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POSTED UNDER Tattoo Removal REVIEWS

Expensive Cover Up - Japan

Name: Expensive Cover Up - Japan
Item: Name not provided
Author: tokyochojin

ORIGINAL POST

2 months ago I have a cover up of a tattoo which...

tokyochojinJanuary 17, 2015

$2,500

2 months ago I have a cover up of a tattoo which originally had my daughters name on it. The problem was I got the original while on holiday and the tattooist did a horrible job and so when I got back to Tokyo, I got my usual tatooist to re-write the name on a different part of my bad and to cover up the botched job.

As soon as it had finished i knew I disliked it. It petrudes out from my shirt and just looks out of place and has made me pretty down and embarrased about my choice and my body.

I considered a cover up but that will probably just make things worse and so my only choice is removal. The process in Japan is very expensive and the cheapest I have been quoted is $500 per session for Q-Switch YAG laser. I know this method is not guarenteed but the specialist advised me that it should take around 5 times to erase which means at least $2500. The other method he mentioned was surgery which would cost $2400 but leave a scar and would have to be paid for in full. Can someone advise me if 5 times is feasible with laser for such dark ink or if surgery might be the better option?

Thanks in advance

Replies (7)

tokyochojin

January 17, 2015

Sorry that should read, "I got my usual tatooist to re-write the name on a different part of my BODY and to cover up the botched job."

starredregret

January 17, 2015

Not a doctor/practitioner but it's rare to see people have tattoos cleared in 5 sessions. The only ones that I've seen clear so quickly (even with very dark ink) is by doctors who are specialists (plastic surgeons). Hence, if your doctor says that's how soon he can clear it and you can validate his expertise, I'd say that perhaps it's reliable. I think it's up to you to decide which is best for you. I haven't started removal yet but I plan on having at least two sessions before deciding whether excision is what I want. Have you heard of the picoway laser (it's supposed to be a top of the line ND:YAG laser). Maybe you should look into it and check if they have it nearby you. I, myself will be trying it out in February when I get my patch test done and then starting sessions in April. Goodluck.

wilks1986

January 17, 2015

Thank you for joining and sharing your story. Every individual will have their own unique experience of tattoo removal. Some respond very well and their body's get to work on the ink very quickly, while in others it can take longer. It's something that you just won't know until you start. Five sessions isn't impossible, but it seems ambitious for a dark coverup with a lot of ink in. Generally speaking I think the average is around 8-12 sessions - but this can vary greatly depending on the many variables involved. Another thing to consider is that your tattoo is located on the wrist - tattoos on extremities can sometimes take longer to remove than tattoos on the main trunk of the body, i.e. the chest or the back. That said, it looks to be quite small, so that should work in your favour! All the best in your decision :)

tokyochojin

January 17, 2015

Thanks for the support guys. I'm coming to the conclusion that if 8-12 sessions will be necessary then surgery may just be the better option. Is $500 the normal rate for laser per session? Thanks again, it's good to know that there are other people who have gone through this and that there is a good possibility that it won't be forever.

wilks1986

January 17, 2015

I don't know much about surgical excision, but I guess they would have to remove that tattoo in more than one procedure. There isn't a great deal of skin elasticity at the wrist. Did they discuss that with you?

tokyochojin

January 17, 2015

Yes, they said it would take two procedures. The surgeon was hopeful that scaring wouldn't be overly significant as he assured me it was relatively small and I was a good age and healthy. I'm trying to find images from other people who have had excisions in the same area but have not been able to so far.

JLN319

January 18, 2015

I have rarely seen a tattoo removed in 5 sessions. I think 8-12 is more realistic. If I were to start the process over today, I would have it removed surgically.

UPDATED FROM tokyochojin

Consulation reserved

tokyochojinJanuary 27, 2015

So I have made a consultation to see a specialist on February 14th at a place called SBC clinic here in Tokyo Japan. They offer a variety of tattoo removal method but what interests me is that they are the only place I know that has the Picosure in the area so will update once I have been.

It seems there are some mixed reviews on the actual effectiveness of the Picosure so I am interested to see what advice the specialist makes.

Replies (2)

Eva G

January 28, 2015

Oh great! Let us know how it goes, good luck!

mtenter

January 28, 2015

Looking forward to your next review!

UPDATED FROM tokyochojin

First visit

tokyochojinFebruary 16, 2015

So on Saturday I visited to clinics in Tokyo.

The first location told me that lasering would be leave very little effect on the tattoo and similar ones they had treated had only faded slightly. The doctor told me he recommended removal by staged excision and that it would have to be done in three parts, each 3 months apart. I was shown some pictures of the scar it would leave and it wasn't to bad, I did feel quite queesy when I was shown pictures of the cut out skin though. The price for the operation however was roughly $4000.

The second location, had a Picosure laser but the doctor again was not sure that it would yeild any great results. The price for the picosure was $900 per time and it is one of only two of the machines in Japan. The doctor then recommended a excision with a skin graft. I was shown some pictures and it looked slightly better than the staged operation. The price was $2400 and I told them I would take a couple of weeks to consider my options.

It would be great to put this whole thing behind me but obviously the idea of an operation and scar, as well as the cost is a little daunting.

Replies (2)

Mary82

April 30, 2015

I would really like to hear which two clinics you visited - looking at these options in Tokyo myself now. Many thanks!

tokyochojin

April 30, 2015

Hi Mary, I am not sure I can advertise the names on here. I previously mentioned the hospital but it was later removed. All I can say it is located in the World Trade Centre. Google should help!

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