with a partial cover up. Although he made it more colorful and added some detail, he didn't do a good job masking the lines that are hidden within the shadow of the fish (hard to see the lines within the shadows through the pics but in person they are obvious). I've been so frustrated at the money I've spent to get this done, not to mention the stress, that I've basically said screw it and am getting it removed. I'm currently attending a place called Invisible ink tattoo removers. I've had one session so far and am going in for the second on November 3rd. By the way, for those who are wondering about the pain, as long as you correctly use the topical cream(numbing), you shouldn't feel to much pain. I actually just played games on my phone and didn't realize how quick it would be. I didn't blister during the first session. I did however have a few raised lines which will show on the fins on some of the pictures, but it went down after roughly 3 days. I'm currently using picoway right now, but the facility I'm going to also has picosure. Since they are owned by Lenscrafters, they have all the latest tech (thank god). I am however a bit concerned on whether my colors will come out. II think that they can get everything out except for the yellow ink. I do not plan on getting another tattoo after the whole experience that I've had so hopefully everything will eventually go away so I don't have to.
UPDATED FROM Mrwarden
Had a rough spot today
Alright so before I start this off, I just want to say that these are things that I've gone through in the past and what I currently deal with on a daily basis. Now let me start by saying that I've had more of a depressive life in the past due to a multitude of things that has happened in and out of my control, however, this has all still affected the way I think and act today. Ever since I can remember , I've had a sense of self-worthlessness, problems with my self-image, and how others view me, or rather how I've tried to be what others think I should be. I originally lost weight (60lbs) and went from a fat kid to skinny, then gained 30lbs of muscle and looked fit as can be. Ever since this tattoo process and my depressive state, I've gained 20lbs of fat and lost almost all muscle. On a daily basis I look in the mirror and think what a piece of crap I've become. That being said, this small spike of depression happened during a business conference at my university today. I was sitting within the crowd listening to the drone speeches of representatives from different corporations. I decided to mess with my phone and look at facebook some. While scrolling down a image of a cool looking tattoo popped up on the news feed.... Guess who did the tattoo?... The guy that messed up my tattoo months ago.. As I began shifting through the images , I thought to myself " I can't believe this has happened to me. This guy did good artwork on other people but gave me a shitty piece that I hate and want removed." Well as i began comparing other artwork to mine, I began thinking in my head that I would never find another person in this lifetime that would be able to look past the crap that is on my arm and care for me for me. I began to think to myself if the lasering process is actually worth going through and whether or not this tech will actually be able to remove something as big and dense and my tattoo. Now going back to when it was first done and this tattoo process began, after getting the tattoo, I didn't sleep or eat for roughly 3 days because I was so depressed, I began to see a therapist, and was put on anti- depressants to level me out. All those memories that I had at that time began to flow within my mind as I continued to beat myself up repeatedly. Just when it began to get worse, I left the conference and went into the bathroom, staring into the mirror and taking a look at myself. All I could think is how much of a [RS bleep] up I am to do something as stupid as this to my body and even thinking about getting the tattoo done in the first place. I left the building and began walking down the streets of Richmond, heading in the direction of the parking deck that my car was in. I decided to stop into a gas station on the way and got a protein bar and a bottle of water. What does this have to do with anything? Well as I walked out and headed to the crosswalk, I saw a group of homeless people that were holding signs up asking for money and food. I looked down at my hands and saw the bottle of water and bar. I looked back at them and began to think to myself that even though I feel bad inside, it isn't the end of the world, and there are always other people that have it worse than we do. So life lesson for today, whenever your feeling down, think of the things you have, and not the things you don't.
Replies (17)
October 14, 2015
Please forgive yourself. Don't stumble over something behind you, keep moving forward and hold your head high.
October 14, 2015
Your to hard on yourself man, some of my buddies have pretty lame tats but get a ton of girls/have girlfriends.. Just get back to the gym and stop worrying about what's on your arm. Your putting in steps to get it removed and that's all you can do for now. Trust start lifting again
October 14, 2015
If you ever need to chat brother send me a message, I felt the same way for awhile.
October 26, 2015
Oh my gosh this tattoo is fine! The removing of it will be so hard on you physically and mentally from what I've read here. And will make s fine tattoo just look like a mistake. This tattoo is fine! Don't focus on it. Research a brilliant artist and get another tattoo you love and focus on that one
October 26, 2015
I hate it. You aren't the only person that I've heard say that it looks fine. It just isn't what I invisioned and I see the faults in it on a daily basis. I'm getting rid of this one either way. Wether I decide to get another will be another choice later down the road. However I want the memory and image of this one gone. I mean, as of right now I don't plan on getting another, but if worse comes to worse and I get a cover-up, yes I will be researching artists that can do a cover up that'll look like an actual cover-up.
October 26, 2015
Ok then all the best for sure and you must hang in there during the process :) a great coverup after its faded sounds perfect.
January 14, 2016
Don't let that have so much control over you , yes your getting a tattoo removed . There is nothing about that that makes you unworthy of love or anything else life has to offer, I promise you .
I have had dark roads nonstop play list of Alice in chains , BB and staind.
Had to change the up my music to change my mood . Things have a way with time and people. Don't look behind anymore have a blessed journey ....
I have had dark roads nonstop play list of Alice in chains , BB and staind.
Had to change the up my music to change my mood . Things have a way with time and people. Don't look behind anymore have a blessed journey ....
UPDATED FROM Mrwarden
Second session down
Just had the second session today. Was a little more painful, maybe a 3/5. They upped the power up a little so that would explain the slight increase in pain. I have a random question for everyone out there; do any of you have OCD? Like actual OCD and not just moving something in a specific way because you don't like it. I wanted to get other's opinions on my current thought process.
Basically I'm OCD, especially when it comes to the way I look and my body. If I cannot get full removal, I recently contemplated on a cover-up, however, my family thinks that no matter what I do, I will never like it and will never be satisfied because everything has to be "perfect" to me. I know nothing is perfect, and I will admit that I am a bit of a perfectionist that is trying to get over that. Just wanted to know anyone's opinions on what I should do. The input would be great.
Basically I'm OCD, especially when it comes to the way I look and my body. If I cannot get full removal, I recently contemplated on a cover-up, however, my family thinks that no matter what I do, I will never like it and will never be satisfied because everything has to be "perfect" to me. I know nothing is perfect, and I will admit that I am a bit of a perfectionist that is trying to get over that. Just wanted to know anyone's opinions on what I should do. The input would be great.
Replies (23)
November 18, 2015
You just described me there mate!
I'm in a similar situation to you & have the same personality traits. I had a crap tattoo reworked 5 days ago & I think it's made it worse, seriously considering laser removal. For me I'm not expecting full removal & will be going for a cover up, but this time I will not be pushed / rushed in by any artist. I will take my time, will do my research & will get that tattoo that is perfect for me, my advice would be to think the same way if full removal isn't possible.
Good luck, I'm keen to hear your progress.
I'm in a similar situation to you & have the same personality traits. I had a crap tattoo reworked 5 days ago & I think it's made it worse, seriously considering laser removal. For me I'm not expecting full removal & will be going for a cover up, but this time I will not be pushed / rushed in by any artist. I will take my time, will do my research & will get that tattoo that is perfect for me, my advice would be to think the same way if full removal isn't possible.
Good luck, I'm keen to hear your progress.
November 18, 2015
A cover up will end up looking like an ink mess. My daughter tried to do the same thing and it is now a disaster and now even harder to try to laser off because now there are layers of ink to zap. Don't cover it up. Live with what you have or take it all off. It will be a long journey either way. You will have to learn to be patient with either decision.
November 19, 2015
Ink mess? Could it be that maybe the artist that did her cover-up didn't do well? I'm not saying he didn't do a good job, but I've seen some pretty promising covers. Either way, I'm doing as many sessions as I can before I make my decision.
November 30, 2015
There's another story on here with a girl who did a cover-up and she's 11 sessions deep. Seems the most recent was a Picoway, which has shown great results for being the first time used on her.
March 31, 2016
OCD about appearance could be BDD - body dysmorphic disorder
March 31, 2016
I wouldn't doubt it to be honest. Growing up, I've always been really particular about the way I look; cleanliness, weight, how I act, etc. I've slowly been doing better at just ignoring the way I think, but yes, I wouldn't be surprised if I had BDD.
April 2, 2016
I'm glad to hear that on your own you have improved the way you think about how you look. I've battled BDD since a teenager and I have not found peace. I hope you don't have BDD bc it can really ruin your life. But if you do end up one day getting diagnosed, there are treatments. Anyway, I wish you well :)
April 2, 2016
Treatments such as? Because I've been on anti-depressants and I've been to a therapist( about other things) and even though the anti depressants made me "happy", I ended up being bi-polar while taking them. Yea like with me, at one point when I was originally loosing weight, I got my weight down so much that I looked like skin and bones. Even then I thought I wasn't skinny enough. It hasn't been until now when I look back and see old pictures before I put weight back on that I realized how small and sick I really looked.
April 2, 2016
Medications such as the SRI's or SSRI's can be effective. I personally have had weight gain from meds and avoid them. Cognitive behavioral therapy and talk therapy. The idea is to challenge the negative thoughts and the OCD type behavior that can accompany such as mirror checking, skin picking, constantly asking for reassurance about the appearance related concern. I think the most progress has been made at centers in Rhode Island and mass general (Boston). A workbook recommended to me is Feeling Good About the Way You Look. I think by Sabina Wilhelm. I bought the book but have not put a lot of effort into it. I guess I should.
I just started seeing a new therapist who is not a BDD specialist, but I do like her. I told her I could tell her something I don't like about my appearance from my head to my toes. I now have homework to tell her something I like going from my head to my toes. Yikes!
I just started seeing a new therapist who is not a BDD specialist, but I do like her. I told her I could tell her something I don't like about my appearance from my head to my toes. I now have homework to tell her something I like going from my head to my toes. Yikes!
April 3, 2016
Yea I tried going to a therapist and he tried going into detail about my past history and constantly thought the way I thought was completely based off my childhood. Which could be in a way, but there's some thoughts/ memories I'd prefer not to relive so I stopped going. Plus it was rather expensive.
April 3, 2016
My money has been spent on therapy and surgeries. And never satisfied. I think I was depression prone growing up and then had some triggering events that tipped the scales into BDD. And boy have I run with it. I feel BDD has prevented me from the person I was meant to be.
I never ask people how I look bc I don't want to open the door to criticism. I don't post on FB bc I would struggle with wanting "likes" but then thinking they arent authentic. I'm always surprised when I get compliments bc I think I'm so hideous. I do understand that I am more critical than others. I'm hoping you just got a tattoo you don't like and are taking steps to improve it without any deep seeded underlying issues. I think it's normal to have things about your appearance you wished were different. So my hope is you don't have BDD.
Ironically I stumbled on your profile and liked your tattoo. But i do understand if your expectations were higher.
I never ask people how I look bc I don't want to open the door to criticism. I don't post on FB bc I would struggle with wanting "likes" but then thinking they arent authentic. I'm always surprised when I get compliments bc I think I'm so hideous. I do understand that I am more critical than others. I'm hoping you just got a tattoo you don't like and are taking steps to improve it without any deep seeded underlying issues. I think it's normal to have things about your appearance you wished were different. So my hope is you don't have BDD.
Ironically I stumbled on your profile and liked your tattoo. But i do understand if your expectations were higher.
April 3, 2016
I think with me it's a mixture, but I've gotten to the point that I've accepted that the tattoo is there and that I'm just going to have to be patient. Yea a lot of people said they liked my tattoo. In picture, and in person it looked kinda different. You could blatantly see the problems in person and not through a picture. That's why I decided to get it removed. It was more of a "well the first guy messed up, even though the second guy made it look a little better and more colorful, he also added more problems to it". Yea my expectations were a bit higher because the original guy didn't tattoo what we agreed on. At this point it's whatever. I just still haven't made up my mind on what I'm going to do when this is all over with. Either deal with random ink blotches on my skin, or get a cover up by a A class artist that's as picky with his work as I am with tattoos.
April 6, 2016
I understand. And especially when you saw the same artist do better tattoos for others. Ugh! I'm glad you found this website, b/c it seems a great place to research options and get opinions of those going through the same thing.
April 6, 2016
Yea that's one of the good things about here. Right? I've seen my original artist do better work on other people. Unfortunately it just didn't happen for me. Ironically one of the ladies at my Laser place knows him, and said that he's a hit or miss kind of person.
April 7, 2016
Have you heard of the tv show Tattoo Nightmares? I saw a couple of episodes and it was fascinating to see the artistry in covering up unwanted tattoos.
May 26, 2016
Hi , I've said before on other threads that a recurrent theme amongst us tattoo regretters is perfectionism . On a personal level ( though years of therapy) I've come to learn that my BDD is a form of ocd. When it comes to the body or skin I focus deeply in scars and imperfections, and now my tattoo . In reality I don't really know how I look only what I see, I know it's not helpful really but I'd say that other people are no where near as harsh as I am on myself. I also find antidepressants specifically ones that interrupt the reabsorption of dopamine and serotonin are useful to an extent but they don't solve the issue fully
May 26, 2016
Yea I get what you're saying. Yea I stopped taking them and have been doing a little better. I mean I have stretch marks for. Where I originally lost a bunch of weight and they never really affected me. I know when I first had them I was depressed about them, but I Grew to just ignore it. Now with the tattoo, since I keep it covered all the time, I really never even think about it anymore. I do still look at it from time to time to see what ink has disappeared but other than that I don't pick at it. I guess because at this point I'm just waiting it out to see when/if it can be fully removed. Problem is, I spoke to a tattoo artist hat has had laser work don't all over his body and has had work re-done by various artists. He told me that at least from his experience and from looking at mine, I'll eventually have to get a cover up. He said that even though lasers have been getting better, and that my tattoo is fading faster than his did, he still thinks there will be a good amount of light ink there at the end. So he told me different A class artists around and out of the area that he thinks are great and will work with someone who is as picky as I am. Although I'm still hesitant on getting another, I'm still thinking about it. I've actually been getting better at not being a perfectionist since this whole ordeal has happened. Which is really odd, but I don't try to be as "perfect" as I did before. I've been coming to conclusions that nothing is perfect. By doing this, I've felt better about myself, my health, and basically I've been doing far better mentally.
May 26, 2016
That's great news , I'm trying hard to accept myself and hopefully in time I'll manage to
November 17, 2016
I have OCD. I should probably see someone about it but haven't yet. I also got a tattoo which was a little bolder and bigger than my others, and on my shoulder cap, somewhere not as easy to hide. The artist botched it and I fell into a depression for two years while I had it in the homestretch of being removed by laser. I decided I couldn't handle any more waiting and lasers, so I opted for a coverup. Way better artist. But the OCD is starting again and I find myself staring at my damn arm in the mirror for hours each day. I have fixated on everything wrong with it and am looking here, again, at removal. I dont have an answer, but definitely think your point is valid and one to consider deeply.
November 19, 2016
Yea I see what you mean. Im at the point now that I'm still going through with he treatments for as long as I can until I get to the point that it's either a cover or full removal. Chances are I'll never get full removal, but I'm still going through with the treatments until then. I'm now about to be on treatment 8 I believe by December
Replies (41)
1. What laser are we using?
2. Do you have any progress reports you can show me that are similar to my tattoo?
3. If I were to do the treatment, and a ghosting effect happens (outline of the tattoo on the skin after removed), what would you do then?
4. What would happen if you cannot completely remove it? Do I get refunded or what will happen next?
Make sure to do research on the place you are going. Look up reviews on Facebook, Yelp, and anywhere else online.
The place I'm going to has a policy where if they cannot get full removal then they refund you your money. If it takes less treatments ( like if they say 6 and it only takes 4) then they refund you foR the two treatments that they didn't do. But that applies to if you paid upfront like I did.