What do I need to know about laser tattoo removal? (Experience Only!)?

Question

***Before you continue reading I should warn you that I am not looking for a lecture on how you should think before you tat. I thought long and hard before getting my tattoo but things change and I had no idea that I would be joining the Air Force. But I'm doing it to serve my country and although I think that a tattoo should not be able to hold me back from doing that, I understand the need to maintain a clean image as I will be representing the United States of America. So keep the lectures to yourself! Period.***

***ALSO: Please only respond if you have been though the procedure yourself. Meaning, if your answer begins with "Well, my friend..." or "I haven't had it done but..." or "I heard..." then please don't bother responding. And please be detailed in your response. I really don't want to read "It's going to hurt like hell". Thank You!***

Moving forward, I am planning on joining the U.S. Air Force but I have this annoying tattoo on the back of my neck that is preventing me from getting in. The recruiter told me that as soon as I get it removed I am good to go. I have an appointment at a dermatologist's office this coming Thursday for a consultation (I am hoping they can start the treatment that day). I refuse to go to a tattoo shop because number on the only tattoo shop near me that does it is saying that I would need 8 sessions which is ridiculous for such a small tattoo, and number two the guy that does the removals looks like a biker Santa Clause. (No offense buddy, but I'm not taking my chances)

The tattoo is all black ink and about the length of my thumb (Not very big at all)

I need to know the following:

1. Based on the location of my tattoo (nape of my neck), what would you say the pain level would be on a scale of 1 to 10 (and yes, I know that everyone's pain tolerance level is different but I'm asking you your personal opinion)? Getting the tattoo, I would say it hurt about 3.5 out of 10.

2. Based on the size, location, and aftercare of my tattoo, will there be any type of visible scarring? The recruiter says that scarring is allowed as long as it is nothing too extreme or distracting.

3. When you got your tattoo removed, did the dermatologist used any type of numbing agents (creams, injections, etc.) or at least offer them to you?

4. What colors were in your tattoo and about how many sessions did it take for it to completely fade?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

All I can really advise you is be careful where you go. Basically anyone who can afford a laser can set themselves up as a 'laser remover', with minimal/no training and very little regulation, which can lead to improperly set up lasers, causing a poor result at best, burns and skin damage at worst.

Black and grey respond well to laser, blue green and red, not so well (green is the worst to try to remove) so the number of sessions you require will depend on the size, age, colour and depth of your tatt, as well as type ik used.

Get some EMLA cream, and smother the area with it at least an hour and a half before your appointment, keep it in place with clingfilm, this will numb a lot of the pain, but tell them you have used it so it can be cleaned off before treatment (the numbness should last an hour after this)

No one is judgeing you, sometimes for whatever reason we need to remove some ink (I'm heavily tatt.ed, swore I'd never go near a laser then an artist MURDERD my design, left me with an awful mess, I was first in line to get rid of THAT monstrosity

Good luck hope it works out ok for you

Tari · Answer

1

Lisa · Answer

Home Based Tattoo Removal

? · Answer

My Tattoo Removal Tricks - http://RemoveTattoo.oruty.com/?RgZc

Alejandra · Answer

My uncle had one removed, it looks like a scar, but far better than the tatoo. It took him several times tho. Have you looked into Wrecking ball tattoo removal gel? I hear it works great!

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What do I need to know about laser tattoo removal? (Experience Only!)?

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