Future Tattoo Removal - United Kingdom

aloha newbieleo, Welcome to the world of ink regret. You have a lot of company here. Some questions for you: How old is the tattoo? How big? Where is it placed? The closer to the centre of your body, the easier to remove. Some technicians say the newer tattoos are easier to remove, they haven't settled into the skin. Some say the older are easier to remove, as the ink has faded over the years. I started removing my ink 6 weeks after it was placed, and after ten sessions, I have soft grey lines. I still have more to go, but I'm happy so far. And will probably have a cover up once I've determined that the laser has done its job. Yes, I have some scarring, but I wear silicone sheets to flatten the scars. It's all a gamble with ink removal, but so worth it IMHO. Perhaps if you shared a picture/photo, the many that are on here could offer words of advice. A picture says a thousand words. Good luck! aloha...k

Thanks for posting. I have been getting lasered the past year and have VERY dense, dark, 1" thick lines in many areas on one of my arms. I am working on removing two full arms of ink. They have lasered over all my ink almost twice already with no scars...EXCEPT for one tiny spec on my bicep{where a coworker grabbed me during my healing}.

Hi Leo, as long as your seeing a reputable clinic or doctor with a good q switched laser scarring shouldn't be too much of a problem especially if your wanting to go for a cover up. You should look up fringeclass review on here as he's currently having his sleeve covered after a year or so off lasering. http://www.realself.com/review/dallas-tx-tattoo-removal-blast-heavy-sleeve-for-cover

Thanks for posting your picture, the great news is darker ink, especially black, responds great to laser treatments and since you are going for a cover up you don' need to worry about the stress of hoping for full removal - your goal is very possible. 

Here is another member on the site going through treatment with a similar situation:

 

REMOVAL OF BRAND NEW DENSE BLACK

BLAST HEAVY SLEEVE FOR COVER UP. -DALLAS, TX

This is my review - you can see I have achieved great fading in the dark dense black:
http://www.realself.com/review/advantage-laser-clinic-toronto-documenting-my-tattoo-removal-the-alex-tri

The photographs show what you are up against...up against in the sense of time, money and patience. Yes, many people have large tattoos that they are lasering off, some have small, it doesn't really matter the size, the results are what counts. You'll find that some areas respond better than others. I have some areas that are fading faster than other areas. Have a consultation, which are often free or contributes to the cost and see what the professionals say. There are many here on the forum that live in the UK and maybe can offer recommendations. Sometimes it takes time to hear from them, there are many more people on this forum than when I joined a year and half ago. You might want to tackle just the lower forearm and then proceed to the upper parts. You can decide with the help of the consultant. Good luck, keep us posted, you'll do amazing. aloha...k

Hi there..I like your tattoo. it looks like it is well done. But, I do understand your feelings of regret. I just wanted to wish you well and we are here for support.

During my consultation I asked about cost per inch, total cost, healing time. Depending on the method (I have the R20 which is multiple sessions in one with a break in between of 20 minutes) and area done. I would listen to the consultant about pain treatment and prevention. Do they offer lidocaine shots, which can only be done by a doctor or nurse? Do they offer cooling? Do they offer the numbing gel? And then consider things like the healing time. You won't be able to do a lot of physical activity, don't want to risk bumping blisters. If you smoke, consider stopping as it prolongs/interfers with healing. I've heard the same with alcohol. I was given a healing sheet with aftercare instructions. Ask if they will do the same. It seems that jman622 below has given you a lot of advice also. Experience from members is valuable. I don't see him mentioning cover up sleeves, they are very good and come in all shapes and colours. We've been there and can offer support. Good luck...aloha...k

Cost will be the most important thing to clear up with them right from the start. Depending on the place they might want payment upfront for multiple sessions at a discounted price or its simply pay as you go. Remember you don't have to decide there and then. You have a lot of ink too clear so ask how many sessions it will take to cover your whole arm. Will they be using a small spot size ( 2-3 mm ) or a large spot size ( 8mm - 10mm ). Its good to ask what make and model laser they are using so the specs can be looked at e.g power , spot size. Numbing cream is always an option but places ive been too its at an extra cost so ive never used it. Theres also mixed reviews on numbing creams as some say it toughens the skin to relive pain, but in turn makes it harder for the laser to penetrate through. They should at least do a test patch so you'll get the feel of it. I mentioned it before and kahelelani has too and that's healing time. In a large sessions like yours and mine there'll be plenty of shattered pigment to keep the body busy. Don't get the same area lasered before 8 weeks and wait longer if you can. That will also help not only with removal but cost. I noticed instant results in areas but parts of my forearm took 8 weeks to show any sign of fading. Instant results only tend to be from the first maybe second session tho. Im afraid its a lengthy process.........You don't mention how you feel about your tattoo. Does it get you depressed and down or do you simply want a change?