Can anyone give me the Straight Dope on tattoo removal. I’m not as interested in the cost as I am in its effectiveness. I spoke to someone recently about it and he gave me a huge lecture on how it’s all bunk and tattoos are for life and all that. He then gave me his card and told me he could do a nice “cover up” for me. It turned out he was a tattoo artist who wanted to give me a prettier picture. I don’t want a prettier picture… I want the tattoos off! Can someone give me some info?
“Man prefers to believe what he prefers to be true” -Albert Einstein
I am in the process of getting my tattoo removed. I have had two laser treatments, so far, and expect to have at least two more.
My tattoo is all black ink, encircling my left ankle.
Currently, it looks like one of those tattoos you see on old men that were in the service. Kinda blue and indistinguishable (sp?).
It looks smeared and faded in the places that were darker. The places where that tattoo was more intricate almost look like dotted lines. There are most definitely places where the tattoo no longer exists. It’s a work in progress.
I was told that I have a high probability of success with less treatment because the tattoo was only one color of ink.
The nurse where I go was also getting a tattoo removed and I had the benefit of seeing hers in progress also. She had a multicolored tattoo the size of a half dollar. It took 8 laser treatments to remove hers.
I recommend a local anesthetic. I used the topical anesthetic the first time and it was horrible. The second time, they were also able to up the power and do more because I was flinching (and “ohmygodohmygodohmygod”-ing) less.
Six weeks between shots to allow for healing. It doesn’t really hurt after the fact, but looks NASTY!!!
Good luck! If you have any more questions that I haven’t answered, feel free to ask!
My kids brighten up our home. They never turn the lights off. -A Wallyism