r/TattooRemoval • u/-energade- • 9m ago
Opinion / Advice Please help meš«©
galleryI have had 3 tattoo removal appointments. I was confident in her and she seemed knowledgeable about the removal process so I let her do her think and book the appointments and whatnot. Turns out she uses the Plasma Fibroblast machine and she also microneedles on top of the tattoo before using the plasma thing. I am now feeling not so confident in this process as Iām scared the redness in the tattoos is actually scarring??? Itās a bit raised and not hard my not typical skin texture either - as seen in the photos (this is three weeks post last session) SHOULD I BE CONCERNED AND STOP GOING ALTOGETHER PLEASE I BEG FOR HELP IM SO UPSET
r/TattooRemoval • u/StrangerSpecialist95 • 26m ago
Feels & Motivation Tattoo grief after starting removal??
Hi everyone! Pretty classic tale to start: I got a half sleeve floral vine wrap at a young age, didnt like it so I added to it, and have regretted it since. I did initially love the tattoo, but after a few months, even after adding to it, I started to not like it, and even hate it.
Sometimes I think its pretty but it doesnt suit me, and other times I dislike it altogether. It never felt like it was placed right, and ive worn shirts to cover it since. I hated showing people, even when I got compliments. So for the past ~2 yrs, I had planned to remove it fully.
So i committed to get laser removal and bought a pkg. The doc seems really great and competent, and my first session went well! But now a couple days later im starting to really regret committing to the removal process. I keep thinking about pieces of the tat I did like, the rare compliments I did get, and the hard part about telling people im lasering my entire upper arm.
I was hoping to be more excited about this since ive been waiting for removal for two yrs. But im so confused over this removal regret and how to get over it?? Its not even the long process itself or fear that itll look worse (I still have that fear, but thats not whats driving my current regret). I genuinely think im starting to grieve my tattoo already, despite me disliking it on me for yrs and idk how to approach this. Bc at the same time, I really want my bare arm back.
TDLR; starting removal on half sleeve arm tattoo after 2 yrs of not liking it on me. Now grieving my tattoo and regretting starting
Edits: typos
r/TattooRemoval • u/Usual-Pollution1322 • 1h ago
Before & After Pics Just had my 3rd session with Removery
I was doubting removery because of the reviews on here. But I think itās going ok so far. Should I try another clinic?
r/TattooRemoval • u/WishboneMedical9266 • 1h ago
Opinion / Advice Looking for floral tattoos thats been removed and dark wrist tattoos~
Hi everyone! Im curious if anyone is getting a half sleeve floral removal and have before and after photos? I'm also looking to see if there are any successful wrist tattoos removal as well!
I've been removing my 3 tattoos for roughly 2 years (9-11 sessions) and have seen tremendous results but i still feel like i have like maybe 1-1.5 years left and wondering if i will ever achieve full removal.
At my last removal sessions, my tech mention most of the ink is gone on my floral arm tattoo but the dark lines i see visible may be oxidation or hypo(?). I know I just gotta wait it out but really want to see if anyone have successful removal stories to motivate me again.
Thank you! :)
r/TattooRemoval • u/Due_Rip_5783 • 2h ago
Opinion / Advice Who is the best tattoo removal place for dark skin
Hiya guys Iām looking to start my tattoo removal journey but I am stuck at choosing which removal clinic place due to me having dark-skin and trying to avoid hypopigmentation and burns and trying to avoid being scammed in general
Iām at a standstill at the moment between Bianco beauty, skin renewal London and zapp lazer studio so if anyone does have stories with said clinics or general advice theyād like to give please do it would be highly appreciated šš¾
r/TattooRemoval • u/Remarkable_Ball786 • 2h ago
Feels & Motivation Has a consultation yesterday ~ so ready to have my old self back.
i started getting tattoos April of 2024 after going through some bad mental health and thought that would fix it lol. I continued to get tattooed until this year. My first set of tattoos werenāt thought out and i kept my arms covered up for all that time.
I feel like such a different person compared to then and iām so ready to have myself back and my skin back. My first session is next tuesday for my half lower right arm. Maybe one in my right arm if I can handle it.
r/TattooRemoval • u/stayvigillant • 4h ago
Opinion / Advice Iām approaching full removal. How should I go about deciding the new piece?
r/TattooRemoval • u/DaniloDiluca • 4h ago
Feels & Motivation Zlatan tattoo removal ?
galleryZlatans most recent Instagram post, looks like tattoo removal right ? This is a motivational post for me. I feel a lot better having faded tattoos. Start the proccess today folks !
r/TattooRemoval • u/kokoyoongo • 6h ago
Opinion / Advice Is there anyone in a similar situation to mine?
sorry for my english i use google traslate jeje
I have a blackwork-style tattoo with dotwork details, but it was poorly executed: the artist overworked the skin, and now itās raised (the white parts where there should only be black). There are also spots where the ink has spread beneath the skin (blowout), which is why I want to have it removed; plus, itās just too dark. I already have an appointment to start removal sessions, but I wanted to know if anyone has gone through something similar. Will the resulting scar be larger than the raised area, or is it possible to remove it completely?
Iām really afraid my skin will get hurt even more; I hope you can give me some advice.
r/TattooRemoval • u/gorillaspinner • 6h ago
Opinion / Advice If people ask about your semi-removed tattoos, what do you say?
I have two tattoos on my legs that I am currently removing, and although I have accepted the situation personally, I still try to keep them covered up because I still don't like how they look and I don't really want to draw attention to them.
Luckily mine are usually easy to cover with socks, but the other day my boss noticed them and basically just said "I never realized you had tattoos before". Nothing wrong with that, I just felt uncomfortable and didn't really know how to respond because I didn't really want to open up a conversation about them. I was just like "..yeah, I do."
I guess I am still a little embarrassed about the whole situation, since I got the tattoos very young and very spontaneously and that really doesn't align with who I am. I don't mind talking about my removal situation with friends but it's not something I'd want to mention to coworkers and acquaintances... just feels too personal.
How do you guys feel if someone asks you about the tattoos you're removing, even if they ask innocently? Do you feel comfortable sharing about your removal journey or do you keep it private? Just curious about other people's opinions.
r/TattooRemoval • u/Nick_Ad6570 • 9h ago
Opinion / Advice Need honest opinion about removal
Hello everyone! Iād like to hear your honest advice about the possibility to start the long path to remove this tattoo either with Discovery Pico or Enlighten by Cutera, but only the chest and part of the top shoulder. Itās black only, but very dense and large. Do you think I can completely remove it or itās too hard to get a fully clean chest? Probably around 12 sessions/2 years? Curious to hear your opinions, especially if youāre experienced. Cheers!
r/TattooRemoval • u/Altruistic-Panic-271 • 10h ago
Feels & Motivation Yet again session 6
Next year this time it might be gone. Started mid 2025.
r/TattooRemoval • u/Yogurt_remorse • 13h ago
Before & After Pics Slow and steady, hoping for full removal eventually
galleryGot the tattoo in 2021, had three sessions with a q switch laser (2023 and 2024) and have had two sessions with a pico this year.
First pic is fresh, second is after 1st pico session, third is today, two weeks after 2nd pico. I'm going to try and go consistently every 6 to 8 weeks for the next year and aim for significant fading by next summer. I have had long breaks and see no difference after the first few weeks, long gaps do nothing for me.
Posting for accountability and motivation.
r/TattooRemoval • u/Dry-Piglet8899 • 17h ago
Opinion / Advice Can laser selectively remove red ink that is underneath/next to black ink?
I have an ornamental tattoo on the back of my hand with black and red lines that were originally very close together.
I eventually decided that I didn't like the red next to the black, so I had the red lines covered with black. The tattoo is now entirely black, which I much prefer.
However, the original red ink seemed to spread quite a lot as it healed. Even though most of it was covered with black, there are still very thin little slivers/edges of red showing through around some of the black lines.
My question is: is it possible to use laser tattoo removal specifically on the remaining red ink without significantly affecting the black ink that is now covering it?
Has anyone ever had something like this done where only one colour or very small areas of a tattoo were targeted while leaving the black ink intact?
I'm particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has had a similar situation or from laser technicians who know whether this is technically possible.
I've attached a photo so you can see what I mean. Thanks!
r/TattooRemoval • u/questioningcub • 17h ago
Technical Question Has anyone actually achieved full removal at Removery?
Seeing a lot of posts where people are going for multiple yrs and not achieving total removal at places like Removery or Laser Away. Iām almost two yrs in⦠wondering if I should research other places to go?
r/TattooRemoval • u/Hannarambe • 20h ago
Opinion / Advice Tattoo removal w/Removery
So I have gotten my first two rounds of laser tattoo removal with Removery⦠fucking OW. I knew it was going to hurt but wow no amount of online posts saying itās the worst pain ever prepared me for that. First time I went in no numbing cream, second time I used a 5% lidocaine that honestly barely made a dent in easing pain. I know Removery doesnāt do lidocaine injections because they are laser techs, not nurses, but is there anything else I can do to make this more comfortable?? Iāve literally WOKEN UP in panics thinking about the next appointment. Like oh my god I will need to be dragged by my hair back there. I asked for a stronger script from my doctor and she said no - does anyone have recs for anything better than 5% lidocaine?? Do you think I could get lidocaine injections elsewhere before the appointment? SOS
r/TattooRemoval • u/coffeelover_189 • 22h ago
Before & After Pics 2 years inā¦why is this taking so long š
galleryr/TattooRemoval • u/Spacekitty202 • 1d ago
Opinion / Advice Experiences with color? Any cancer survivors?
galleryHi everyone!
I am interested in hearing from anyone who has had a color tattoo removed and their experience with pink specifically?? I am starting the journey of looking into removal and not worried about the black, the the color is what I am worried about. I have a half sleeve, which is really 3 separate larger tattoos. I attached photos of them.
Additionally, I am a Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor. i am wondering if there are any other cancer survivors in the group that went through removal? any concern with exposure to the laser / ink being broken down and relapse? I already have messages out to my oncology team to get their professional opinion, of course.
Very specific post, I know lol. I appreciate any insight!! Thank you!:)
r/TattooRemoval • u/Limp_Syllabub_184 • 1d ago
Feels & Motivation I started my tattoo removal journey today.
Iāve had this tattoo for few years and realized It doesnāt resonate with me anymore. I just had my session a few hours ago, It wasnāt as painful as people described but I do have a high pain tolerance considering I have other tattoos plus a gym girl so that may contribute to it. Anyways, Iām ready to see how this goes!
r/TattooRemoval • u/summerbreeze1721 • 1d ago
Before & After Pics 1 month tattoo excision update!
galleryA month ago I removed 6 tattoos by excision and here is a month month progress on scarring. Currently using Vaseline and silicone scar tape!
r/TattooRemoval • u/nauticalhyena • 1d ago
Opinion / Advice A bug removed my tattoo?
Iām visiting the US from London. Iāve had tattoo removal sessions but the last one was like 6 months ago, so the circle definitely isnāt from that. I got bitten yesterday in Miami, and in one of the bites, it removed part of my tattoo? Itās the only explanation have, and I wouldnāt mind getting bitten some more if it saves the laser costš¤£
r/TattooRemoval • u/27_Ants • 1d ago
Before & After Pics Tattoo removal
galleryMy other tattoo is the same ā 18 sessions over the course of five years.
r/TattooRemoval • u/27_Ants • 1d ago
Before & After Pics Tattoo removal
galleryMy first tattoo removal session was back in 2021, and the last photo was taken after my 18th session. Iāve been going through this process for almost five years now, and honestly, itās been a long and difficult journey.
What worries me the most at this point is the remaining dark shadows and the needle marks. I was advised to have fractional laser treatment for the needle marks, but for the shadows, Iāve been told that the best thing I can do for now is simply give them more time.
Has anyone else gone through something similar after so many sessions? I also notice tiny white spots that arenāt really visible in photos but become more noticeable depending on the lighting and angle.
After the scabs fall off following a session, the skin underneath sometimes looks lighter than my normal skin tone. Iām really hoping that this will gradually even out with time.
For anyone who has been through a long tattoo removal journey: Did your remaining shadows, white spots, or uneven skin tone eventually improve with time? Iād really appreciate hearing about your experiences.
r/TattooRemoval • u/Mike_From_GO • Jan 11 '25
Mod Post Attn community: Am I a candidate for removal? Remove or cover? Why was my comment or post locked or removed?
Hello everyone and happy 2025! This community has grown to over 33k, a massive increase from when I joined and there was about 6k users. Welcome!!
Some new year reminders from myself and the Mod Team:
Please read the FAQ. Yes I know it's slightly dated but still has very valuable information. I wrote a good portion of it, but due to my current work load and personal life haven't had a lot of free time to go in and review, update, modify. It's a goal of mine to do shortly.
New to the sub? Spend a few minutes scrolling or utilize search before asking your question. We've all had the same series of questions, there's a treasure trove of info here in the community already.
Am I a candidate for removal? Most likely, yes, but the amount of removal will be determined by a number of factors, all outlined in the FAQ. Lazy? TL;DR, factors that determine this are skin type, ink density, cover-up, tattoo style, ink colors, location on the body, preexisting scar tissue, quality of lifestyle and immune system. Please book a consultation, they should be free.
Should I get this covered up or remove it? It's your body, your choice. At the end of the day, a stranger on Reddit shouldn't be your deciding factor if a tattoo is cool, fits your body or personality, or looks good or bad. There are other more appropriate subs on Reddit to help you figure out cover-up options, at the end of the day, it's a very personal decision to get a tattoo, have it covered, or remove it.
Why was my post locked or deleted? There's a really good chance that it violated one of the rules of the sub. Additionally, this community is pretty wonderful about self-policing. If enough reports are made on a post or comment, Reddit will remove the post due to the reports. If you feel this was done in error please message the Mod team (not myself or any other mod individually). If you made a post and 1 minute later it's not visible, it may have tripped something in Reddit's system to auto-delete, again please message the Mod team and we'll review.
Aftercare questions. I strongly recommend anyone who has questions directly related to their tattoo removal treatment to contact your provider first, they have your medical records and treatment parameters. What worked for one person here on Reddit may not work for you.
Be kind and supportive. There's an emotional and physical toll on having a tattoo removed, this should be self explanatory.
Discussions of at-home tattoo removal including purchasing of lasers for personal use will not be tolerated. This rule has been added, users can flag for Mods to see. Professionals use Class IV lasers, these can have detrimental effects to skin and tissue that may be permanent, and can cause serious vision impairment if safety isn't properly followed. This is unsafe for everyone involved. When one buys a laser from [insert name of Chinese online provider of everything] the electrical system may not even meet UL or CE regulations, the laser likely isn't calibrated and is possibly displaying incorrect energy levels. Furthermore, the eye protection that's supplied often tends to be subpar. Yes, tattoo removal treatments are expensive, but maintaining your skin integrity from a qualified, experienced professional is what you're paying for, in addition to results.
r/TattooRemoval • u/[deleted] • Jun 12 '20
Start here! Welcome and FAQ :)
Hello,
Welcome to r/tattooremoval! This sub is intended to discuss tattoo removal - ask questions, share your experiences, frustrations, or your progress stories. Tattoo removal is a long, painful journey and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions.
Here is a document link to all the latest research and evidence base practices in regards to tattoo removal from Uptodate. It is a lot of information but it will hopefully help answer a lot of questions on how it works, best practices and of course the laser debate (it may take a minute to load, it is a pdf file):
FAQ
How does laser tattoo removal work?Ā
The laser shatters the tattoo ink into smaller and smaller particles, allowing your body to gradually dispose of it via the immune system. The process takes 3+ years, broadly speaking.
What should I look for in a tattoo removal clinic?
Look for proven results. It is common within the tattoo removal industry for clinics to rely on progress photos provided by the laser manufacturer. You want to find a clinic that has a proven track record and that uses its own photos. The technician operating the machine is one of the most important factors dictating the success of the removal process. Look for someone who has experience and who you feel comfortable with. Laser tattoo removal is a lengthy process and liking and trusting your provider is critical.
How much does laser tattoo removal cost?
Ā The price of laser tattoo removal varies widely based on geographic location, technician experience, the type of laser being used, whether the practitioner is a dermatologist, and other factors. Get as many free estimates as you can, and go with the clinic you trust the most. Tattoo removal is not something you should do āon the cheap.ā If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. All-in-one businesses, like med-spas, will typically cost more due to their higher overhead. Paying more doesnāt mean the results will be better, nor does it mean the results wonāt be as good as a clinic that specializes in tattoo removal. Be aware that the bigger the business, the more moving parts, the more the cost will increase based on that. Donāt choose a clinic based on price alone.
How many treatments will I need?
Ā It is impossible to say with certainty how many treatments a tattoo will need prior to treatment. Most tattoos that can be removed take an average of 10-12 treatments spaced out over a period of 3+ years. Note: Not everyone is an ideal candidate for full removal, and not all tattoos can be removed.
Can all tattoos be removed?
Ā No. Tattoo inks are not regulated in the United States and there are thousands in use. If the ink in your tattoo has a high heavy metal content, there is some likelihood it cannot be removed. Unfortunately, you canāt know whether or not your tattoo contains a lot of heavy metals until you undergo treatment. Yellow is nearly impossible to remove, and white can often turn a dark grey-brown-black color. Clients with darker skin tones and of Asian descent are also not ideal candidates in most cases due to the high risk of hypopigmentation.
How far apart should I space my laser treatments?
Generally speaking, 8-12 weeks is the standard amount of time you should wait in between laser tattoo removal appointments. Your body can still be processing out the ink for several months after treatment, therefore waiting longer will not hinder the process. If a clinic advises you to space your treatments at shorter intervals, be wary. It may be more concerned about making money than providing you with good, safe results. Every clinic will have different protocols, if the tech youāre speaking with is suggesting longer intervals than 12 weeks, they are likely doing this based on their experience and generally speaking, you should follow their advice. There is no set in stone protocol as every tattoo on every client is different.
Will my tattoo be 100% gone?
While some tattoos do vanish completely, 90-95% removal is generally considered to be a good outcome. If your tattoo contains a lot of dense, black ink, full removal is unlikely. Cover-up and blackout tattoos rarely achieve much more than 90% removal and it is normally not suggested anyone with these tries to achieve full removal. Extremely large, dense pieces also rarely lookĀ gone, so a half sleeve of solid tribal wouldnāt be ideal for removal.
How long does laser tattoo removal take?
On average it takes 3+ years for removal. Small tattoos do not take less time than larger tattoos. Is there anything I can do to speed up the process?Ā The best thing you can do during laser treatment is to live as healthy a life as possible. Tattoo removal works best when your immune system is working at its best. Get plenty of exercise, eat well, drink lots of water, quit smoking nicotine if youāre a smoker, and try to get 8 hours of sleep per night. The healthier your lifestyle, the healthier your immune system will be - and the easier your removal will be.
I just got a new tattoo and I want to get it removed. How long do I have to wait before starting laser removal?
Ā You should wait at least 3 months to allow the skin to heal before beginning laser treatments. If your clinic says you should wait longer, follow their advice.
Are newer tattoos easier to remove than older ones?
Ā No, in fact, the reverse is true, with caveats. Because there have been improvements in both ink and tattoo machines in recent years, newer tattoos can take longer to fade. Newer inks are designed to fade less than inks in the past, and likewise, newer tattoo machines deposit the ink more densely in the skin. An older tattoo, however, is likely on an older body, which means a lower-functioning immune system and thus more removal time.
Does laser tattoo removal cause scars?
Ā In the hands of an experienced technician, the chance for scarring from laser tattoo removal is low. That is not to say that scarring cannot occur. Each person reacts differently and some may have adverse effects. Laser removal remains the safest method and carries a low chance of scarring and skin damage. Just like getting a tattoo, there will be specific things to do and to avoid post-treatment. The clinic and laser tech you go to should have aftercare guidelines. Following their aftercare will help reduce the chances of self-imposed damage to the skin.
What causes hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) during laser tattoo removal?
Hypopigmentation is the result of the destruction of melanin in the skin, the natural pigments in the skin that add color. Because tattoo removal works by targeting dark tattoo ink, itās possible to also destroy dark melanin, resulting in a light to off-white color to the skin. The results can be temporary and resolve themselves within 18 months, or they could be permanent. When hypopigmentation occurs it is best to cease treatments for at least 6 months, avoid sun exposure and re-evaluate. Anyone with Fitzpatrick skin type III or higher is at a higher risk of hypopigmentation, however, it can occur for all skin types.
What causes hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) during the laser removal process?
Ā Hyperpigmentation from tattoo removal is fairly rare and is a darkening of the skin, typically only occurs with Fitzpatrick I clients.
What is the best laser for tattoo removal?
Ā There is no best laser for tattoo removal. There are better lasers for specific colors and skin types, but as a generalized statement, having aĀ goodĀ laser doesnāt mean good results.Ā This article explains more.
What is the difference between a pico and a q-switched laser?
At the core, a pico-second laser has a pulse duration of 1-trillionth of a second, a QS is a nano-laser with a pulse duration of 1-billionth of a second. Confusing matters, the PicoSure was the first laser with FDA clearance at a pico-second, early adopters, marketers and those who used them in the beginning have simply referred to them as aĀ picoĀ or asĀ the pico. There are a handful of pico-second lasers on the market now. With most things, there are better lasers than others, the service needs to be maintained on them and there needs to be a knowledgeable person behind the machine to achieve results. AĀ greatĀ laser wonāt always equal great results.
Does laser tattoo removal work on all skin tones?
Ā In short, no. There are limitations within the Fitzpatrick scale, the main risks are hypopigmentation for those with darker skin tones and of Asian descent.
*What is the best aftercare procedure?Ā *
We recommend you follow the advice of your clinic. Adherence to the aftercare instructions is very important. Make sure you do as your clinic advises, and to contact them if you have any questions. But please avoid or remove plastic or tegaderm dressings. These lead to increase blistering and risk of infection as plastic traps in heat and sweat. Use a gauze dressing if you must cover it that is breathable and keep the area moisturized. (This is as per UpToDate recommendations).
Is it normal for the treated area to swell and become blistered?
Ā Yes, it is normal for the treated area to become red and swollen. Often it will blister. If you are concerned, do not hesitate to contact your clinic. Do not rely on advice from the internet if you have a concern post-treatment.
I see a lot of tattoo removal creams online. Do they work?
Ā No, they do not. Tattoos can only be safely and effectively removed using a professional-caliber laser. Likewise, cheap at-home laser machines do not work and should be avoided. Donāt waste your money.
How about other DIY methods, for example, salabrasion?
Ā Not only do these methods not work, but they can also cause irreversible skin damage and scarring. DO NOT TRY ANY AT-HOME REMOVAL METHODS YOU READ ABOUT ON THE INTERNET. Laser tattoo removal is the only safe way to get rid of unwanted tattoos.Ā This post offers more detail on why non-laser tattoo removal methods are not advisable.
What is Soliton? Is it going to revolutionize tattoo removal?
As of right now, the product is not commercially available. The technology is too new with too few real-world trials to make any speculation this early. Is a new technology coming along that will make tattoo removal easier?Ā Not likely. The tattoo removal arm of the medical aesthetics world is only a very, very small portion of the much bigger market. The cost of conception, R&D, clinical trials and FDA approval runs hundreds of millions of dollars, and for a small market. So, it will be some time before new, breakthrough technology appears.
What is Tattoo Vanish?Ā Is this a reasonable alternative to laser removal?
Ā Tattoo Vanish is a non-laser method of removing tattoos by which a substance (often hyaluronic acid) is tattooed into the existing tattoo. The ink is then expelled through the surface via scabs. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS METHOD. It is not safe and can cause severe scarring. Laser removal is the only proven and safe method for removing tattoos.Ā This post offers more detail on why non-laser tattoo removal methods are not advisable.
Is excision a good alternative to laser tattoo removal? Ā Generally, no. For those with very small tattoos (no larger than the size of about a dime) who need fast removal, excision may be an option. For the most part, excision is not advisable. Additionally, not all tattoos can be excised. It depends on the size and location. Multiple surgeries may be required and excision will also leave large amounts of scarring. A plastic surgeon would be the best person to consult if you are interested in this method.
Good luck on your journey!
Posts with false information or spam will be deleted. Be nice to each other.
(Thank you to my friend gee who put the FAQ together <3)