A few months ago I had some laser tattoo removal done on my sleeve after deciding I wanted some shading removed. After waiting a few months to let the old ink particles get cleaned away after the first laser treatment, I decided to go in for another round to get some of the deeper ink deposits treated. And as before, I now present my personal account of the experience with photos.
After the first treatment and in the following months, I was extremely pleased with the results. Most of the tattoo shading was gone and all that was left were a few small foggy traces of the old shading. If I would have waited a year or so my body probably would have naturally cleared away these deeper ink deposits, but I’ve never been one to sit and wait around so I bellied up and made another appointment.
The first difference, and probably the most significant, was that this time I would get the procedure sans numbing gel. Or, put simply, I was going to feel the full effect of the laser straight on with no topical numbing gels. I thought to myself “How many times do you get laser tattoo removal? Might as well get the full experience.”
The second difference was that the ink we were going after was deeper in my skin. In turn, this meant we needed to turn the volume up on the laser so it would penetrate at a deeper level. Plus, I also wanted to make sure this would be my last laser session. I basically advised the laser technician to “carpet bomb” my arm so that we would get every last bit of ink.
After once again shaving my arm, I arrived at the clinic bright and early ready to get my laser on. I must say in all honesty, I was a little nervous after I had both the front desk attendant and the laser technician both ask me with a somewhat surprised, ominous expression “You’re really sure you want to get this done without the novocaine gel?” With a feigned sense of indifferent calmness I brushed aside their concerns and sat down.
Once we began the treatment I realized it wasn’t going to be that bad. Definitely painful, but nothing too excruciating. I guess the only real way to describe it is (get ready…) like a hot laser burning your skin. I noticed though that I was developing small blisters and blood pock marks this time and could feel a noticeable “heat” on the skin after the laser went over it. According to the technician, since the laser was going deeper it was affecting some blood vessels and capillaries. After a quick 20-30 minutes we were done and I was wrapped up in gauze and on my way home for a well deserved nap.
In the following days, my skin was noticeably more affected in contrast with my first treatment. There was some light bruising and scabbing along with discoloration. It took a good week to have the skin settle down back to normal and heal up. As of this post it’s been about two months and so far I have noticed fading of the last bits of the shading. I can still see some ink deposits but, like my first treatment, don’t really expect to see results until the second and third month. Either way, I can confidently say this should be my last laser treatment.
As always I’ve provided pictures of the before and after pics. Due to some recent responses I tried my best to increase the light and detail. Click on on of the pictures to go to the gallery of click here.
Before second treatment
1 day later
2 days later
Current
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Hi,
Wow, I am so glad that Google came up with your blog when I was searching about Laser tattoo removal. You’ve made me feel a lot more confident about going to get the tattoo on my shoulder removed now!
Thank you for all the detail, research and pictures.
Have a great day,
Sarah
The Netherlands.
Hi,
I recently had my first treatment to remove a small tattoo on my toe. I did everything I was told to do after treatment to help with the healing process. However, while most of the tattoo has healed after two weeks there is one small area that actually looks like someone took a knife and sliced the skin open. I think I might need a stitch. I’m concerned that I may have gotten a botched job. Is this normal? I had a bloody blister which popped on it’s own and a few days after the skin came off and left this open wound. There is no swelling or redness, but it is a little sore to when I touch it. I have been cleaning it with peroxide and putting bacitracin and wrapping with a bandaid. I’m just curious if this is normal as it’s been way past the healing period of 10 days 2 weeks. My second treatment is scheduled for Oct. 15th but I’m not sure if I should go further considering the outcome of the first session. I have an appt. to see the technician on Monday so she can take a look and determine what’s up. I spoke to the office manager and she said it could be that the technician was a little too aggressive on the first treament but they have never had any problems before. I hope I haven’t done anything I’m going to regret! Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hello. I was very interested to see your pictures and read your story. This has make me feel a lot more secure in the idea of getting my tattoo removed. I can make it to San Diego without a problem. However, I do live in Phoenix and wonder if you knew of any places to reccomend here in Arizona? Thank you again.