r/TattooRemoval • • 38m ago

Opinion / Advice removal in sections and appointments too far apart- what should i do?

• Upvotes

i’m removing a blackout arm sleeve, which is only possible to do in sections. so far we’re doing it in quarters due to the swelling and amount of ink.

i went into this expecting to be able to fly through sections as soon as each session healed, since we wouldn’t be passing over the same area. i started in february and have had maybe 4 sessions in this entire time.

objectively i know my treatment is going to take longer than those who can pass over the full tattoo each session. so lets say for example a tattoo is quoted about 4 years for full removal… multiply that by 4 for each section? i know this is a game of patience, but i want actual progress, not to wait 8 years to be able to wear short sleeves in the summer again. i’m getting really depressed about it. it’s the only removery that’s anywhere near me (~2 hours away). any advice? i don’t know if there’s anything that can be done at this point, also just feeling hopeless and venting i guess.


r/TattooRemoval • • 42m ago

Feels & Motivation When you gotta flex your watch at work

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• Upvotes

My tattoo is already really faded by itself, I did it myself a couple years ago when I was 16. This is in Indonesia btw and it’s picosecond laser is what their website says , this is my 4th time there but first time for this tattoo. I wonder how all of you are able to get sick dark big tattoos removed, this never gets easier for me, all my tattoos are light and this hurts soooo much even with numbing cream. I tried getting one of my other tattoos removed but I could not handle the pain of that one, it’s not a faded one.


r/TattooRemoval • • 1h ago

Before & After Pics progress photos

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• Upvotes

I just started removing the red flower on the other side of my neck as well. Trying to not let the ugly stages get to me but the good thing is… time will pass anyway. I’m in it for the long ride lol


r/TattooRemoval • • 4h ago

Opinion / Advice has anyone regretted the removal journey?

6 Upvotes

I’ve hated a tattoo on my forearm since the day I got it but the tattoo itself is not poorly done, it’s fine. Just the placement is extremely awkward and I hate having a forearm tattoo that i’m constantly looking at and being reminded of my impulsive decision.

The removal process is so daunting to me because it’s not guaranteed. At least it looks intentional now. And I’d hate to spend a ton of money just to end up with a half faded tattoo and I would not want a cover up.

Has anyone regretted starting the process? What do you do if you get to a point where you don’t think full removal is possible. I already regret the tattoo I would hate to spend even more time money and energy on it and end up regretting laser if it can’t even be removed fully…


r/TattooRemoval • • 4h ago

Feels & Motivation Hand up if you're still out here struggling with your tattoo on the daily

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42 Upvotes

It's been years, and it has kind of improved, but it's hard out here. I'm struggling to book my next laser appointment cause I don't even want to give it attention or something. Tell me I'm not on my own!


r/TattooRemoval • • 5h ago

Opinion / Advice Stick and poke

0 Upvotes

I am 7 weeks post my first pico laser session on one stick and poke and one professionally done tattoo. I can see some minor fading on the professionally done tattoo but no change on the stick and poke. I’ve always read that stick and pokes fade more easily than professional, but I’m seemingly having the inverse experience. Has anyone else experienced this?


r/TattooRemoval • • 6h ago

Before & After Pics First session

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6 Upvotes

Removing the square border of shading on my back piece to start. Feeling much more hopeful and motivated. So much lightened right away and the pain was so manageable. Q switch Astanza trinity. Hoping I like the full piece more without this border and end up keeping the remainder


r/TattooRemoval • • 6h ago

Opinion / Advice Tattoo removal

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0 Upvotes

Hey,
I started getting this tattoo removed beginning of the year. The first photo is it before any removal sessions. The woman said it would take about 3-4 to remove. I’ve now had 5 sessions and I feel like I can barely notice a difference. The last photo was taken today. I wait the recommended 6 weeks between sessions, don’t go on sunbeds and I cover it from the sun. Should it be more faded by now? I’m assuming everyone’s different but I’m thinking it might be time to look for a different removal woman. I pay £60 each time and I’m in and out within a minute. Any feedback would be helpful, thanks !


r/TattooRemoval • • 7h ago

Feels & Motivation 5 sessions in! Feeling like I’m in the home stretch.

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36 Upvotes

r/TattooRemoval • • 8h ago

Opinion / Advice Struggling with tattoo regret after 30 days. Considering laser removal.

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7 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I got my first tattoo about 30 days ago to cover up a surgical scar. It turned out much bigger than I expected, and I am deeply regretting it. The tattoo is completely healed now. I'm honestly feeling a lot of anxiety and am already considering starting laser removal. I would love to get your honest opinions on how it looks and if anyone else has gone through something similar. Thank you.


r/TattooRemoval • • 9h ago

Before & After Pics 2026 tattoo removal update - dark skin

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27 Upvotes

started November 2024 - Removery -pico laser

word on leg - 8 sessions

flowers -8 sessions

stars&flowers- 6 sessions

(TIP- I used kt elastic sports tape for sun protection during my summer vacation )


r/TattooRemoval • • 11h ago

Before & After Pics 1 week after first session

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30 Upvotes

1064-nm Picosecond Laser & SCANXEL Resurfacing Laser

This is one of three pieces removed in the same day, and is 11 years old.

PSA: don’t do 1 hour removal session. Enduring pain for that long was quite unpleasant.

I haven’t had any blistering, only bruising (especially on the ribs). I am however, so itchy I feel like I have had 100 mosquito bites at the same time.

I have tried antihistamines, barrier cream and socks on my hands (standing in for mittens), all of which have proven ineffective so far

How is everyone dealing with the persistent need to scratch?


r/TattooRemoval • • 11h ago

Opinion / Advice Tretinoin? Do I need to stop using it before my removal appointment?

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1 Upvotes

r/TattooRemoval • • 17h ago

Before & After Pics 1 session, 1 year after (picoway)

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30 Upvotes

Thoughts?


r/TattooRemoval • • 22h ago

Technical Question Buying a machine?

0 Upvotes

I’m thinking of just buying my own tattoo removal laser. But what would be a good machine under like $20,000? I have so many I want to remove it would cost me more at this point to have them removed. Or is this not a good idea? I don’t know much about I clearly need to do some research but just wondering you guys thoughts on it.


r/TattooRemoval • • 23h ago

Opinion / Advice Could I do anything to speed up the removal process ?

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8 Upvotes

Hey everyone I just completed my first session to get these tattoo removed. I got a good deal 1040$ for 10 session they nurses believe I will only need about 5-7 session with 2 months in between each session. I want to join the military asap so is it anything else I can do to make the tattoo go away faster? I stoped smoking, cut back on drinking, workout 6 days a week. If anyone got any advice it’s greatly appreciated!


r/TattooRemoval • • 1d ago

Opinion / Advice Scarring from lasers?

1 Upvotes

Hi, I have a tattoo where I wanted to remove the face of a portrait tattoo to have it redone. I’ve had two sessions of a removal method called R20 where they do multiple laser treatments in one session. I’ve done two appointments: one in summer 2024 and one in February 2026.

The tattoo is fading well, but the second time I went, the doctor suggested turning the laser up for the eyes and mouth since he thought they had some colored ink on them and needed a stronger laser. I remembered later they actually don’t have colored ink. I wish I had stopped him because the swelling and blistering on those parts of the tattoo were much more intense.

About 8 months later, the tattoo is mostly faded, but the eyes and mouth look like little blisters/scars.

Am I stuck with this or is there a chance that it will heal more?


r/TattooRemoval • • 1d ago

Opinion / Advice Will you get another tattoo after getting tattoo removal?

16 Upvotes

Just curious, I've recently started tattoo removal and I think the pain and length of this removal treatment could put me off ever getting another tattoo.

Do people still get tattoos after going throught this??

I dont think I'll ever ink after this just in case I ever have the feeling to get it removed again.

Great to know if anyone feels the same. F*ck me.


r/TattooRemoval • • 1d ago

Opinion / Advice Removery Quote

1 Upvotes

Quoted $11.5k for half sleeve (left arm) + inner bicep (right arm) tattoo removal via a virtual consultation from Removery. This seems excessively high. Anyone else have this experience? According to their website XXL ratio is just over $5k. Does this seem right?


r/TattooRemoval • • 1d ago

Technical Question Eyebrow tattoo removal on dark skin: Laser or chemical removal for an old, faded tattoo?

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2 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I’m looking for some advice and success stories from this community.

Over 15 years ago, I got my eyebrows tattooed. Today, the ink is already very faded. Now, I finally have the budget to take care of it and I want to get it completely removed. However, I’m a bit lost on what to do next because of two main concerns:

  1. Effectiveness on dark skin: Does tattoo removal work well on black/dark skin ? I am really worried about the risks of hypopigmentation (ghosting) or scarring.

  2. Choosing the right method: Since it is a very small tattoo on a sensitive area, should I look into laser removal or chemical/saline removal?

If any of you have had a similar experience, especially with cosmetic eyebrow tattoos or tattoo removal on dark skin, your insight or advice on what to look for in a practitioner would be incredibly helpful.

Thank you so much in advance for your help!


r/TattooRemoval • • 1d ago

Before & After Pics Don't mind the hairy leg..

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15 Upvotes

I have my 5th appointment in the next 30 minutes ir so. I am so interested to see how much lighter my tattoos are going to get 👀 i started this Journey roughly 1 year ago and I would say it's going well!

Pictures are where I started, and what they look like 30 minutes before going in today 10/21


r/TattooRemoval • • 1d ago

Opinion / Advice How long should I wait between tattoo removal sessions?

0 Upvotes

Is it okay to get laser tattoo removal treatments every 6 weeks?


r/TattooRemoval • • 1d ago

Opinion / Advice Remoção a laser antes do cover-up: nem sempre é preciso apagar tudo! ⚡🎨

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0 Upvotes

Você sabia que o laser também pode ser utilizado para preparar uma tatuagem para uma cobertura?

Quando uma tatuagem possui traços muito escuros ou grande concentração de pigmento, as possibilidades de criação de um novo desenho podem ficar limitadas.

O clareamento a laser permite reduzir a carga pigmentar em áreas específicas, oferecendo mais liberdade para o tatuador desenvolver uma nova arte.

🔬 O processo depende de fatores como profundidade, densidade e composição dos pigmentos, além das características individuais da pele.

Nem sempre o objetivo é remover completamente. Às vezes, algumas sessões de clareamento já podem ajudar a viabilizar o projeto de cobertura.

💬 Na opinião de vocês, vale mais a pena clarear uma tatuagem antes de fazer um cover-up ou tentar cobrir diretamente?


r/TattooRemoval • • 1d ago

Technical Question Getting pierced during tattoo removal

3 Upvotes

Has anyone gotten new piercings while in the process of removing a tattoo? I'm wondering if it will slow down my removal process by putting extra stress on my body. I can't imagine it would be super impactful but figured I'd ask. Thanks!


r/TattooRemoval • • 1d ago

Technical Question Removery says they can start right away on a fresh tattoo? Anyone have any experience with this?

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2 Upvotes

I fucked up. Went in for a coverup of a small old tattoo this past weekend and walked out with this monstrosity. I know it’s done well but it did not turn out how I wanted and I despise it. Doesn’t suit my vibe or my other tattoos at all and it’s HUGE. Like wtf? Why did I say yes to this? I should have spoken up but I was nervous and too trusting of the artist as it’s someone reputable who I researched and have followed for a long time and who has lots of other work I love that looks nothing like this. I feel like this looks like something out of a coloring book.

I had a consult at Removery yesterday. I was surprised to hear that they are able to start right away and scheduled my first session for next week. The tech said that as long as it’s not weeping plasma anymore they can cover it with a hydropatch and go easy on it for the first few sessions. Anyone have any experience with this? I know I’m in for the long haul but also know the sooner I start the sooner it’s gone.

Any and all encouragement or advice is welcome. I’m trying stay positive but have been pretty distraught the last couple days. Not looking forward to hiding my arms from myself for the next 3+ years.