I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went in for my first tattoo removal consultation. I chose Blink Skin Care in Seattle based on Yelp reviews and their RevLite(r) Q-switched Nd:YAG laser from Hoya ConBio, which was rumored to be the best in the state.

After chit-chatting with the doctor for a few minutes and answering some questions about how long I’d had the tattoo, my skin type, etc., we discussed in depth the laser removal process, the number of treatments he estimated I’d need, and pricing.

After I chose my pricing plan and signed some paperwork, we went ahead right then with my first treatment.

You’ve probably read online that laser tattoo removal is painful and that is an understatement. Yes it hurts worse than getting the original tattoo. If I could compare it to any sensation it would be that of a blowtorch flame against my skin. Before administering the laser, the nurse gave me two lidocaine injections – one in each ankle – which was complimentary on the first visit (subsequent injections would set me back $20 a pop). The lidocaine caused my ankles to puff up and harden, and I suppose it helped a little bit, but the laser was extremely painful. I was given some special glasses to wear and an ice pack to use inbetween laser spurts. Luckily, due to the relatively small size of both tattoos, each treatment was over in under 30 seconds. Here’s what my ankle looked like the day following my first laser treatment:

One day after first laser tattoo treatment

The swelling was actually much less than I had expected. I’ve heard this is worse for others, so I guess it just depends on the person. The itching on the other hand, was absolutely horrible! In later visits I would have anti-itch medication prescribed to me to control the itching during the first few weeks after each treatment. It was that bad.

Overall, my first experience with laser tattoo removal was a postive one. The folks at Blink were super friendly and professional and I was in and out in under half an hour, including consultation time with the doctor. I didn’t have any major swelling or blistering that I’ve heard others report, so I felt very fortunate. Definitely worth every penny.

Be sure and check out the My Progress page for more of my own tattoo removal pictures.

If you’re looking to cover your tattoo while undergoing laser treatment, check out my Amazon bestsellers page for some highly-rated tattoo concealer products.