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Helena

Veteran

Hi friends, just sharing a decision that I've finally come to - I am getting my tattoo removed! I got it impulsively when I was 20; now I'm removing it just as impulsively at 48 lol (actually not that impulsive ... I've been thinking about it for years but have been too scared). For some reason, I don't want to turn 50 with this bad 90s tat lol

First appointment is tomorrow - I am petrified but the reviews for the clinic say the pain management is excellent, between blasting the area with cold air and using topical anesthetics ... and because it's old and the colour is black, it is *likely* to be relatively easy to remove without an excessive number of sessions ... please pray for me

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28 replies

Latest reply was from Helena

Anonymous

Oooh, good luck. Do they laser it off? It’s a cool design, but it sounds like you’re ready for a change, so off it comes!

Helena

Veteran

Xtabay, yes laser treatment ... I have a friend who had one done years ago and he said it hurt worse than the tattoo! (at which I nearly fainted lol) ... but his was much bigger, much newer, and I'm hoping the pain management technology has improved since then

I do like the design, but it's an awkward placement (inside of my right lower calf) and a bit big for my taste. It can't really be covered during warm weather so I don't have any options during the warm season. I would rather wear it in the form of a Celtic-design pendant rather than ink, I think

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

You’ve gone through childbirth since then! I predict you’ll come out of this alive

Sal

Veteran

Good luck Helena !

Anonymous

It would make a beautiful pendant, that’s a great idea. Hope all goes well, and keep us posted!

Anonymous

Best wishes with the removal! My son just got his second tattoo. Although I struggle with his new interest in body art, this one is very touching because it is a tribute to our family dog. Thinking of you and keep us in the loop

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Best of luck! Keep us posted, and hang in there! I know you will soldier through with style

rachylou

Veteran

Good luck! Had no idea that you had a tattoo!

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Wishing you good luck and good pain management.

CarolS

Veteran

Good luck!

Anonymous

Praying for you. I remember an old Tonight show on which Cher was constantly fiddling with a sweared while performing. When asked why, she responded that she was in the process of having a tattoo removed from her upper arm and did not want it to show.

anchie

Veteran

I just had a similar laser procedure on my face about 2 weeks ago, to remove deep acne scars. There were some pain, but it was manageable, it was like a pricking feeling, worst to me was smell of burned skin. Cold packs helped afterwards for the swelling, and wound cream 3 times per day. Over next 2 days big crast developed, and it fell off after a week. I still have some redness but I can cover it with make up. There were also lot of itching, and skin still feels little sensitive to the touch. I have at least two more sessions to go.
Good luck with your procedure, if you feel like covering it in summer, it is better to be removed.

Bijou

Veteran

Goodluck! I know Victoria Beckham has had most of her tattoos removed, so it must be bearable, as much like childbirth you would not go back again unless the reward outweighed the pain.

RobinF

Veteran

Good luck! I bet you'll do fine. Like others, I quite like the design of it but if you're ready to let it go then it's time!

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you!Just keep focusing on the end result and you will be fine.Good luck.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Oh, my goodness. You are brave! It sounds reasonable to expect the procedure has improved over the years, though! Good luck.

Style Fan

Veteran

I hope it goes smoothly. The design is beautiful.

Helena

Veteran

Thank you so much everyone ... Sorry I disappeared there! Session 1, which was 3 treatments spaced 10 minutes or so apart, is complete and I lived to tell the tale (barely, ha!) Now for my immune system to start it's work in clearing out the ink that's been broken down. No going back now! Appreciate all the kind words and thanks for the tips Anchie! Xoxo

Sally

Veteran

I had a flat mate who was covered in tattoos (he’d been in the navy) but he wanted to change into a career where tattoos were not accepted. This was about 30 years ago. He had them all removed. I don’t think he was in too much pain. Just a lengthy process because he had so many

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Wow, late to this but good luck! My eldest stepson and I are the only ones in the family with no ink. I’ve just never gotten the urge, and I’m not exactly the bravest when it comes to pain. My husband has amazing tattoos by a well-known artist (see pic below) — it is such a commitment! I like your design too, but I totally understand when something doesn’t feel right for you anymore.

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Helena

Veteran

Wow Janet an artist indeed!!

I have absolutely no shade for tattoos ... I think they can be beautiful forma of fashion, art and self expression! It is just time to move on from mine. I'm actually surprised that my kids were rather disappointed in my decision! (But supportive). Thanks for all the encouragement xoxo

Helena

Veteran

Nikki, what a sweet tattoo idea. I don't regret at all getting my tattoo ... It was a genuine expression of who I was at the time, a young person prone to fear, experimenting with some boldness, which was a crucial step in becoming a confident adult! I wouldn't change who I am now so I wouldn't change what I did then.

My daughter has already informed me she'll be getting her first tattoo when she comes of age. Maybe not my first choice but like you I'll be supportive and find the good in it xx

RobinF

Veteran

Haha, my daughter got her first one on her 18th birthday. Not that I was particularly against it (I have one now myself) but I wanted her to be old enough to make the decision without a parent's consent. She now has quite a few...

Laurie

Veteran

I wonder if there will be a massive demand for tattoo removal in 20 or so years from those of our kids' generation who have inked so up so dramatically, at such young ages. Got to be a ton of regret coming down the pike, especially when the real estate starts shifting with age.

I see a dermatologist who does tattoo removal and he assures me that they are a heck of a lot more painful coming off than going on!

Good luck, and hope it's not horribly painful - keep us posted on your progress!

Anonymous

Hope it's not too painful to remove, though I do like the tattoo.
I've been wanting to get mine redone, cause it's faded so much!

Helena

Veteran

Thank you so much everyone! xx Healing up well and I'm doing every immune-boosing activity I can think of to speed this along ha!

I will definitely be getting the topical anaesthetic for my next appt

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Hi Helena,
I also have a tat on my left shoulder and would love to remove it. Just like, it was in my mid-20s and did it as a rebellious thing (I was a late bloomer). While its a simple sun, I'm hoping the process won't take too long.

Helena

Veteran

Citygirldc, good luck with the process - I think shoulders go better than legs/ankles from what I understand ... closer to the heart means the blood can clear the ink faster. Hopefully it will clear quickly!