POSTED UNDER Tattoo Removal REVIEWS
Heavy Black Work / Line Work - Atlanta, GA
ORIGINAL POST
Hey guys, I've been browsing this forum for the...
TomjenkApril 15, 2014
Hey guys,
I've been browsing this forum for the past few months and have been so distraught with my tattoo decisions. Last semester I was feeling oddly on top of the world and I had reconnected with an old friend who happens to be a great tattoo artist. He wanted to hook me up with some work and since I already have tattoos on my forearm, chest, and legs I was like... "why not". Mistake 1. I went ahead and started getting work done on my left arm.. Then I decided to cover the old, outdated piece. Mistake 2. I hated it. It was suppose to be an inticate mandala but it didn't work so well and told him to fill it in black (stupidest words to ever leave my mouth). I hated the weight on the right on and never considered removal so I started working more on my left forearm. Mistake 3. ..
So it's been about five months now and I have been scouring all removal methods and have sunken into the darkest depression as I feel I have lost my approachability and professional appeal. My friends ask me why I don't hang out anymore and when I do they ask me why I've lost my smile. I have heard really terrible things from people that I respect and have heard some worse from strangers at the bar. Needless to say, the only thing I hear now is why I'm wearing a longsleeve shirt on a hot day.
I've decided I want them all off my body with the phrase "tattoo free by 2023". Haha. I understand that full removal of heavy blackwork is damn near impossible and all of this is going to take a very long time. I do realize the cost but if it means I can work towards being happy again, it's worth the world to me.
I have had a consultation with WIFH in Buckhead, Atlanta. The doctor there quoted me $150 a session for the heavy black mandala $215 for the entire other forearm. I guess I am just looking for opinions on this now. Should I do both treatments at once? Should I do the heavy work first then go back two weeks later? I'm very scared and anxious. I've heard of scarring, thyroid cancer, and just bad stories from tattoo removal.
I know that Karo Sumi ink was used minimally in both pieces and not sure about the other inks used.
I've been browsing this forum for the past few months and have been so distraught with my tattoo decisions. Last semester I was feeling oddly on top of the world and I had reconnected with an old friend who happens to be a great tattoo artist. He wanted to hook me up with some work and since I already have tattoos on my forearm, chest, and legs I was like... "why not". Mistake 1. I went ahead and started getting work done on my left arm.. Then I decided to cover the old, outdated piece. Mistake 2. I hated it. It was suppose to be an inticate mandala but it didn't work so well and told him to fill it in black (stupidest words to ever leave my mouth). I hated the weight on the right on and never considered removal so I started working more on my left forearm. Mistake 3. ..
So it's been about five months now and I have been scouring all removal methods and have sunken into the darkest depression as I feel I have lost my approachability and professional appeal. My friends ask me why I don't hang out anymore and when I do they ask me why I've lost my smile. I have heard really terrible things from people that I respect and have heard some worse from strangers at the bar. Needless to say, the only thing I hear now is why I'm wearing a longsleeve shirt on a hot day.
I've decided I want them all off my body with the phrase "tattoo free by 2023". Haha. I understand that full removal of heavy blackwork is damn near impossible and all of this is going to take a very long time. I do realize the cost but if it means I can work towards being happy again, it's worth the world to me.
I have had a consultation with WIFH in Buckhead, Atlanta. The doctor there quoted me $150 a session for the heavy black mandala $215 for the entire other forearm. I guess I am just looking for opinions on this now. Should I do both treatments at once? Should I do the heavy work first then go back two weeks later? I'm very scared and anxious. I've heard of scarring, thyroid cancer, and just bad stories from tattoo removal.
I know that Karo Sumi ink was used minimally in both pieces and not sure about the other inks used.
Tomjenk's provider
Replies (11)
April 17, 2014
Hey Will- I actually really like your geometric mandala art, but I'm also partial to geometric artwork in general. The price quotes you got seem very reasonable, and although I have only gotten 1 small tatt removed, I would suggest you get one lasered first instead of both- not only is the 1st treatment rough, but it will be a lot for your body to process. Tatt removal is very daunting in every way (emotionally, physically, psychologically) but it is a process and it's good to see that you have no immediate/rushed expectations b/c it a a very long process. In regards to scarring, I think a large part of that lies in the hands of yr clinic (and of course yr aftercare), so it's risky in that regard that you make sure your clinic is knowledgeable and the person operating the laser is skilled. It's hard to know for sure w/ all of the variables involved, but you must take the route that YOU find best- perhaps even do a patch area to see how it resolves itself..? The all black one will def be the most difficult but even treating that one in sections may be wise... If you undergo treatment, are you aiming for full removal then or coverups?
April 18, 2014
Thanks for the comment. And actually, I really liked these tattoos when I got them. I work at a high end coffee shop and I see a lot of people all of the time and when I started getting disrespected because of my decisions, I started to really hate them and wonder why I decided to do this. It's been a real struggle to deal with, but somewhat understandable. At this point, I'm not really sure. I feel like these tattoos have become too "left wing" now. I got them because tradition is only tradition because it is repeated. So why not try to break it? But the reaction made me feel so distraught and I've been hating myself since. So I may work towards a coverup for the heavy blackwork and full removal on my other. So many questions and the answers have been filling my head with madness. It's sickening. Anywho, thanks for the respect and your advice :)
April 18, 2014
Not to mention, I've started to get my foot in the door with Atlanta's film community (where I'd like to end up) and if I had these reactions here, I cannot deal with decline despite the fact that I am a terribly hard worker and love working for my passion.
April 18, 2014
I can totally understand judgement- it's not cool at all. The bottom line is though- you have to be happy in the skin yr in regardless of others' comments/criticisms/judgements....and if you are, ignore them and do you...and if you aren't- well then there's the removal route. Often we judge ourselves the hardest (it seems) when in reality we internalize a lot of things and our perceived notion of others views of us...so that is a factor only you know for yourself. If you truly dislike yr ink, laser is a viable choice. I think the geometry is sweet, so for everyone who dissed yr work, you have a fan here..
UPDATED FROM Tomjenk
2 months pre
Waiting.
TomjenkApril 18, 2014
I recently discovered that laser tattoo removal should not take place within three months of taking St. John's Wort (the natural antidepressent I've been taking since I realized my mistakes). So I have to wait this period out and summer is around the corner. I couldn't tell you the amount of anxiety and hatred I've built up knowing this. I'm at the point of considering another loan to skin graft the area of heavy black because that's what's been eating me. Any thoughts towards a skin graft for such a large area? I feel my patience will break soon and oh man... it hurts to the core. :(
Replies (15)
April 18, 2014
Hi,
Sorry you are dealing with this but clearly you are not alone:) Forgiving yourself and accepting that you made a mistake is a long and honorable road but it sure doesn't help for people around you to say insensitive crap to you. Your regret is yours to deal with, it's just crappy that people feel the need to jump in and put down others for appearances. What if you had been in an accident and had burn scars, would friends and strangers in a bar pipe up about that? It sounds a bit like some of your ink feels like an accident to you which outs you in an even larger community of people trying to recover and get back to skin they want to be in. I cover mine too as comments on my body/skin good or bad are part of the reason I hate having tattoos. One of the things I didn't consider when I got a tattoo was how much it would effect my privacy.
Just remember, there are so many of us out there that do not judge based on appearance or style and that would use grace and sensitivity around friends and strangers! Likewise, it's how you feel that matters but there are so many professionals out there that have sleeves etc. At the end of the day, it's the attitude that matters and that will eventually show people who you are are.
April 19, 2014
Thank you for the kind words. And that's what I feel about the situation. I like to think of myself as a very friendly guy that would never even consider saying something bad about somebody (i don't even think these things). It's been extremely hard to deal with because I've always been somewhat ashamed of how I looked (bad acne since highschool and I had Bell's palsy for 6 months last year). I appreciate reminding me that I need to forgive myself and work towards the life I want to live. And you are SO right about privacy. Nail on the head.
Once again, thanks for the cheery kind words :)
April 18, 2014
Interesting re the St. Johns Wart - I used it while I was being treated with the laser...what was the reasoning behind the advice?
April 24, 2014
I was going to ask the same thing. I hope it's not for it's anti-depressant properties because...uh....yeah...
April 18, 2014
I also wanted to mention, I adore your tattoos - and if I saw you at your coffee shop I would be looking in a positive way.
April 19, 2014
:) Thanks Eva, and yes. I really do think they're a work of art but I've just realized that it's not how I want my first impression of me to be. As far as St. John's Wort goes, I read this on a few forums and doctor's pages. I want to say they were primarily UK doctors. The list included things such as St. John's, Accutane, et al. I assume it has to do with liver and thyroid processing?
UPDATED FROM Tomjenk
2 months pre
Looks like I'm going to be familiar with Chattanooga, TN for the next couple years..
TomjenkApril 24, 2014
So I've decided to settle with River City Tattoo Removal in Chattanooga, TN. Adam, the guy running the shop is currently removing his sleeve and says that we can rid mine in 12 treatments with 6 months free after if I'm not satisfied. He is quoting me at $275 for the entire piece that will be treated in halves to prevent blood flow restriction. He said to come back every six weeks to do the other half. I am wondering if there is any way cut that time in half? Is it safe to laser the remainder after this amount of time? Who knows..
I suppose I'll try to get in pretty soon. It's going to take so dang long. Sigh.
I suppose I'll try to get in pretty soon. It's going to take so dang long. Sigh.
Replies (5)
April 24, 2014
Sounds like you got a good deal. You are paying the same amount as me, but your tattoo is much bigger then my 2 together. No guarantee for me though - 80% and it'll be 6-8 treatments. My doctor said there are no guarantees. That's really cool that you can get up to 6 months free free treatments after the 12 treatments.
...I have a question though essentially are you getting the same area lasered every 12 weeks? It sounds like he's doing one side..6 weeks later doing the other...6 weeks later doing the original side again
April 25, 2014
Right, that's the deal. It's not safe to laser the entire arm as the swelling will break blood flow which could lead to complications in the hand. I'm not really trying to lose my hand. Haha. I'm still broken on it as I really love the work on my left arm - the heavy black seemed to ruin tattoos for me because of the response I've had on it.. So I may just work on that and continue that sleeve until I'm ready to cover that. Not sure. It's all very confusing.
April 25, 2014
It sounds like the tech you've found is willing to cut you a good deal. It's an unfortunate truth to life that there are a lot of scammers out there who will take advantage of people in the midst of an emotional decision. Maybe try removing the heaviest piece first and gauging how that goes before removing the other piece?
In the meantime though remember that your tattoos are something placed on you and do not define you and who you are. If someone wants to be ignorant and make judgement on you because you have tattoo then let that person be ignorant. It's not your problem.
May 2, 2014
Hey there! I completely understand your feelings of depression and withdrawal from friends. I went through all the same feelings. This process will take a long time, but before you know it you will be half way and starting to adjust more. I still have days where I am withdrawn from friends and people in general. This tattoo he changed me as a person. It took away my fun free spirit. I'm still not the same. I've been at this for one year, and still get depressed at times. The good news is that it gets better. Try to stay strong and hang in there. As for cutting down the amount of time, I haven't heard of any doctors recommending anything less than four weeks waiting time. I'm no professional, but from what I've read the treatment is more effective if you wait at least 8 -12 weeks between. It's so agonizing to wait that long. Try to just keep your mind busy by doing things you love. I've found that I am less weird about my situation by just bringing it into the open. I am so embarrassed by what I've done, but by showing people (although difficult), it has helped me cope a little better, because I don't feel like I'm hiding something. Anyway, stay strong and try to stay positive. Stay on here too, it will reAlly help! My thoughts are with you, and keep us updated!
What kind of laser does the Doctor you had your consultation with use. Black ink responds very well to laser, depending on how dense the ink is and the type of ink (I don't know much about Karo Sumi ink) will depend on treatments length, you have set an attainable goal for yourself.
You are moving in the right direction and that is what you need to focus on now, let go of the regret and the sadness, it will not help you rather will hinder your treatments. When you are happy you are healthy, and you need a strong immune system to help you through this.
I do understand fully where you are coming from, I am on laser #9 (large cover up on back) and the situation took hold of me for many months and pulled me under water but I swam back up and you can to.
Keep us posted - best of luck!
laserhopeful gave you some really supportive advice in which I agree - the first step is to forgive yourself and accept your situation.
A good place for you to start is to get rid of your negative self thoughts and to effectively manage your stress by replacing your fear (what people will think of you) and worry with positive and empowering thoughts that will help move you forward. From there you will begin to feel more centered and happy and you will attract the same things in your life - positive inspiring people and opportunties. I believe the Universe gives back to us and that the world is as we are. When we experience an issue in our life we attach ourselves to that idea and create a false belief of who we actually are.
Turn things around in your mind and look at your situation from a different perspective, and most importantly be good and kind to yourself.
Set an affirmation for yourself and repeat it each day:
"I will be kind, respectful and love myself unconditionally"
"The future is wonderful and I welcome it and all of the good things that it will bring"
"I can overcome my fear and accomplish anything and have a fulfilling life"
When you begin to feel anxious or upset stop and take a moment do some deep breathing with your eyes closed and shift your thoughts.
I would love for you to try meditation and look into how it can be a successful treatment for depression.
There is growing science behind meditation that confirms that during meditation your prefrontal cortex is activated then other parts of the brain are turned on releasing your happy chemicals:
Dopamine. Serotonin, oxytocin, endorphin, when your brain releases these chemicals you feel good!
I use meditation daily and share it with my students in my yoga practices - I take them through guided meditations and the feedback is great.
I hope this helps, and let me know if you have any other questions.
Sending happy thoughts yours way!
Eva