My Laser Tattoo Removal Journey
My laser tattoo removal journey with SKYN®. Why I got it, how it feels, how it heals and progress after two sessions.
Getting your partner’s name tattooed on you – aka the kiss of death. I thought I had beaten the system, vying for the safest option. My tattoo was in a hidden location – my upper thigh. I also swerved the use of their name, using my boyfriend’s logo (he was a musician). I deduced that no matter the future outcome of our relationship, it would be out of sight and I could live with a weird little worm (see pictures).
Spoiler alert: we broke up, and it was messy. While it may not be his name, unfortunately, the image is a daily reminder of a person I don’t want to think about, ever, permanently on my body.
My strong advice would be to avoid getting someone tattooed on yourself, no matter how you feel toward them. Don’t just take it from me – a UK poll in 2018 showed tattooed names was the number one tattoo regret (unsurprisingly). Closely followed by tribal designs and Asian characters.
However, if it’s too late, there is a solution. Laser tattoo removal. SKYN® use the Lutronic Spectra Q-Switched Laser – one of the most effective laser machines on the market. (Read more here). It’s a little painful, but the results are worth it.
I am two sessions deep and I am elated to finally see my ex fading from my life.
The First Session
I was nervous going into my first session. I had been warned that it can be painful, and I’m sure I have a fairly low pain threshold. On top of that, I was told it would be approximately nine sessions until complete removal. Could I handle the process nine times?
The nurse, who was incredibly kind, covered the area with numbing cream. After about 15 minutes I took a deep breath, put on my safety glasses and was ready to go.
I won’t lie, it wasn’t comfortable. I have read the process being likened to being continuously flicked with a rubber band and yes, that’s exactly what it feels like. However, I found it manageable, and it was over in about 15 minutes or less. Anyone that’s had a tattoo knows they aren’t particularly comfortable either, and nowhere near as speedy.
The laser itself is gratifying to watch. The ink pigments absorb and chemically react with the emitted light, causing a white frosting.
Before laser tattoo removal with the Lutronic Spectra Q-Switched Laser
The Healing Process
The day after removal, the tattoo was very red and sore to touch, similar to a sunburn. There were moments of soreness and itchiness, but nothing too dramatic. Don’t be alarmed at redness, blistering or scabbing. Two weeks after the first session, the tattoo was looking a little dry, but on the way to recovery.
One day after Laser Tattoo Removal with Spectra Q-Switched Laser
Two weeks after Laser Tattoo Removal with Spectra Q-Switched Laser
*After roughly eight weeks I can confidently say the tattoo removal was entirely healed and already I was seeing noticeable fading. I tried to keep the area clean, away from the sunlight, moisturised (later in the process) and breathing. If you want to speed the process along, SKYN offers the Healite II™. This can be used in conjunction with laser treatments, increasing blood flow to the tissue, and therefore assisting wound healing.
*The healing process may be faster for other clients as I have an autoimmune disease which affects my body’s ability to heal.
The Second Session
The second session fared similarly to the first in terms of the session and the healing process. It felt a little more sensitive than the first time, however, this is where there has been a vast improvement. It’s important to note that my removal journey has also been a little bit different.
I have opted to guinea pig a technique where half of the tattoo has been treated with the Erbium Yag Laser, prior to using the Spectra Q-Switch. Basically, this pokes little holes in to let gas escape, which should be more effective. The other half of the tattoo has only been treated with Spectra Q-Switched.
After the first session, I hadn’t noticed a huge difference between the halves, but now I can see portions of the tattoo that has dropped (almost entirely) where the Erbium Yag Laser technique was used. In saying that, I’m stunned by how well the only Q-Switched laser area of the tattoo removal application has developed.
Above the line: Combination Erbium Yag Laser and Spectra Q-Switch
Below the line: Spectra Q-Switch Laser only. See the lines of the eyes!
I can happily report that I will be continuing this journey. I am unphased by the discomfort and based on how well the tattoo has taken to the treatments so far, I am convinced it will be much less than nine sessions!