Tattoo Removal Pics

Treatment #20 – Yes, the tattoos are still there…

admin — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:58:09 +0000

Hi all…my apologies for the long hiatus between blog posts. My 19th laser removal treatment happened around August 1, 2011, and since I wasn’t seeing much in terms of progress, I figured it wasn’t worth blogging about. Blink asked me to wait three months between my 19th and 20th treatments, so I’m just now posting this video after my 20th laser removal session this morning.

Overall, I feel that we’ve gone as far as we’re probably going to go with the laser sessions. The tattoos have faded to about 80%. Joanie at Blink mentioned this morning that they will likely fade even more on their own over the next year, so we’re cutting our sessions back from once every six weeks to once every three months. I’m glad we’re entering the cold winter months where I can wear jeans, leggings, and boots every day so the tattoos won’t be on display anyway. Now they just look like faded blotches, which is kind of annoying. I’d like to see them fade at least another 10% or so. Time is my friend. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Check out my latest YouTube video from the laser tattoo removal session this morning. Let me know what you think – are they *really* fading, or are they just trying to make me feel better?

Two Years of Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments (with video!)

admin — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 02:30:26 +0000

Well, this week marks my two year anniversary of laser tattoo removal with Blink Skin and Laser. I’ve been going every six weeks, religiously. Today was treatment #18! I wonder if I’d have gone through with it if I’d known then that I’d be only 75% done after two years?! If you’ve viewed the My Progress page you’re aware that I haven’t seen much progress at all over the last 4-5 sessions, and this session was no different. Both tattoos look pretty much the same as they did eight or nine months ago. At any rate, I’m going to keep plugging along. My nurse, Joanie mentioned that at the next session they’ll be trying the C02 laser out on me to see if that makes a difference. I’m an unusual case, but it’s important to know that laser tattoo removal doesn’t necessarily work well for everyone.

Here’s a quick video I put together of my treatment and post-treatment from earlier today. Enjoy!

How does laser tattoo removal work?

admin — Tue, 17 May 2011 02:29:06 +0000

Throughout the past fifteen years, the acceptance of tattoos or even permanent ornamental body artwork has increased significantly. It is projected that these days, more than ten million US citizens possess at least one single tattoo or more. Countless others, who believed a tattoo might be a thing they would like forever, are actually changing their minds. As such, laser tattoo removal became one of the popular cosmetic laser beam procedures currently available. This quick growth may also be linked to the actual expanding number of physicians as well as laser treatment centers that will be including laser tattoo removal in their listing of cosmetic laser services.

So how exactly does laser tattoo removal work?
Q-Switched laser treatment works through targeting the dark tattoo pigment in the ink within the skin. A powerful light pulse goes through harmlessly within the upper layers of skin where by it is then simply assimilated through the darker pigment or ink. This targeted energy pulse fragments the tattoo into small particles which will be naturally eliminated via the body’s immune system. Usually, this cosmetic laser procedure can be carried out utilizing little or no harm to surrounding tissue.

Owing to the fact that dark colors absorb all of the laser wavelengths, they’re easier to eliminate. Lighter shades selectively take in laser light and are hence more difficult to eradicate. Yet, currently there are particular lasers intended to target lighter color ink, so ensure the facility you select provides laser treatment that can successfully target the particular colors of the tattoo ink.

How bad does it hurt?
Based upon the actual sensitivity with the area undergoing treatment, levels of discomfort can vary. Anesthetic such as lidocaine or even numbing lotion may be utilized prior to treatment to make the process more relaxed. Many patients go for an anesthetic injection at the site of treatment prior to the process. The attending physician will advise you what choices are available before treatment to make an informed decision. Aftercare usually consists of the application of anti-bacterial creams & temporary bandaging of the area. It is necessary that the treated area stay clean to battle infection and minimize scabbing.

How long does it take to recover?
Your skin may feel sunburned and hypersensitive for a number of days right after treatment and might remain red-colored for up to twenty days. The actual treated area may or may not scab. In case a scab does form, it should not end up being disturbed because this can bring about permanent skin damage. Intense itching of the lasered area often follows the laser treatment; scratching should be avoided at all costs. Throughout the recovery process, the tattoo will gradually begin to diminish as the ink is assimilated by the body’s immune system. The doctor may advise about the best ways to handle discomfort, avoid infection, skin damage, and speed healing. In most cases, patients who adhere to all after treatment instructions & planned follow up sessions encounter the best results.

How many treatments will I need?
Multiple treatments are needed to entirely remove just about any tattoo. The amount is dependent upon the size of treatment area, the color as well as type of ink used, the actual laser(s) & its configurations and the expertise of the physician or laser operator. The amount of treatment consultations will also depend on the level of the ink. Keep this in mind when estimating the cost of your tattoo removal, as doctors can only estimate the number of treatments you’ll need. Generally speaking, 4-6 weeks between treatments to permit for recovery and assimilation of the fragmented tattoo pigment by the body.

What are the risks?
Although generally recognized as a safe treatment and also the gold standard approach to remove a tattoo, issues of laser tattoo removal range from the possibility of discoloration of the skin including hypopigmentation (white blotches, more common with darker skin) and hyperpigmentation (dark spots) as nicely as textural variations. Very rarely, burns may lead to scarring. Seldom, “paradoxical darkening” of a tattoo may happen, when a treated tattoo results in being darker rather than lighter. This particular seems to happen more often with flesh shades, pink as well as cosmetic make-up tattoos.

Photo credit: Jan Ellerbrock

Welcome video

admin — Sat, 14 May 2011 20:56:49 +0000

Hi everyone! Welcome to my new site, TattooRemovalPics.com. I created this site as an educational resource for anyone out there considering laser tattoo removal. Back when I was researching whether to move forward with laser treatments, I searched the web high and low looking for good information from real people, including REAL PHOTOS that documented people’s experiences with tattoo removal. What I found instead were lots of laser tattoo removal business websites with photos that I wasn’t sure I could trust.

I hope you find this information useful. I’ll be updating the site over time. In the meantime, please drop by the Tattoo Removal Pics forum and help grow our online community.

If you are currently undergoing laser treatment or considering it, and need to conceal your tattoos, visit the Tattoo Cover-Up Store, filled with Amazon best sellers for tattoo cover-up products.

I hope you enjoy the site!
Deborah

What to expect at your first laser tattoo removal session

admin — Fri, 13 May 2011 20:53:53 +0000

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.

Tattoo Removal Cost

admin — Fri, 13 May 2011 20:30:18 +0000

One of the first questions people ask when researching laser tattoo removal is, “How much will it cost to get my tattoo removed?” There are many factors that influence the cost of your laser treatments. The going rate in your particular location may vary depending on demand and competition. I’d suggest doing a Google search to see what the standard rate is in your area, and be prepared to negotiate from there.

Other factors that determine cost of your laser tattoo removal treatments include:

The size and shape of the tattoo
Where the tattoo is located on the body
What colors, if any, are in the tattoo
How long the patient has had the tattoo
Whether it was a professional or amateur job
Type of laser used for the treatment

How to get a discount
First and foremost, don’t be afraid to just ask for a discount! Why not? The worst that can happen is they won’t give you one. If you are having multiple tattoos treated simultaneously, it is customary to ask for a discount. Also, check out the business you are interested in online, specifcally their social media profiles on Facebook and Twitter, to see if they are running any special promotions. Chances are good they are!

Payment plans
At your initial tattoo removal consultation, be sure to inquire about what payment plans they offer. When I went in for my first consultation, I was presented with three separate payment options:

Pay as you go – $300 a session (for two tattoos)
Twelve payments of $225, then I could continue to come in and get treated until they were faded to my satisfaction ($2,700 total)
Pay $2250 up front, then I could continue to come in until they were properly faded.
I went with option #2 and I’ll tell you why that’s the option I recommend.

Doctors can only estimate how many treatments it will take to fade the tattoo to your satisfaction. During my consultation, he estimated ten treatments, based on the age of the tattoo, line work, etc., and my skin tone (I am very fair skinned). Well, I’m currently waiting for my 18th treatment in a few weeks, and I’d say they’re only 80% faded. I have several treatments to go, possibly another year of treatments, but I’m no longer paying for them.

If I had gone with the “pay as you go” plan, I’d have paid over $5,000 to date. Be sure to keep this in mind before you sign your contract.

What will your tattoo look like in 15 years?

admin — Fri, 13 May 2011 17:38:19 +0000

I loved my celtic ankle tattoo when I got it. I was 18-years old and visiting a friend in Portland, OR. I picked my design and lost a few nights sleep before the big day. After I got the tattoo, I often received compliments about the intricate line work and how sharp it looked up close. That was in 1994.

Fast forward 15 years. The picture above, taken in 2009 just before my first laser tattoo removal treatment, is what happens to an intricate line tattoo over time. I’m very fair skinned so am pretty adamant about wearing sun screen, but that didn’t matter. The tattoo still faded significantly. I was walking around with the equivalent of a big purple “blotch” on the inside of my left ankle. It looked terrible.

Now as I keep pointing out, we’re all unique and just because my tattoo faded like this doesn’t mean everybody’s will. I just point this out because it never crossed my mind at the time. Keep this in mind when planning the design of your tattoo and its location on your body.