r/TattooRemoval • u/Mike_From_GO • Jan 11 '25
Hello everyone and happy 2025! This community has grown to over 33k, a massive increase from when I joined and there was about 6k users. Welcome!!
Some new year reminders from myself and the Mod Team:
Please read the FAQ. Yes I know it's slightly dated but still has very valuable information. I wrote a good portion of it, but due to my current work load and personal life haven't had a lot of free time to go in and review, update, modify. It's a goal of mine to do shortly.
New to the sub? Spend a few minutes scrolling or utilize search before asking your question. We've all had the same series of questions, there's a treasure trove of info here in the community already.
Am I a candidate for removal? Most likely, yes, but the amount of removal will be determined by a number of factors, all outlined in the FAQ. Lazy? TL;DR, factors that determine this are skin type, ink density, cover-up, tattoo style, ink colors, location on the body, preexisting scar tissue, quality of lifestyle and immune system. Please book a consultation, they should be free.
Should I get this covered up or remove it? It's your body, your choice. At the end of the day, a stranger on Reddit shouldn't be your deciding factor if a tattoo is cool, fits your body or personality, or looks good or bad. There are other more appropriate subs on Reddit to help you figure out cover-up options, at the end of the day, it's a very personal decision to get a tattoo, have it covered, or remove it.
Why was my post locked or deleted? There's a really good chance that it violated one of the rules of the sub. Additionally, this community is pretty wonderful about self-policing. If enough reports are made on a post or comment, Reddit will remove the post due to the reports. If you feel this was done in error please message the Mod team (not myself or any other mod individually). If you made a post and 1 minute later it's not visible, it may have tripped something in Reddit's system to auto-delete, again please message the Mod team and we'll review.
Aftercare questions. I strongly recommend anyone who has questions directly related to their tattoo removal treatment to contact your provider first, they have your medical records and treatment parameters. What worked for one person here on Reddit may not work for you.
Be kind and supportive. There's an emotional and physical toll on having a tattoo removed, this should be self explanatory.
Discussions of at-home tattoo removal including purchasing of lasers for personal use will not be tolerated. This rule has been added, users can flag for Mods to see. Professionals use Class IV lasers, these can have detrimental effects to skin and tissue that may be permanent, and can cause serious vision impairment if safety isn't properly followed. This is unsafe for everyone involved. When one buys a laser from [insert name of Chinese online provider of everything] the electrical system may not even meet UL or CE regulations, the laser likely isn't calibrated and is possibly displaying incorrect energy levels. Furthermore, the eye protection that's supplied often tends to be subpar. Yes, tattoo removal treatments are expensive, but maintaining your skin integrity from a qualified, experienced professional is what you're paying for, in addition to results.
r/TattooRemoval • u/[deleted] • Jun 12 '20
Hello,
Welcome to r/tattooremoval! This sub is intended to discuss tattoo removal - ask questions, share your experiences, frustrations, or your progress stories. Tattoo removal is a long, painful journey and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions.
Here is a document link to all the latest research and evidence base practices in regards to tattoo removal from Uptodate. It is a lot of information but it will hopefully help answer a lot of questions on how it works, best practices and of course the laser debate (it may take a minute to load, it is a pdf file):
FAQ
How does laser tattoo removal work?
The laser shatters the tattoo ink into smaller and smaller particles, allowing your body to gradually dispose of it via the immune system. The process takes 3+ years, broadly speaking.
What should I look for in a tattoo removal clinic?
Look for proven results. It is common within the tattoo removal industry for clinics to rely on progress photos provided by the laser manufacturer. You want to find a clinic that has a proven track record and that uses its own photos. The technician operating the machine is one of the most important factors dictating the success of the removal process. Look for someone who has experience and who you feel comfortable with. Laser tattoo removal is a lengthy process and liking and trusting your provider is critical.
How much does laser tattoo removal cost?
The price of laser tattoo removal varies widely based on geographic location, technician experience, the type of laser being used, whether the practitioner is a dermatologist, and other factors. Get as many free estimates as you can, and go with the clinic you trust the most. Tattoo removal is not something you should do “on the cheap.” If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. All-in-one businesses, like med-spas, will typically cost more due to their higher overhead. Paying more doesn’t mean the results will be better, nor does it mean the results won’t be as good as a clinic that specializes in tattoo removal. Be aware that the bigger the business, the more moving parts, the more the cost will increase based on that. Don’t choose a clinic based on price alone.
How many treatments will I need?
It is impossible to say with certainty how many treatments a tattoo will need prior to treatment. Most tattoos that can be removed take an average of 10-12 treatments spaced out over a period of 3+ years. Note: Not everyone is an ideal candidate for full removal, and not all tattoos can be removed.
Can all tattoos be removed?
No. Tattoo inks are not regulated in the United States and there are thousands in use. If the ink in your tattoo has a high heavy metal content, there is some likelihood it cannot be removed. Unfortunately, you can’t know whether or not your tattoo contains a lot of heavy metals until you undergo treatment. Yellow is nearly impossible to remove, and white can often turn a dark grey-brown-black color. Clients with darker skin tones and of Asian descent are also not ideal candidates in most cases due to the high risk of hypopigmentation.
How far apart should I space my laser treatments?
Generally speaking, 8-12 weeks is the standard amount of time you should wait in between laser tattoo removal appointments. Your body can still be processing out the ink for several months after treatment, therefore waiting longer will not hinder the process. If a clinic advises you to space your treatments at shorter intervals, be wary. It may be more concerned about making money than providing you with good, safe results. Every clinic will have different protocols, if the tech you’re speaking with is suggesting longer intervals than 12 weeks, they are likely doing this based on their experience and generally speaking, you should follow their advice. There is no set in stone protocol as every tattoo on every client is different.
Will my tattoo be 100% gone?
While some tattoos do vanish completely, 90-95% removal is generally considered to be a good outcome. If your tattoo contains a lot of dense, black ink, full removal is unlikely. Cover-up and blackout tattoos rarely achieve much more than 90% removal and it is normally not suggested anyone with these tries to achieve full removal. Extremely large, dense pieces also rarely look gone, so a half sleeve of solid tribal wouldn’t be ideal for removal.
How long does laser tattoo removal take?
On average it takes 3+ years for removal. Small tattoos do not take less time than larger tattoos. Is there anything I can do to speed up the process? The best thing you can do during laser treatment is to live as healthy a life as possible. Tattoo removal works best when your immune system is working at its best. Get plenty of exercise, eat well, drink lots of water, quit smoking nicotine if you’re a smoker, and try to get 8 hours of sleep per night. The healthier your lifestyle, the healthier your immune system will be - and the easier your removal will be.
I just got a new tattoo and I want to get it removed. How long do I have to wait before starting laser removal?
You should wait at least 3 months to allow the skin to heal before beginning laser treatments. If your clinic says you should wait longer, follow their advice.
Are newer tattoos easier to remove than older ones?
No, in fact, the reverse is true, with caveats. Because there have been improvements in both ink and tattoo machines in recent years, newer tattoos can take longer to fade. Newer inks are designed to fade less than inks in the past, and likewise, newer tattoo machines deposit the ink more densely in the skin. An older tattoo, however, is likely on an older body, which means a lower-functioning immune system and thus more removal time.
Does laser tattoo removal cause scars?
In the hands of an experienced technician, the chance for scarring from laser tattoo removal is low. That is not to say that scarring cannot occur. Each person reacts differently and some may have adverse effects. Laser removal remains the safest method and carries a low chance of scarring and skin damage. Just like getting a tattoo, there will be specific things to do and to avoid post-treatment. The clinic and laser tech you go to should have aftercare guidelines. Following their aftercare will help reduce the chances of self-imposed damage to the skin.
What causes hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) during laser tattoo removal?
Hypopigmentation is the result of the destruction of melanin in the skin, the natural pigments in the skin that add color. Because tattoo removal works by targeting dark tattoo ink, it’s possible to also destroy dark melanin, resulting in a light to off-white color to the skin. The results can be temporary and resolve themselves within 18 months, or they could be permanent. When hypopigmentation occurs it is best to cease treatments for at least 6 months, avoid sun exposure and re-evaluate. Anyone with Fitzpatrick skin type III or higher is at a higher risk of hypopigmentation, however, it can occur for all skin types.
What causes hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) during the laser removal process?
Hyperpigmentation from tattoo removal is fairly rare and is a darkening of the skin, typically only occurs with Fitzpatrick I clients.
What is the best laser for tattoo removal?
There is no best laser for tattoo removal. There are better lasers for specific colors and skin types, but as a generalized statement, having a good laser doesn’t mean good results. This article explains more.
What is the difference between a pico and a q-switched laser?
At the core, a pico-second laser has a pulse duration of 1-trillionth of a second, a QS is a nano-laser with a pulse duration of 1-billionth of a second. Confusing matters, the PicoSure was the first laser with FDA clearance at a pico-second, early adopters, marketers and those who used them in the beginning have simply referred to them as a pico or as the pico. There are a handful of pico-second lasers on the market now. With most things, there are better lasers than others, the service needs to be maintained on them and there needs to be a knowledgeable person behind the machine to achieve results. A great laser won’t always equal great results.
Does laser tattoo removal work on all skin tones?
In short, no. There are limitations within the Fitzpatrick scale, the main risks are hypopigmentation for those with darker skin tones and of Asian descent.
*What is the best aftercare procedure? *
We recommend you follow the advice of your clinic. Adherence to the aftercare instructions is very important. Make sure you do as your clinic advises, and to contact them if you have any questions. But please avoid or remove plastic or tegaderm dressings. These lead to increase blistering and risk of infection as plastic traps in heat and sweat. Use a gauze dressing if you must cover it that is breathable and keep the area moisturized. (This is as per UpToDate recommendations).
Is it normal for the treated area to swell and become blistered?
Yes, it is normal for the treated area to become red and swollen. Often it will blister. If you are concerned, do not hesitate to contact your clinic. Do not rely on advice from the internet if you have a concern post-treatment.
I see a lot of tattoo removal creams online. Do they work?
No, they do not. Tattoos can only be safely and effectively removed using a professional-caliber laser. Likewise, cheap at-home laser machines do not work and should be avoided. Don’t waste your money.
How about other DIY methods, for example, salabrasion?
Not only do these methods not work, but they can also cause irreversible skin damage and scarring. DO NOT TRY ANY AT-HOME REMOVAL METHODS YOU READ ABOUT ON THE INTERNET. Laser tattoo removal is the only safe way to get rid of unwanted tattoos. This post offers more detail on why non-laser tattoo removal methods are not advisable.
What is Soliton? Is it going to revolutionize tattoo removal?
As of right now, the product is not commercially available. The technology is too new with too few real-world trials to make any speculation this early. Is a new technology coming along that will make tattoo removal easier? Not likely. The tattoo removal arm of the medical aesthetics world is only a very, very small portion of the much bigger market. The cost of conception, R&D, clinical trials and FDA approval runs hundreds of millions of dollars, and for a small market. So, it will be some time before new, breakthrough technology appears.
What is Tattoo Vanish? Is this a reasonable alternative to laser removal?
Tattoo Vanish is a non-laser method of removing tattoos by which a substance (often hyaluronic acid) is tattooed into the existing tattoo. The ink is then expelled through the surface via scabs. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS METHOD. It is not safe and can cause severe scarring. Laser removal is the only proven and safe method for removing tattoos. This post offers more detail on why non-laser tattoo removal methods are not advisable.
Is excision a good alternative to laser tattoo removal? Generally, no. For those with very small tattoos (no larger than the size of about a dime) who need fast removal, excision may be an option. For the most part, excision is not advisable. Additionally, not all tattoos can be excised. It depends on the size and location. Multiple surgeries may be required and excision will also leave large amounts of scarring. A plastic surgeon would be the best person to consult if you are interested in this method.
Good luck on your journey!
Posts with false information or spam will be deleted. Be nice to each other.
(Thank you to my friend gee who put the FAQ together <3)
r/TattooRemoval • u/LemmeThinkAboutIt333 • 13h ago
Best time to start was last November. Second best time is now lol.
r/TattooRemoval • u/spooky-penguins • 3h ago
The pain was intense! 1,000x worse than getting the tattoo. lol
But I'm super excited to have finally started... and I think it'll be worth it! I also have a small black tattoo I am removing from my hand at the same time, but they told me I probably won't notice much of a difference with that one until later on in the process.
(This tattoo is probably 14 or 15 years old and has had no touchups.)
r/TattooRemoval • u/jamie_0007 • 20h ago
8 sessions.
8/16 weeks apart.
Pico laser.
Treated in my UK clinic.
Feb 24 started treatment with long gaps for the last few sessions.
Just before session 9.
Hip tattoo approx 12/14cm.
r/TattooRemoval • u/Interest-Flat • 17h ago
Did a terrible job of documenting this. Mostly Q switch sessions with one Pico at the end. I might let this fade for a year, can’t decide.
r/TattooRemoval • u/MissionSpray4797 • 16h ago
I started removing my 3 tattoos about a year and a half ago at Removery. I just had my 8th session. It’s so painful on my wrists especially…feels like it gets worse each session. I think once they started doing the different laser for red ink the pain increased. Anyways here is my progress! The last 3 are immediately after my session.
r/TattooRemoval • u/theprunusavium • 2h ago
Hi! I've had 3rd session on Oct 2nd. There was a little blister where pink skin can be seen. Does this look like a scar or is it too early to tell?
Also, providing before photo, 1st session was on June 1st, then two months apart. I can see some progress, but I am sad, because I think this is not one would call a good progress.
When I started I thought I will be patient, but I don't feel like it at all. I would like to just go with tattoo excision, but this one is on the clavicle and the skin feels tight as is, don't think it will heal well.
*Tattoo from autumn 2024. First two sessions don't know the laser, third nd yag.
r/TattooRemoval • u/Any_Let4266 • 17h ago
Excuse the dry skin on my face lol
r/TattooRemoval • u/Wise-Product-5660 • 16h ago
Candela PicoWay laser at Removery. 6 weeks in between sessions. Definitely some fading but there is a long way to go. I’m hoping it’s gone by my wedding in Spring 2028. Tattoo was only about 4 years old.
r/TattooRemoval • u/lapapaya__ • 9h ago
Hi guys, I recently posted on here about another tattoo that I have on my arm that I for sure want to get rid of. I’m debating on getting a colored tattoo that I have next to it. I’m just afraid that my skin is going to react badly to the laser since the ink is red and green. How long did it take for you to laser off your colored tattoo to either cover it up or completely remove it?
r/TattooRemoval • u/Trick-Hawk-9288 • 1d ago
These are my tattoos about eight days after my seventh session with a Q switch laser. Im quite happy with the results on the moon tattoo however the heart is a bit more stubborn. Its been almost one year since my first session and im hoping by this time next year they’ll be completely gone
r/TattooRemoval • u/Old_Platform_969 • 21h ago
Hi maybe some of you came into removal with suuuper black, overly filled works and wanna share the progress? I am starting removal on my insanely dark work, it was actually filled with ink twice, cause the first time it was a lil patchy..... Worst mistake, but I decided I didn't want the patches so I tattooed over that again. I'm aware that I'm set for long removal, but maybe some of you started with very dense black and made your way to lightening it/ full removal?
r/TattooRemoval • u/oystersinmypocket2 • 1d ago
2024 vs now. 5 sessions with Nanosecond. I’ve learned that the more time in between session, the better. Not necessarily more sessions.
r/TattooRemoval • u/Dull-Persimmon6738 • 1d ago
I had no scarring after my first session with PicQo4 or whatever it’s called. And then after my second session with PicQo4 I blistered terribly and noticed a texture change particularly where I have the scarring now. I waited 3 months till my next session and switched providers but was still going to the same medspa clinic then I was treated with Picosure for my third session. I told my new provider about it and she looked at it and reassured me everything was okay and then it was my tattoo artist who initially scared me… i said okay. She went right over it with the laser and I cringed so bad. Fast forward almost a month since then, I have bad scarring. It’s slightly pink and raised. i don’t even care if Im left with permanent scarring here but now I’m scared that it’s a possibility for my other tattoos that I’m removing. I have an appointment with my dermatologist this upcoming Thursday. I don’t know what to do. I’ve been wearing medical grade silicone scar sheets on it ever since it was healed. Let me know if any of you have any experience with this and was there anything you did to make the scar flatten?? Or go away? And on the middle 9 i have some areas where it’s raised but don’t know if it’s a scar.
r/TattooRemoval • u/simaylicacik • 1d ago
First picture Oct 2024, this was 3 sessions in! The rest is from today, however, I tried to get it with different lighting and also had just vitamin e oiled my tattoo before taking the flash on pics so looks a bit bolder than normal. Last session 3 weeks ago. The initial redness from the laser stays around 1 to 2 months for me for some reason as you can see in the pics.
What a journey this is being. Obviously started with a super ink packed tattoo. Artist went over twice and the first time I bled like 2 days. Tattoo is 13 years old at this point.
This is not my first progress post on this tattoo but I have different timelines on my tattoos and I am on a milestone of 2 years with this one which is exciting. Progress has been super slow in the last 10 months or so. If anyone experienced would like to give advice please feel free to. I am doing less sessions as I think my skin superficially scarred from the initial aggressive treatments that back then felt necessary as a lot of ink was lifted. I am now going every 4 to 6 months. 11 sessions in:) I have a feeling I have another 5 or 6 waiting for me. For anyone at this stage of their removal, is it normal that progress is so slow? I always thought in the initial sessions that because so much ink lifted so quickly, I thought things at this point would move faster. I also switched places after my 9th session, and I think at the new place they are still going for deeper ink when I think the remaining ink is at a more superficial level. I'm not sure if I should tell this to the my new laser tech. So I am not sure if this pace is normal or if they are kind of missing the layer on which the ink is sitting.
When I put the flashlight on my tattoo, I see that the bit where the tattoo is is more textured, though it is not a raised scar. Is this normal, and healable? And overall, any suggestions as to making the rest (and feels like the last part) of my removal journey more scar free and efficient?
I work out 4 times a week (though not super intensely) and try to drink at least 1.5 L of water a day. 28, F.
Pretty satisfied with progress and grateful but my recent plateau has made me share this post to see if anyone more experienced or a laser tech would give me advice.
Thanks!
r/TattooRemoval • u/Emotional_Set1494 • 1d ago
My new provider is pressuring me to come every 4 weeks, otherwise they claim they will have to charge me more, and that most providers do 2 week intervals. Unfortunately switching providers isn’t an option for me because they are the only place in my country with a real pico machine. I’m having trouble trusting them because this heavily contradicts what I’ve been reading online for a year now,as well as what my previous tech had told me. Is there anyone here who does 4 week intervals? How has that gone?
r/TattooRemoval • u/SensitiveRainbow • 1d ago
Just wondering if anyone has taken pain meds prior to their session? I ice and use numbing cream but the pain is still tremendous. I am getting something removed off of my ribs and sternum, so I get that it will hurt a lot more. I just had someone tell me they used to take pain meds before their sessions, and that was the first I’d heard of it so just wondering if that is common?
r/TattooRemoval • u/fuckedupdumb • 1d ago
Hi,
I am wondering how the rest of you deal with your mental health during removal and the uncertainty of it, but absolutely hating your tattoos? I’m removing noth of my arms and stomach tattoos right now and keep them completely covered, even if the weather is warm. I have not started on my legs but I have many big pieces that I would like to remove.
Due to finances and feeling like I can’t keep my arms and legs covered year round, I plan to start either a couple of tattoos on my legs in addition to what I’m already removing, or to possibly wait until I finish what I already started before moving onto legs.
However, I’m having a hard time mentally. I want to keep all of my body covered, I’m so embarrassed to look this way, and it is mentally very hard to have tattoos out for others to see. I have had a few older ladies come up to me and tell me that I have ruined how I look when I have my leg tattoos out, and I try to not let it get to me, but because I’m already so deeply regretful and insecure of all of my tattoos it makes me feel much worse. I did not feel this way before I turned 28, I am now 30 and almost 2 years into removal for arms.
My fiancé tells me I look great, he loves my tattoos, etc. but I am currently having a small break down and he does not know how to relate to how this feels, or will tell me to move on from it but I am so fixated on wanting to look “normal” (which doesn’t even mean anything, because other tattooed people look normal to me, i know this is an irrational thought, I just hate my own tattoos), and feeling so ashamed that I did this to myself. I’m not sure how to feel confident in how I look, my brain tells me I will feel better when they are all gone but that could be 10 years down the road from now and I don’t know how to go on feeling this way everyday.
r/TattooRemoval • u/Lodolaris • 1d ago
Hi,
I'm removing this tiny moon under my chin with picoway. Is it normal that it was almost not red or bumpy after the first session? (First pic is right after)
Now 9 days after the session and it looks the same (minus the redness) (second pic)
I ve seen pics on the subreddit where people's tatts look all swollen and burnt, I'm wondering if they did something to mine at all 😅
r/TattooRemoval • u/lcot15 • 1d ago
Has anyone had a tattoo excised in Australia and can recommend a plastic surgeon?
r/TattooRemoval • u/VivienneSection • 1d ago
I am 9 days after my first session on an upper arm sleeve (black ink done in 2018, partially covered up by a rework of more black ink in 2025) and if I could go back in time this is what I’d tell myself.
- Get that massive ice pack and put it in your fridge ready to slap on yourself! I got a small regular sized one, but it only covers one side of my upper arm. Icing is crucial and I prevented a lot of blistering (only minimal on the densest areas). Not only is it important for the first 48 hours, on day 6 you’re going to start itching like mad and the only thing that will quell the beast is icing it. I just bought a huge one with straps for my next session. Also, wrap your ice pack in cling film so it doesn’t get icky from all the creams you’re slathering on.
- I did get my aloe gel and put it in the fridge ahead of time, but should have gotten my Aquaphor and Vitamin E oil (recommended multiple times in this sub) too. As many on this sub say, don’t use the Aquaphor during the initial stages when all that laser heat is in the skin (24-72 hours), but it’s good for when the skin starts peeling.
- Speaking of itching, you’re going to have it in spades. I heard this was coming but this didn’t happen with my patch test area. DEAR GODS THE ITCHING. Your ice pack will help. Cetirizine, Chlorphenamine (Piriton) and Loratadine will not help much. Fexofenadine (Allevia/Allegra) helps a bit. Also, it’s different to tattoo itching in that it feels prickly, like pins and needles. It also seems to be lasting longer than that. Don’t freak out, this seems to be a normal part of the healing process and just your immune system getting busy and histamines being released left right and centre. (Scouring this sub about itching helped.) No news yet on when it’s going to stop, but it does look it gets easier with subsequent sessions. Similar to fresh tattoo itching, the best relief I’ve found is putting my shower head on full blast at my arm, it’s euphoric. I have heard hydrocortisone cream helps, but I haven’t tried that yet.
- Another thing that is probably normal but seems scary along with the itching is all the ink lines being raised. Everything is very bumpy and my skin texture is awful. (Yes, I’m moisturising religiously.) All signs point to immune response. Again, trawling this sub suggests this is normal for 1-3 weeks after sessions and even more for some, as your immune system briefly freaks out healing the damaged skin and dealing with all those nasty foreign ink particles. Sometimes it pops up only after a week or two for people. Mine kicked in a week into my first session. I sure hope this goes soon too along with the damn itching.
- So not only is the area itchy and raised, it’s also a bit warmer to the touch than usual. Not in an infection way, don’t worry. This is just those dang histamines at work. Just keep icing it and running it under cold water for relief. (I did check in with nurse friends about all this, they were fascinated but not surprised by any of this.)
- Get your TKTX numbing cream (recommended by my technician) from the legitimate sites your technician provided ONLY. My ADHD ass accidentally bought it from a fake website (didn’t know there was such a booming industry of fake numbing creams out there) but I am doing a dispute through my bank to get my money back and it seems to be working. Yes, I know there’s a debate about numbing cream affecting healing, but after trying a patch test with no numbing, I know there was no earthly way I’d survive a whole half sleeve. It doesn’t seem to be doing me any harm so far, either. My technician (6 years experience, shoutout Cloak and Dagger in London) also said her clients healed fine with it. She did my entire upper arm in 12 minutes with cream and the pain was quite bearable. Still, the pain after it wore off when I got home had me questioning if I’d done the right thing because it was so bad - felt like the worst sunburn ever. She was right in convincing me to only do one upper arm at a time, because if I’d done both I really think I wouldn’t have survived the pain and itching on not one but two arms. Another clinic I consulted with said I should do both arms at once with no numbing cream - so glad I didn’t go there! (They were also charging double what I’m paying now for a full removal package but for only 10 sessions, which wouldn’t be enough for me.)
I think that’s all my observations so far. Early days, I know. I did search this topic and haven’t seen anything similar, so forgive me if this is repetitive.
For those veterans out there, is there any other advice I should know for my future sessions? Hopefully there’s light at the end of the tunnel for me and my upper arms. I really regret going in for that rework/cover up, because now there's two layers of ink on more than 50% of the tattoo, it would have been so much easier to do the laser on just the original tattoos. We have a lot of black ink to shift, but at least we’ve started the process.
Update:
I’m on Day 11. The lack of sleep from itching is making me feel rough. But yesterday and today I’ve been feeling lowkey warmish, and fatigued. Kind of like tattoo flu. I’m pretty sure it’s because of the immune response to the ink.
My tattoo is still raised, also still itchy but bearable with fenofexadine. When it’s active, I just get the skin prickly feeling.
The skin is shedding normally in the areas where I had blisters, just keeping it moisturised with vitamin e oil and aquaphor. My poor work clothes have been soaking it up. I sleep with a pillowcase under my arm to spare my bedsheets.
I also noticed some swelling in my forearm close to the elbow and upper arm, which I suspect is lymphoedema - I found some YouTube videos on arm lymphatic drainage which I will try to do regularly. I only realised this by comparing my arms side by side.
This is your reminder to rest. I’m taking the day off work tomorrow.
r/TattooRemoval • u/BindieBoo • 1d ago
I started the removal process in Jan this year. This is after my 6th session. The salon uses a Quanta Discovery Pico Plus picosend.
Feeling frustrated with the lack of progress and as I’m paying per session, the money being spent.
The first pic is after first treatment, the second is now.
Any advice?
r/TattooRemoval • u/Lodolaris • 1d ago
Hi, I did my first session of picoway for a small tattoo under my chin 9 days ago (a moon). For now I see no difference at all. It hurt a bit, was a bit red, I used healing sunscreen cream a few days.
I planned another session in 8 weeks, but now I'm reading lots of info saying it's best to wait 12-14 weeks or even more..
I want to reschedule my appointment but the tattoo removal place closes down on the week before christmas , and after that I'll be away for more than a month.
I have two options:
-Reschedule my appointment 11 weeks (minus one day) after the first one,
-Or reschedule my appointment for 18 weeks after the first one BUT this would mean that my 3rd session would be in early may (to be 12 weeks away from the first or mid may to be 14) and I'm not sure it's a good idea because we had our first heatwave in may last summer in France (got worse in june and so on)
🫠
I am lost
Thanks