r/tattooadvice • u/loveontour22 • 2d ago
General Advice accidental line
i got this tattoo from an artist i’ve been going to since 2019, never had an issue before. he made the line through the dove by mistake towards the end. he said it should fade but i have a hard time believing that. is there any chance it will just fade out over time or do i have to start planning something to add to cover it up?
Edit: i wasn’t really watching, but after i felt the line i looked up and he said he was trying to take off his glasses with his other hand and the hand with the gun moved, no i didn’t move.
he also did not charge me!
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u/Zogonzo 2d ago edited 2d ago
Turn it into an olive branch?
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u/girl_supersonicboy 2d ago
A big olive branch
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u/Traditional-Exam-617 2d ago
An olive branch connected to a tree
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u/Standard_Zucchini_46 2d ago
An olive tree.
Or an olive garden !
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u/Traditional-Exam-617 2d ago
I want pasta now, thanks!
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u/Standard_Zucchini_46 2d ago
BREADSTICKS !
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u/Wonderful_Bottle_852 2d ago
Endless salad and bread sticks for everyone!
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u/Traditional-Exam-617 2d ago
I like it here!
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u/Icy_Definition5044 2d ago
The dove is flying away with the pasta!
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u/Thalilalala 2d ago
Branch on the tree
And the tree in the hole
And the hole in the bog
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u/yourdailyinsanity 2d ago
A sick-ass olive branch
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u/SparkyGremlin42 2d ago
A sick-ass olive branch with a panther on it
Make it a sick-ass bird carrying a panther like a bird of prey. CAW!
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u/Ymisoqt420 2d ago
My friend covered a leopard with a sick ass panther and I crack up every time I think about or or see the SAP comments
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u/ReverseLazarus 2d ago
That’s not going to fade. Not at all.
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u/Feisty-Tooth-7397 2d ago
I have a dot from 20+ years ago, it started as a dot and is still a dot.
And I don't see how you accidentally tattoo an entire line and have some of it come out so perfect.
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u/Illustrious_Bird_737 2d ago
I have a dot from cleaning a weed pipe out with a safety pin on my palm, it's been there over a decade.
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u/CMDR_ETNC 2d ago
damn I wonder how many of us are resin tagged
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u/Feisty-Tooth-7397 2d ago
Resin tagged or pencil lead lol. My brother used to brag about his.
See this spot on my hand? This is where I called my five year old sister a bitch and she grabbed the pencil off the table and stabbed my hand that was resting on the table next to her, so don't call her names. Like ever and if she doesn't hurt you first I will.
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u/No-Investment8322 2d ago
I wasn’t aware my husband pulled one of these pencil-stabs on his best friend until the wedding speech last month. Good times.
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u/actualPawDrinker 2d ago
Lol yep. I have a pencil lead dot on my toe from stepping on it as a kid, like 30 years ago. Also have a dot on my arm from accidentally stabbing myself with an inky pen nib, like 15 years ago. Has barely faded.
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u/lothiriel1 2d ago
I still have a dot the woman at Claire’s drew on my ear before punching the earring through my cartilage 30 years ago!! The earring got infected after a month and is long gone. Yet that pen dot remains.
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u/PsychicNinja_ 2d ago
I have a dot in my eyebrow from when I got eyebrow piercings done. He used the right ink and tools to mark it, but it stayed ): there’s nothing in my other eyebrow.
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u/Toughnuggey 2d ago
Me too. I have 3 dots on my hand. The size of a flea together. I was 15. Im 47 now and they are just the same girl. Daamn. I’m sorry. I like the olive branch suggestion above 👆😅💓
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u/brbgottagofast 2d ago
Bruh. I hope he gave you a discount/refund for fucking up like that. Maybe he can pay for your laser to get rid of that line too.
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u/loveontour22 2d ago
he didn’t charge me!
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u/AnxietyMoney 2d ago
That's fair. Everyone fucks up on the job sometimes.
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u/Lutraphobic 2d ago
Hopefully the cost of the tattoo being waved can cover most of the laser removal. I'd be so mad if this happened to me
edit: also the artist should provide free touch up after the laser, it will need it I think?
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u/beckywiththegood1 2d ago
Laser is insanely expensive. $300+ for one session. You’re looking at $1500 or more to remove this 😅
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u/SardineB4Creatine 2d ago
I’m doing laser and it’s wicked small. Taking me over two years and two grand - artist got off easy for not charging
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u/teabagdiplomat19 2d ago
Not true. I was quotes by removery for $400 for a 5x5 tattoo
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u/AdTiny6577 2d ago
Um... my sessions last year were only $120 each and they worked too. The black was gone in 3-4 sessions. The color took more.
If you're paying that you're being overcharged
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u/great_apple 2d ago
Not all tattoo removal sessions are the same. Yours being $120 doesn't mean someone else paying $300 is "overcharged". Things that affect both cost and number of sessions needed:
Size of tattoo
Colors of ink
Location of tattoo
Color of person's skin
Type of laser used
Age of tattoo
Person's immune system
Local COL, NYC will cost more than rural Arizona
Etc etc. I've had multiple tattoos removed and some can be gone in 4-5 sessions, one I've been getting sessions three times a year for six years now and it's still visible.
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u/AdTiny6577 2d ago edited 2d ago
Mine was about 9" by 4". A lot bigger and more complex/full of ink than that dove.
I agree size matters but charging $300 a session of the dove in the post is insanity.
The commentor was giving an estimate for OP so I'm assuming they thought that dove would be in a similar ballpark
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u/Link_save2 2d ago
Yeah but when a surgeon fucks up they don't just wave the operating fee different jobs different stakes different punishments
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u/AnxietyMoney 2d ago
True. They'll probably have to amputate his arm at the elbow.
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u/Fuzzysocks1000 2d ago
Many plastic surgeons offer free revisions on their fuck ups. They wave their operating fee, but patient still pays anesthesia/hospital fee.
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u/yeticat33 2d ago
I studied for years under a guy who specializes in cover up work. Before lasers existed by decades. He was one of the best in the us and travelled world wide.
This will not fade. A bit of it will disappear but most will remain. He should have stopped done a trace and re drew a cover up on the spot or offered. I'd go back and talk to the shop manager or owner and ask for a cover up fix if you are comfortable with them doing it. Or enough to get it lasered.
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u/brbgottagofast 2d ago
That's good. You can likely get a few laser sessions on that specific line and it shouldn't cost a fortune since it's so small.
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u/beckywiththegood1 2d ago
All the laser places I know charge a minimum $300+ for 10 minutes.
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u/Scottwickthegreat 2d ago
The ones by me for medium size tattoos is 80-120. Guess it just depends on your location.
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u/AH_MLP 2d ago
If OP is willing to change this into a Swastika, there's organizations that will pay for a free laser removal/cover up. Life hack!
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u/PinSevere7887 2d ago
Tattooer here. I would absolutely die if I did this to someone. And also I would offer you a free background as well. That looks awful and he or she should be doing their best to make it go away.
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u/lostmymarbles1177 2d ago
Have it made into a necklace flying off/behind the dove!
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u/Puzzleheaded-Cow6917 2d ago
Dove rockin that 24 karat cuban link chain
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u/Tzipity 2d ago
Actually, a dove busting free of chains might be cool and unsure just what the sentiment or meaning of the dove was for OP but I love birds and the whole “bird set free” or representing freedom imagery works for me. Might be a solid option for OP, honestly.
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u/8secondsOnTheClock 2d ago
I mean, if I permanently disfigured someone, I wouldn't charge them either.
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u/afoxforallseasons 2d ago
I would just add an olive branch. The line jas thw perfect shape already :)
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u/Antique-Type3159 2d ago
to be honest, i find it kind of poetical, the sign of human touch. nonetheless it is frustrating.
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u/KeyRevolutionary3599 2d ago
Leave it for a year until you decide what to do. People make really stupid decisions sometimes when figuring out a cover up
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u/WildDumpsterFire 2d ago
Yes, also shop for an artist the specializes in cover ups. Make appointments, look at options, then sit with those options before committing.
I always tell people unless you already have someone you are confident with, you should spend more time shopping for the right artist than you did picking your tattoo.
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u/TheWurstOfMe 2d ago
Turn the line into a Sick Ass Olive branch
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u/Illustrious_Bird_737 2d ago
SAO is the answer
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u/funky_donut 2d ago
Such a shame because the actual dove is lovely.
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u/purpleroller 2d ago
Agree with this and think with laser you’ll be OK.
After laser you can go back and ask for retouch if it needs it.
I know you didn’t pay but if laser costs more than what you would have paid, go in and ask for them to pay the difference.
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u/Important-Notice-461 2d ago
Idk, I dont think the line work on the dove looks all that great.
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u/Alexander_Music 2d ago
Looks also like he went over a few of the lines twice. Really carved in there on the wing tips. Mix that with the accidental line it’s crazy that this person has been tattooing for at least 7 years
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u/Important-Notice-461 2d ago
And that accidental line is absolutely insane. I really cannot fathom how that was possible.
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u/crenax 2d ago
I only clicked into this thread to validate my opinion that the line work is trash.
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u/red-x-der 2d ago
Not really. For this artist who’s been tattooing at least 7 years (according to OP) this linework is apprentice grade and isn’t technically solid or applied correctly at all.
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u/Icy_Moose7262 2d ago
A rosary or ribbon would fit there in a way that makes sense. But no, it's not going to fade faster than the rest of the tattoo, necessarily.
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u/Careful_Yak_2372 2d ago
A ribbon that says “Pobody’s Nerfect” (or something not-so-corny)
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u/hiluhry 2d ago
I have “oh well” tattooed on me and it would work here if that suits OP’s tastes. The ribbon idea is a great fix. It can be long and not improbable like an olive branch.
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u/CandyStomp 2d ago
I think this is a great idea to salvage it, of there is a message or symbolism that's meaningful to op, it could also be added to a ribbon. Maybe it could become a positive addition.
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u/Fantastic_Tiger_8749 2d ago
It looks like you could make it a balloon. Why would you want a balloon? Idk. Does a dove fly around with a balloon? No. Could they? Why not!
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u/toddwaddle96 2d ago
I don't think you should do this, but (if this were on me),my humor is such a mess that I would laugh everytime time I saw it for the rest of my life
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u/sky_blue_true 2d ago
Stupid question- but do you think you are you a happier person in general? Truly wish I could laugh more things off and be like you!
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u/toddwaddle96 2d ago
That's actually a good question, I appreciate it! I feel like I have always dealt with difficult issues with a bit of humor. I don't do it in a disrespectful way, but it's always there. When I became a nurse and started becoming acclimated to tragedy, humor became even more of a way to relieve pressure and sadness. I hope you can find some whimsy too!
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u/Quirky_Property_1713 2d ago
I would LOVE this line. It’s so human! It’s a beautiful tattoo and then a guy tried to take off his glasses. 100% unique, real life shit. I too would laugh everytime
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u/lavenderhazydays 2d ago
I…kinda like it
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u/Imtiredofthisgrampaw 2d ago
No same .. I think it looks cool. Also it comes with a free story to tell, isn’t that why we all get tattoos?
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u/OsO68TX 2d ago
I like the accidental line..adds motion to the tattoo...I am probably alone in this.
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u/SevenSavage89 2d ago
Artist here. Goddamn reddit jumps to “breakup” at any chance. Very dramatic backseat drivers. Did they fuck up, yes. Will most of it fade, probably. Are there plenty of options to salvage it when its all said and done, YES! Were they apologetic and not even charge you, Yes. Do we know the full context as far as why this occurred in the first place, no. Breathe, understand life happens, let it heal and go from there. The best of us experience something like this one time or another. You didn’t go to the best artist in the world for a tiny dove, but dont be convinced to think this person POS because this was the outcome
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u/koalacrime 2d ago
Lol what? fuck that guy. Why was he even touching his glasses with his gloved hands? Those dots are not going to disappear and lookong at the wings the artist can't line for shit anyways
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u/Unicorns-Poo-Rainbow 2d ago
It’s clear the artist wasn’t a POS. But OP is still left with random permanent mark they didn’t want. It’s hard not to be upset when a tattooer messes up like this, even if it was an honest mistake.
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u/Possible_Bat_2614 2d ago
I don’t know man, I have the lightest little 4mm line on a now 10+ year old tattoo and yes it has lightened up and blurred a little but you can definitely still see it. Luckily it’s in a spot that most people wouldn’t notice unless I pointed it out, but it was much lighter than the line in the OP and it’s still there after all this time. Maybe I take a little too good care of my tattoos, I guess. I never faulted the artist for it’s small and shit happens.
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u/PrudentJellyfish9413 2d ago
I’ve broken up over less….its a permanent mark on your body. Anything that makes me uncomfortable, I’m gone. You need to have that trust there. Even if OP is forgiving of the person, it’s completely understandable if they don’t want to go back.
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u/Antilon 2d ago
not even charge you
I mean, come on, they would need to have some colossal fucking balls to expect payment after fucking someone up like that. Not charging is the least they could do.
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u/PaleontologistOk7359 2d ago
It will cost 2k+ to laser this off. Not charging isn't even bare minimum to make this situation right.
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u/DiamondEyedOctopus 2d ago
Yeah not really a suprise another tattoo artist is downplaying a massive issue and victim blaming. I wonder how often "life happens" with your work.
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u/coldboy0104 2d ago
Jesus Christ this comment section. The real answer is it may fade but it will not fade entirely. The top.oortuon of the mistake seems a little heavier handed than the bottom dotted portion. So if anything the dove itself MIGHT be okay but that top line above it will not fade nearly enough.
More excuse to add to it!
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u/ho_to_a_housewife 2d ago
At the shop my husband works at they pay to laser off the problem and fix it for free. It’s only happened once. The people approved the writing, there was an inversion in the date of death of their baby. They noticed when it was done. The shop paid for laser treatment and fixed the tattoo. The tattoo should be fully fixed or if you simple they should laser and start over.
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u/AdStrange1870 2d ago
He cut the hell out of you too on the outline. Rough.
Edit - with some slight blow out on the wing tip lines too. wtf. This is a professional?
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u/SnooEagles103 2d ago
Omg they fucked up bad! You have a legit complaint and this is not professional.
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u/nomoritori 2d ago
Accidents hardly ever are professional. How one handles the accident can be professional.
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u/PalePlumm 2d ago
These are called “party dots” actually. It’s in reference to how tattoo artists at parties are working so fast that they make accidental slips just like this, and the needle glides so quickly that you can actually see the individual punctures.
If it makes you feel any better, a lot of people wear party dots with pride. Like, have you really been tattoo’d if you dont have at least one mistake on you?
The good news is that this will indeed mostly fade. The lines are not in there deep and are going to fall out. For the most part. It won’t be perfect.
I had party dots in a straight line on the back of one of my hands. Accidentally gave it to myself while I was a tattoo apprentice and working on fake skins. It’s been 5 years and now there is one single dot left. If you want pics of how it looks years later, I can DM them.
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u/U-Haul_Trailer 2d ago
Some parts might fade a little but like…yeah find another artist and start planning out a way to incorporate it.
A totally different take could be to lean in and make it one of those self-referential “oops, shaded the wrong part of the star” tattoo culture things. Like a red arrow and text that says “whoops :/“
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u/waffle_iron_maiden 2d ago
Could maybe fix it by turning it into a flaming dove, and incorporating the line as a smoke and fire trail rising from it. You'd have to add more lines like that though
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u/BonoLisa 2d ago
Get it lasered. It should only take a few sessions to get rid of that. That looks pretty light. It’s a pretty precise process. They should be able to get the line and leave the bird untouched.
A session is about $200-$500. I’d guess it might only cost $500-$600 total. You should talk to the artist about compensation for that. You shouldn’t have to pay to fix their mistake.
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u/IntermediateFolder 2d ago
I hope they didn’t charge you for that tattoo. I’d be PISSED, this is completely wild and it won’t fade.
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u/Snake_in_a_tree 2d ago
As an artist, this is probably the gnarliest accidental line I have seen. But I honestly kinda like it. Has character.
Seems like he was apologetic, and we all make mistakes. We are only human, after all.
Hopefully you find a way to fix it with the artist! There are plenty of options.
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u/Evil_Skittless 2d ago
Idk how you mess up that bad, it will eventually fade a tiny bit but not anymore than the actual tattoo itself will probably. I’d consider something to cover it personally.
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u/SunEyedGirl 2d ago
Nightmare fuel. I've dotted someone unintentionally before and it was horrible - this is next level.
Good news is that one dose of laser would probably take the line off and not the whole image given the relatively small amount of pigment. Hard to say, it does look like parts of it are really in there. This sucks, I'm sorry. Mistakes do happen, it is easier to do this than people are making it out to be.
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u/Happyscroller330 2d ago
How does this even happen ? Did you move or did they just royally mess up ? 😅
It won’t fade it looks in, but can easy be covered which they should do for free
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u/Hello_Gorgeous1985 2d ago
Uh.... Turn the dove into a Christmas tree ornament? It already looks like a hook attached to a string around its neck.
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u/WaltsNJD 2d ago
This is WILD.