Laser Tattoo Removal - Anyone had it??

[guessagain]

So basically I am starting the process of getting my tattoo removed. I’ve lived with the damn thing far to long - it’s very ugly, has not aged well at all & basically it can not be covered. It’s approx palm size and very dark. I don’t know at this stage whether I am just lightening it enough in order to have a cover up or actually trying to get rid of it (I know it will not be 100% gone but so on fist look it’s not there).

My initial consultation is next week. I have waited many many years to to do something about it. I’m not the most patient person in the world but I do know that it’s a very long drawn out process & not cheap - but doable. I’m excited to think this time next year I won’t have this ugly thing on me!

Has anyone else had a tattoo removed? If so how did it go? What was it & how many sessions did it take?

Get some Emla cream to numb it.

I've had 3 sessions. Used lots of EMLA cream 45 mins before hand. Both of mine were small but I'd say I'm half way through. They've lightened a huge amount.

This Elma cream, just a had a quick Google of it, it doesn’t effect the lightening process in any way then? Does the practitioner who is carrying out the process usually numb the area first or not? It’s only a ‘test spot’ next week anyway so I could probably ask more questions then. I suppose it really hurts then? Arghh! I’m feeling optimistic & hoping it doesn’t take more than 5 sessions…..😬

Definitely more painful than a tattoo

I've had 7 sessions and it's lightened it but still obviously there. Mine was dark grey and is now possibly a light grey/blue.
It's more painful than a tattoo but quickly done (obviously this depends on how big your tattoo is!!) and not cheap per session.

Hey Im a retired laser specialist, it can take up to 12 sessions and may never fully go depending on, how deep the ink is, scarification, ink used, the ink colour etc.

Cover ups after 2/4 lightening sessions are the better option to avoid disappointment

I've had a large tattoo (size of a side-plate) on my back reduced with laser treatment. I've had 6 sessions and am just about ready for a cover up.

The first 2 sessions were done by a tattooist - just a straight forward, one wavelength laser for black ink. It was very painful and I had bad blisters afterwards. Then I found a laser specialist who used a cooling system to cool my skin both before and during the treatment. This was way better, it still hurt, but not as much and blistering was minimal. This laser also used different wavelengths to target colours. She did each wavelength separately (but in the same treatment session).

Although it's painful, it's a much quicker process than tattooing - my treatments were around 20 minutes to start with and got shorter as my tattoo began to fade.

I'm pleased to be able to have the option to get rid of poor work. Good luck with your treatments.