best option for laser removal?

[YOMONEY]

theres conflicting opinions on this, so i just gotta ask.. but what do you guys think- the expensive dermatologist with consultation fees, or the affordable "laser specialist" with good rates and and free consultations? or does it all just really depend?

- - - Updated - - -

also, this is the place im looking and have a consultation for on friday.. http://removal-ink.com/index.html

i dont know what to think about the multiple websites and pr releases they put out themselves on webpages where you can do such a thing (as seen on their facebook).. they have a video clip up, and a couple before and after pictures.. im really foreign to this whole laser thing..

[YOMONEY]

im also debating on a full sleeve removal, so im a little freaked out.. any advice anyone has at all on this subject is much appreciated.. thanks..

[Brock Varty]

im also debating on a full sleeve removal, so im a little freaked out.. any advice anyone has at all on this subject is much appreciated.. thanks..

My advice is: lasering hurts A LOT!

[cvportagee]

I did laser through a dermatologist/doctor office. I could not find any of the affordable laser specialist in my area. That being said it was very expensive, but the results were great. I had five sessions and the super black tribal was almost completeley gone. I also never blistered and have no other issues with the skin that was lasered. I am currentl in the process of covering it up and my artist has made many comments on how great the laser turned out. Not sure that helps.

In the end I think it all depends. Do your reserach as if you were going to get tattooed and you will more than likley find a good place to laser.Just be prepared for the pain. I would recommend lidocaine or some other topical numbing oinment. It sure helped me out.

[YOMONEY]

thanks, definantly helped me out.. im more about the experience of tattood people rather than ad's and dr's office info.. cant helpt to feel like everyones trying too hard to sell me something..

- - - Updated - - -

My advice is: lasering hurts A LOT!

ive heard.. gonna take it like a G..

[Joe Shit]

The first time i was lasered it was by a doctor.The four other tattoos were lasered by tattooers who were trained with the laser.The doctor charged more than double of what the tattooers charged.You should call some tattoo shops in your area,and ask if they know of a good laser technician.

I heard good things about Dallas Tattoo Removal

I was talking with this tattooer at a convention last year,and he said he got good results from this place in Houston. Houston Laser Tattoo Removal, tatremove.com, Remove Your Tattoos

[YOMONEY]

awsome, thanks.. thats probably the consensus, is that the artists themselves would be the best route.. i dont doubt that, but theres also some shady/bad artists out there.. nobody i know does it, and the only place i know of that supposedly does got shut down (reopened i think) for dealing in guns and other shit.. also, yeah, those places look great.. and all of the reputable places, but im unable to travel very far for this..

im also not in tx, but nm, and theres hardly any info on the local level.. i dont even know anybody locally whos had this done.. so i gotta go based off the experience of you guys and my gut feeling..

how was the treatment provided by your doctor? i know more expensive, but quality wise, compared to the tattoo artist removals?

money is def an issue, but more so, just want to find somebody who knows what theyre doing..

- - - Updated - - -

p.s. the full sleeve thing may be over time.. i may just concentrate on the lower sleeves first, maybe a coverup or two in fucked up post treatment looking areas..

a little off topic, but im wondering if these so-called "creams" really do serve any purpose afterall.. like, using them to rid the last traces of a tattoo that the laser couldnt get.. i even saw on another forum, some guy using them in conjuction with laser with good results (or the cream companies last attempt of tricking you into them being relevant).. but who knows, the good results may have came just from the laser.. how could you tell..

[Hogrider]

I've never done either but just remember, "if it sounds too good to be true, it is." Why would anyone go lazer if they could slop some goop on their tattoo and have it disappear? That just doesn't make sense.

Also, I wouldn't consider money when it comes to this. If you need to wait longer to get it done, it will likely be worth the wait. Just like a tattoo, get it done right the first time.

[Graeme]

There's a thread here on "tattoo removal creams" and the consensus is that they don't work. Pretty good amazon review of them in the thread though:

http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-removal-coverup/2568-tattoo-removal-cream.html

[ian]

aren't you in Texas? Go to this guy for the best results...

Dallas Tattoo Removal

- - - Updated - - -

I went to a dermatologist only because it was walking distance from my house, they had one of the best lasers on the market and the price was great.

I'm pretty happy with the results too, I'll post a few new pix in my thread right now...

[YOMONEY]

you guys are right about taking my time, treating it like a tattoo, etc.. thats my frame of mind/approach right now..

about the creams, i know theyre bs.. i was just wondering in conjuction with treatment, because ive heard that they can atleast "fade".. ill check out that topic though..

ian, i know, your progress pics were amazing.. im actually in new mexico, and closer to los angeles than i am to dallas.. both would be a bitch to get to and $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$..

but im left wondering what the factors are, or if there are several variables, not really what profession the person is whos doing it, but the skill of the tech. and equipment used, etc.. i know its gotta be the right combo.. ill research that..

- - - Updated - - -

and reviews on cremes.. those companies are notorious for going on message boards, articles, blogs, etc. and forming a story and claiming that it works.. fucking scam artists..

[Joe Shit]

im also not in tx, but nm, and theres hardly any info on the local level.. i dont even know anybody locally whos had this done.. so i gotta go based off the experience of you guys and my gut feeling.

how was the treatment provided by your doctor? i know more expensive, but quality wise, compared to the tattoo artist removals?

You should visit some shops and ask if they know a good place to go.That's how i found out about the tattooer who lightened my tattoos.I had a better experience from the tattooer.The doctor was arrogant,and he seemed like he didn't like tattoos.He rushed me in and out in like 10 minutes,and charged a lot more.I called some shops in NM,and one shop said they go to Dallas to Fade Fast,and the other guy said ClearWaves Medical Laser Group--Cosmetic Laser Treatments Albuquerque, NM

Some shops didn't answer the phone,so i would just visit and ask in person.Here's some shops to check out.

"We don't do piercings." Tick works here,and is a member on this forum

Blacklist-Tattoo Pows One does nice work

Electric Church Tattoo Parlour: Spread the Gospel Karel is real good.

http://mariesena.com/

FOUR STAR TATTOO

Welcome to Dawn Purnell.com

[YOMONEY]

cool, good call.. i just sent out some emails to some people..

[SStu]

There is a 'Rethink Your Ink' up in Denver.

[YOMONEY]

theres a derm nearby who uses the cynosure accolade.. is this the best on the market?

[bulldog]

If your trying to knock out colour then read the wikipdia here, if not any laser will knock black out, you get Ruby, Alexandrite and YAG.

Tattoo removal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

i today have just driven a 2hour round trip to go somewhere that has all 3 lasers. Went over it today with two lasers for each colour and then over the lot again with the yag to knock the black out, it hurt a bit..:p my arm is now blistered and twice the size it should be, oh the fun of laser. Before it was just a standard pass with a yag so i will report back if the results are noticeable better.

today was my 4th session, i reckon ill need 6 so the total will be about £700 with a year of laser plus a 6month rest before the cover up, you need to be motivated to do it.

edit; oh yea the guy i went today with all the gear had the blow air cooling thingy, that soothed and helped a lot.

[Napalm Pancakes]

The removal place I go to uses the Astanza Trinity Laser and I've been happy so far. They also use the machine that blows the freezing air.

[YOMONEY]

If your trying to knock out colour then read the wikipdia here, if not any laser will knock black out, you get Ruby, Alexandrite and YAG.

Tattoo removal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

i today have just driven a 2hour round trip to go somewhere that has all 3 lasers. Went over it today with two lasers for each colour and then over the lot again with the yag to knock the black out, it hurt a bit..:p my arm is now blistered and twice the size it should be, oh the fun of laser. Before it was just a standard pass with a yag so i will report back if the results are noticeable better.

today was my 4th session, i reckon ill need 6 so the total will be about £700 with a year of laser plus a 6month rest before the cover up, you need to be motivated to do it.

edit; oh yea the guy i went today with all the gear had the blow air cooling thingy, that soothed and helped a lot.

thanks! that was a helpful read, now i think i understand this shit..

- - - Updated - - -

does anyone know anything about astanza revolution laser? this good to knock out some black ink? going to a consultation tomorrow with a guy who uses one..

[Dan S]

Phuquet-put more ink over it and the hell with removal! Think a little longer before the next time ya hit the parlor.

[bulldog]

@Mike Panic nice to have a laser guy posting here

Couple of questions if you don't mind.

Reason i hunted down a ruby is other laser operators have said its the only laser that will fade green and the wiki page i have read also confirms this. I have had 3 yag laser sessions on a 22year old already faded tattoo and the black has say 60% faded but the green, purple and blue has remained unchanged. But you say the yag can do all the colours? like i said above i can report back with experience of a ruby laser in 6 weeks time.

What aftercare do you recomend? at the moment i have some pretty big blisters so i'm just leaving all alone and letting my body sort it out. On my second laser i blistered which has left some small marks i hope will fade over time.

Also how long do you recomend between the last laser and the cover up?

@Dan S i'm nearly there for a cover up but i'm now on a mission to fade them as much as possible so i have minimal compromise. I put no thought into the old tattoos i'm lasering, i was 16 and just wanted a tattoo, didnt really care what or how good they where...! If they wasn't on my forearm i would of covered them with a purple rose of something by now.

[cloudstrife930]

do you know if laser is supposed to cut skin a little bit >

[Napalm Pancakes]

I've had four laser treatments and I have pinpoint bleeding that scabs up and heals fine. I wouldn't call it cutting but puncturing.

[Mike Panic]

@Mike Panic nice to have a laser guy posting here

Couple of questions if you don't mind.

Reason i hunted down a ruby is other laser operators have said its the only laser that will fade green and the wiki page i have read also confirms this. I have had 3 yag laser sessions on a 22year old already faded tattoo and the black has say 60% faded but the green, purple and blue has remained unchanged. But you say the yag can do all the colours? like i said above i can report back with experience of a ruby laser in 6 weeks time.

A Q-Switched YAG laser has the ability to operate at different wavelengths with different components on the actual hand-piece. Blue, green, teal and yellow do require special attention, and can take longer, but yes, it can all be removed.

I'd venture to say that 3 treatments isn't enough to really gauge, most full removals can take a minimum of 10 treatments, perhaps longer.

What aftercare do you recomend? at the moment i have some pretty big blisters so i'm just leaving all alone and letting my body sort it out. On my second laser i blistered which has left some small marks i hope will fade over time.

Avoid showers or water for at least 8 hours after treatment, we also suggest leaving the skin exposed for at least an hour, to help dissipate heat, unless there is pinpoint bleeding. Drink lots of water, having laser treatments will dehydrate you. We suggest Aquaphor applied liberally for a minimum of 2-3 weeks, washing with warm soap and water and patting dry. If the treated area is somewhere that will come in contact with clothing or a high wear area, say your lower back, wrap in plastic wrap after applying Aquaphor.

For blisters, which should be somewhat rare, do not pop. Keep applying Aquaphor, drink water and they should heal on their own. If you get any scabs, that means you aren't hydrated enough and aren't using enough Aquaphor. In any event, never, ever pick at scabs if they do form. If you have an itch, lightly smacking the area will help. Again, itching indicates the skin isn't hydrated enough.

Also how long do you recomend between the last laser and the cover up?

4-6 weeks, but everyone is different. At 6 weeks you may still not be ready for another treatment, every person is different. You'll also see more fading the longer you wait. For the cover up, I'd suggest 8-12 weeks between your last laser treatment and your first tattoo session.

- - - Updated - - -

do you know if laser is supposed to cut skin a little bit >

No, the laser does not "cut" skin - however pinpoint bleeding is always a possibility. The laser operates on wavelengths of light that target the pigment in your skin.

- - - Updated - - -

I've had four laser treatments and I have pinpoint bleeding that scabs up and heals fine. I wouldn't call it cutting but puncturing.

To help avoid those scabs, keep a thick coating of Aquaphor on your treated area for 2-3 weeks, wrap in plastic wrap for sleeping and if clothing will be rubbing against the area.

[bulldog]

Thanks for the answers @Mike Panic, but i meant how long to leave the last laser before covering the faded tattoo with a new tattoo, how long for the skin to settle to take the new ink?

[Mike Panic]

Thanks for the answers @Mike Panic, but i meant how long to leave the last laser before covering the faded tattoo with a new tattoo, how long for the skin to settle to take the new ink?

Honestly, the longer you can wait the better. Your body's immune system will continue to dispose of the pigment for up to 6 months, but a "best case" scenario would be 8-12 weeks after your last laser treatment you should be good for fresh tattoos. Keep in mind, you want the skin's surface to be totally healed, but just because that is doesn't mean everything under it is too. If you have doubts, talk with both your laser operator and your tattoo artist.