Laser Tattoo Removal...In case you are curious!

[NYwdwfan]

Wow - I wasn't expecting the skin to be healed with color still there. I'm not sure what I was expecting - but the color surprised me. You should seek out paper tape for the next round - I too get massive inflammation from too-stick adhesive (sometimes from those Nexcare band aids) but have found that paper tape is much less sticky.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Wow - I wasn't expecting the skin to be healed with color still there. I'm not sure what I was expecting - but the color surprised me. You should seek out paper tape for the next round - I too get massive inflammation from too-stick adhesive (sometimes from those Nexcare band aids) but have found that paper tape is much less sticky.

Really? Hhmmm...the hubby and most everyone in the family that I've seen and showed it to were actually expecting more color to be left than what's there now. I was surprised at just how much it faded. I knew it was a multi-treatment process that took a long time going in. The lady who performed the treatment said that normally a tattoo with that many different bright colors would take 9 or 10 treatments but the amount of fading I already had would likely have mine gone in the 6. If each treatment fades it at the rate I've experienced I'd say I'll be ink-free before then. I think maybe after she did the first laser, how it instantly turned white, it makes it difficult for her to see exactly where to shoot the next laser because she can't really see the colors anymore. Just before she was going to start with the 3rd laser to target the reds she asked me where the reds were. I had no idea. It's a tattoo on the back of my shoulder so unless I turn and look for it in the mirror I don't see it. :lol:

I'm mildly concerned the tenderness of the treated area might night be back to normal before the next treatment. It could potentially be waaaaay more painful next go around.

Thanks for the advice with the tape. I tried the paper tape which I thought did better overall. I think the problem comes in sleeping. We keep the house cold at night then burrow under a duvet & a quilt. Very toasty. The problem comes when the tape gets toasty. It makes the stuff almost fuse to my skin. I'm wondering maybe soaking it in water for a few minutes would be a way to make it let go. :shrug:

 

[flynnibus]

Interesting read.. please keep documenting it and sharing!

 

[NYwdwfan]

Really? Hhmmm...the hubby and most everyone in the family that I've seen and showed it to were actually expecting more color to be left than what's there now. I was surprised at just how much it faded. I knew it was a multi-treatment process that took a long time going in. The lady who performed the treatment said that normally a tattoo with that many different bright colors would take 9 or 10 treatments but the amount of fading I already had would likely have mine gone in the 6. If each treatment fades it at the rate I've experienced I'd say I'll be ink-free before then. I think maybe after she did the first laser, how it instantly turned white, it makes it difficult for her to see exactly where to shoot the next laser because she can't really see the colors anymore. Just before she was going to start with the 3rd laser to target the reds she asked me where the reds were. I had no idea. It's a tattoo on the back of my shoulder so unless I turn and look for it in the mirror I don't see it. :lol:

I'm mildly concerned the tenderness of the treated area might night be back to normal before the next treatment. It could potentially be waaaaay more painful next go around.

Thanks for the advice with the tape. I tried the paper tape which I thought did better overall. I think the problem comes in sleeping. We keep the house cold at night then burrow under a duvet & a quilt. Very toasty. The problem comes when the tape gets toasty. It makes the stuff almost fuse to my skin. I'm wondering maybe soaking it in water for a few minutes would be a way to make it let go. :shrug:

I know NOTHING about tattoos - although my husband is obsessed with the tattoo reality shows so I know a lot more than I did say, a year ago. I guess that's why your photo-diary is so interesting to me!

When my son had a deep cut that needed a band-aid for a while, I used to put a bit of powder on my finger and dab it on the adhesive - it was just enough to let it still stick but not really bond to the skin. Made taking the bandaid off a lot easier! Maybe that could help? Have someone put it on the skin before putting on the tape? Just a thought. :shrug:

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Interesting read.. please keep documenting it and sharing!

Will do.

I know NOTHING about tattoos - although my husband is obsessed with the tattoo reality shows so I know a lot more than I did say, a year ago. I guess that's why your photo-diary is so interesting to me!

When my son had a deep cut that needed a band-aid for a while, I used to put a bit of powder on my finger and dab it on the adhesive - it was just enough to let it still stick but not really bond to the skin. Made taking the bandaid off a lot easier! Maybe that could help? Have someone put it on the skin before putting on the tape? Just a thought. :shrug:

I gotcha. :animwink: Unfortunately, at the ripe old age of 19 I didn't know a thing about tattoos either other than I wanted one. My dad was the closest person to me with any ink and he wasn't a good person to ask because he didn't remember anything about getting his. :lookaroun :lol:

We caught an episode of that show with Dave Navarro hosting the other night. Interesting. I wonder what they do for the "customers" who don't like their tats after the show? Like the black & white/shading challenge one that wasa modified Japanese piece with the animal morph thing. That one was pretty bad. Do they provide removal services along with compensation? :shrug:

Good thinking on the powder. I'll try anything to be able to sleep under covers without making a mess and ripping up my skin next go around.

 

[NYwdwfan]

We caught an episode of that show with Dave Navarro hosting the other night. Interesting. I wonder what they do for the "customers" who don't like their tats after the show? Like the black & white/shading challenge one that wasa modified Japanese piece with the animal morph thing. That one was pretty bad. Do they provide removal services along with compensation? :shrug:

You should have seen last week when the same tattoo "artist" (who, incidentally, is no ink master), was doing some guys head, couldn't finish, and the guy was in so much pain they needed to get the EMT. That show is the newest in a long line of shows I mock my husband for watching and then find myself addicted to!! :lol:

 

[sweetpee_1993]

You should have seen last week when the same tattoo "artist" (who, incidentally, is no ink master), was doing some guys head, couldn't finish, and the guy was in so much pain they needed to get the EMT. That show is the newest in a long line of shows I mock my husband for watching and then find myself addicted to!! :lol:

Oh yeah. Miami/LA/NY Ink fan here. I love the art form. Would totally love to have full sleeves. I saw the references to the full head guy from the previous episode. I was sorta surprised he didn't get axed when we watched. Definitely some areas of the body are more sensitive than others and being able to tolerate the intensity in different areas factors in. The backs of my shoulders were uncomfortable to have inked. The lower back was excrutiating and took hours because the tattoo is quite large. I had to work thru that one using focus and breathing exercises I used for childbirth. Lol!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Had my 2nd treatment on Monday, 2 days ago. This time she did what felt like less of the more intense of the 3 lasers and more with the other 2. She's focusing more on some of the other colors that are left. Wasn't anymore painful than last time. If anything, I'd say slightly less. The blisters this time aren't near as dramatic or full. One thing ive noted that I recall from last time is a lot of fatigue in the days following the treatment. For instance, last night I fell asleep early then slept for 9 1/2 hours. All day I've felt very worn down. Just after lunch I fell asleep again for another 30-45 minutes. Right now I could easily go to bed & pass out. That's strange for me.

Next treatment will be on 3/29.

I'll post pics in just a bit from before & after this treatment. Progress is interesting.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

The new round of pics.

These 1st two pics were taken on Sunday, the day before the 2nd round of laser treatment to show how far the ink faded. You can see how the treated area stayed pretty pale, more like my natural skin color (I fake-n-bake year round). These are both at +31 days:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/sweetpee_1993/Laser Tattoo Removal/Round 1/file-1.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/sweetpee_1993/Laser Tattoo Removal/Round 1/file-2.jpg


We didn't video the actual laser zapping this time. Maybe next time. These first 3 pictures are +1 day:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/sweetpee_1993/Laser Tattoo Removal/Round 2/file-1.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/sweetpee_1993/Laser Tattoo Removal/Round 2/file.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/sweetpee_1993/Laser Tattoo Removal/Round 2/file-2.jpg


The hubby, Tracey, works in Houston so we don't see him during the week. I send him pics so he can see how it's doing. That last picture kinda freaked him out. He was like, "Babe! The blisters are full of blood!" No, that's the red ink. She explained it last time. When the laser hits the ink it explodes the ink. The blisters will fill with bits of the ink which is a good thing. That's part of the process of getting it out of the skin. Remember, we focused more on the reds this time around.

And this pic is from today, +2 days:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/sweetpee_1993/Laser Tattoo Removal/Round 2/file-3.jpg


Healing nicely. I didn't blister anywhere near the way I did last time. I'm really hopeful this means a quicker healing period.


My only other concern is the timing and intervals for the treatments. The appointments are falling at the end of the month(s). We go on our next vacation on May 7th. Potentially, I could be just over a week post treatment #4 when we leave on that trip. I'm thinking that one will need to be moved further out, maybe after we get back. Before cuts it just a little too close.

 

[flynnibus]

They should post this in every tattoo shop to say 'this is what it takes to remove'

and makes you realize why people cover tattoos instead of removing them usually.

You're a trooper

 

[NYwdwfan]

Glad to hear it's not as painful as the last time. This whole process is totally fascinating to see!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

They should post this in every tattoo shop to say 'this is what it takes to remove'

and makes you realize why people cover tattoos instead of removing them usually.

You're a trooper

True. And you know, you hear tales of wild party nights that people wake up the day after with a mystery tattoo. Let me tell you, any reputable shop with quality, talented artists who are in the business of maintaining high standards for their artwork will NOT tattoo anyone they suspect are under the influence of anything. It's part of the reason they talk with you a bit before they start. If memory serves (it's been a good 8 years since I was last tatted), there's paperwork you have to fill out & sign that includes questions about what medications and substances are in your body. Especially with people who are drinking or taking any blood thinning medications, you could bleed excessively which affects the way the skin will take the ink. If someone is under the influence of something they are more likely to flinch or not be still which messes up the work.

I've been asked by almost every person who knows I'm doing the laser treatments why I didn't just cover it with another tattoo. When you do a cover-up it doesn't magically make the old tattoo disappear. It's still there, only camolauged within a new tattoo. To achieve that the cover-up has to be dark enough and large enough to effectively draw the eye away from the old ink within. The old tattoo I had was somewhat dark with colors and wasn't very small. To cover it I would've needed something big and dark. I didn't want that. The treatments are what I feel are necessary to fade or eliminate the old ink so I can clean the canvas, so to speak. I fully intend to have the spot tattooed again with something more meaningful and by someone who is skilled.

Definitely people should do their homework before getting inked. Know how permanent a commitment it is. Never get a tattoo on a whim or as a dare or anything. I even saw a group of young adults getting tattoos once as part of a scavenger hunt in New Orleans. How dumb is that?!?!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Glad to hear it's not as painful as the last time. This whole process is totally fascinating to see!

I think it's pretty interesting, too! That first treatment was pretty dramatic in how much it faded. I wonder if the difference will be as dramatic this time. As it stands, the thing is faded enough to cover pretty easily without being obnoxiously dense with dark color. Still, I'm paid for 6 treatments. Pain is nothing but a thing, a challenge for the mind. I have no problem with that factor. I want to see how far we can go with this. Total elimination would be ideal. I need to go get the other tattoos re-inked to brighten the colors again & sharpen the edges. I've been thinking a lot about what to do in my new empty shoulder spot. Just not 100% sure there and won't do anything until I am.

 

[diddy_mouse]

Stumbled upon this thread and I gotta say it really is a fascinating, granted horribly painful process. The results from your first treatment looked really good. And I couldn't agree more with you about being 100% sure of what you'd want as a tattoo. I have one and I don't regret it for a second but I thought about it for almost a year before I got inked.

Hope you continue to heal quickly and comfortably, or at least as comfortably as you can.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Stumbled upon this thread and I gotta say it really is a fascinating, granted horribly painful process. The results from your first treatment looked really good. And I couldn't agree more with you about being 100% sure of what you'd want as a tattoo. I have one and I don't regret it for a second but I thought about it for almost a year before I got inked.

Hope you continue to heal quickly and comfortably, or at least as comfortably as you can.

Oh it's not horribly painful. Painful. But not terribly-so for me. Yep, that particular tattoo was a spur of the moment thing. I didn't give any thought at all to what I wanted. I just wanted a tattoo. I joke now that I about the fact that I had no plan as to what to get. If they'd have only tattoo'd piles of dog-pooh that day I'd have been onboard. Crazy now but at the time I thought I was too-cool-for-school! I even made my mother go with me to get it. :lol: She tried and tried to talk me out of it but as an all-knowing 19-year-old there was nothing that would stop me.

For the record, I also got married 3 months later but I ain't about to get rid of him. That's 1 of the things I did that year that I got *RIGHT*. :ROFLOL:

 

[sweetpee_1993]

+14 days! Lookin' good.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/sweetpee_1993/Laser Tattoo Removal/Round 2/file-4.jpg


I'm going to open the after pics from last treatment and this treatment side by side so I can compare. My guys all say it looks fantastic but because of the location I can only see it in pics or the mirror in an awkward position. :hammer:

 

[trr1]

WOW that looks amazing

 

[sweetpee_1993]

WOW that looks amazing

Thank you! I'm quite pleased with the progress. I guess maybe from this point forward the results from each treatment will be more subtle and not as dramatic as that first treatment. Still, it's worthwhile to me to see this thing fading away. Even if it's never totally gone it'll be much more like having a clean slate to put something new on.

 

[NYwdwfan]

Wow! Looks like most of the reds are gone. Looks like after the treatments are finished you'll have no problem re-inking the area once you decide. Is there an amount of time the recommend waiting before having another tattoo put on? Is the skin especially sensitive or pourous where it will absorb more ink? I am so ignorant on this subject!!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Wow! Looks like most of the reds are gone. Looks like after the treatments are finished you'll have no problem re-inking the area once you decide. Is there an amount of time the recommend waiting before having another tattoo put on? Is the skin especially sensitive or pourous where it will absorb more ink? I am so ignorant on this subject!!

I haven't asked how long before re-inking although I'm supposed to. Another friend of ours also wants to know. I wouldn't go doing it right away because the skin is pretty tender at first. It's not something you think of often but remember when you were a kid and skinned up like your entire knee? The scab eventually healed but the new skin was like thin, a little sensitive at first, but it quickly blended with everything else and the sensivity went away. That's what the treated area is like. It takes time for it to fully heal. I think that's part of why they make you wait 4 weeks between treatments. I don't think it's more porous or anything like that. It's not even really ending up scarred. Right about now the treated skin feels sorta like baby skin. It's super smooth and soft. It's also whiter than the rest of my skin. I did go to the tanning bed yesterday and didn't put any sunblock or anything over it. The treated area didn't burn or anything. It's still lighter than around it but it did also take some color so it's coming along just fine. That's another reason I'm going to wait an extra month pushing my 4th treatment to after vacation. I want to have time for the skin to heal and for me to work on the color/tanning before we go so the area isn't as noticible.

The only thing I can really compare or contrast what the skin in the treated area is like or not like is my left ring finger. When I was 4 I had an accident and 2 of my fingers suffered incomplete amputation (they were barely still there). They were successfully reattached which was a much bigger deal in 1978 then it is now. The science of it all wasn't what it is nowadays. The ring finger, the worse of the 2, doesn't look like normal. It's not at all normal. At some point in the healing process all of the skin from mid-finger where the cut was on up came off including my nail. Mom says they took a bandage off at one point and my skin just came off with it. I don't remember that bit but I was little and my memories aren't as solid from them. When it healed it came back more like what you'd expect a burn victim's skin to be like. It's super-thin, smooth, with no texture whatsoever to this day. It's like I dipped my finger in acid or something. The skin where the laser treatments have been is nothing like this. It's more like regular old skin. It starts out smoother, softer, and more sensitive but it's new. Then it quickly heals into skin just like everything around it. No different other than the slight pigmentation difference that also dissipates in time. I hope that helps kinda clarify a bit. :animwink: