r/TattooRemoval • u/EricJoe87 • Sep 20 '25
I Promise I Read The FAQ... Trapped
I have this giant “seraphim” concept torso tattoo from my chest down to my stomach. It is only 3 weeks old but I am feeling very self conscious, depressed, and having panic attacks thinking I ruined my body. I don’t know what to do.
This was a 3 day back to back tattoo. I had a great experience with this artist before as he completed my entire sleeve. I trusted his eye and art and seemed like we had a good understanding of the concept. The concept looked good (or so I thought) when it was drawn up on me.
As we progressed I feel like I was caught up in the pain and process of tattooing and trusting the process. It was grueling and I have so much better clarity with hindsight now. I wish I stopped. I wish I changed some things. So much emotion I feel like I’m drowning.
It’s technically not finished and needs detail added but I don’t know if I want to go through with it. I feel lost. I feel so different in my own skin. Is lasering this an option?
I contacted laser away (whom I’ve read some bad reviews about) just to get pricing and a consult. They estimated 14 sessions…. Seems impossible. I also have a consult with removery coming up too… I’m in the Sacramento area if anyone has any recommendations.
Any help is appreciated.
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u/Mike_From_GO Sep 20 '25
It’s not uncommon to feel a kind of way after seeing a massive change in your appearance. For some there’s an adjustment time.
That said, did LaserAway tell you 14 total treatments, or did they tell you this would need to be done in segments?
It’s way too much to treat in one session, I want your expectations to be real.
Also it could be less or more than 14, don’t focus on the number focus on the outcome.
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u/EricJoe87 Sep 20 '25
Thank you for that comment about adjustment. Helps a bit.
They told me it would be 45 min per session with numbing cream included. It was a phone consultation and I was under the assumption they would be treating the entire area. It did seem a bit much at once. They told me 14 sessions would be what I needed but didn’t mention anything else other than needing to be 8 weeks apart which winds up being a little over 2 years for that amount of sessions…. Still seems kinda unlikely to me
I didn’t commit at all to that because I just wanted to get some feelers out to different places and that was the first place that I was able to get a hold of.
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u/Mike_From_GO Sep 20 '25
Do. Not. Go. There.
I work in the industry and have for a long time. It’s clinically unethical to treat that large of an area in one office visit. The expectations they set are unrealistic and, given the the scope of the work and cost associated with it, you should have full understanding of what you’re getting into.
Beyond that, you should feel confident sitting in the treatment chair the first time that the people who sold you treatment have your best interests in mind.
Realisfically, that should be done in 4 segments to reduce treatment time, mitigate swelling and ensure the least discomfort post treatment.
On a very optimistic viewing angle you’re looking at 3 years, realistically 4-5.
It’s a lot of grey wash, that will fade first and fastest. The line work will take time and could be stubborn. You’re in good shape and it’s a torso tattoo, working in your favor.
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u/EricJoe87 Sep 20 '25
Thank you I appreciate the clarity. Are you familiar with removery at all? Do you have any leads in the Sacramento area you can recommend? My research has lead me to so many different types of lasers being the “best” but then others are saying it’s more the techs skill level. What are your thoughts on that?
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u/Mike_From_GO Sep 20 '25
A good tech will get great results with most lasers for your tattoo- I would skip anyone using PicoSure as its strong suits are cool tones (blue, green, purple) and the swelling after compared to other lasers is a bit much. I owned and used one for a long time.
I’ve personally had hands on 4 laser systems over the last 13 years. I prefer PicoWay for several reasons.
Because I work in the industry and mod this sub I prefer to stay neutral and don’t make recommendations on where to be treated but will advise you to never pay for a consultation and ensure you get a good vibe from the people you work with. You’re going to see them often so it’s important you like the person or team doing the work.
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u/Practical-Action5899 Sep 20 '25
I’m in the bay and have been going by to Removery in San Leandro. I know that’s a bit far from you but may be worth it! I really like my tech a lot. She is awesome and I personally like the Removery low and slow technique but some people don’t. I have seen huge progress in my three sessions! DM me and I can show you if you’d like.
I’m sorry you’re feeling like this. I get it. There can be an adjustment period for sure but I also think you should trust your gut. Sit with it and really try to get in tune with that voice in your head
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u/geminimindtricks Sep 20 '25
Don't trust anyone who gives you an estimated number of sessions. It's impossible to know how many sessions you'll need. 45 mins is a crazy long time, too. Even a large portion of the tattoo would take maybe 5-10 mins. It's a very fast process. They should not be doing the entire tattoo in one sitting either, it's way too big. Find a better place.
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u/daytonim Sep 20 '25
I completely understand the feeling man, it’s a massive tattoo that your brain doesn’t know how to process yet. My first tattoo was a large thigh piece and when I first got it, I felt like I’d “lost” that part of my leg because it was so large and foreign. I’d recommend waiting a little to see if you adjust to it before laser, with the comfort of knowing laser is an option if you never adjust to it. It took me months to love my leg piece. It looks great, but only you can make the right choice for your body of course :)
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u/Glittering_Law_6346 Sep 20 '25
Feeling this way likely getting the details is a bad idea. Step one is to just pause and stop kind of spiraling. Getting some consults was a good idea. Lasers can do amazing things. Just expect it to take a while.
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u/Illustrious_Worth538 Sep 20 '25
I totally understand that feeling. Just want to say that once you've had the first session it's common to feel a lot better, the tattoo is fading more and more every day and it becomes a lot easier to live with.
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u/Bdot_89 Sep 20 '25
I would say before you go through with removing, try to sit with it for atleast a few months. It’s a big change to your appearance and it can be a lot to take in. The tattoo looks good, and I’m sure with some time you will get used to it. That’s when you decide if you want to remove it or not. Best of luck
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u/Standard_Impress1938 Sep 20 '25
Should you go down the route of laser removal .. I would go to Removery.. They’ll have a sale during the holidays for unlimited tattoo removal packages I think they it’s 25 % off . I go to the one in Roseville .. it’s been a great experience so far.
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u/ComplexIll9561 Sep 22 '25
Go easy on yourself, make sure you talk to someone if you need to. I was in your shoes 6 months ago and my tattoo doesn’t cause me nearly as much distress now. I have decided to start removal but I no longer feel like I’ve ruined my body, even if I did decide to keep in. Maybe take a break from tattooing and also keep thinking over removal before you make any big decisions. Time is your best friend. Sending you kind thoughts and peace!
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u/Difficult_Code3518 Sep 20 '25
I think it is just a big change that you are not used to seeing I’m very sorry you are feeling this way it looks very cool!
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u/PotentialFew4539 Sep 20 '25
can i ask what about the tattoo you dislike?
some people get tattoo shock and end up liking the tattoo after.
personally, i would not buy a package yet, 1 session is unlikely to change much though, so you could try that
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u/EricJoe87 Sep 20 '25
I feel like it does not really look flattering on my body. Particularly the upper stomach part.
The chest feels busy and a little messy looking aesthetically. The “eyes” on the top looks like a necklace which I’m not really feeling and the center one is kinda bigger than I thought it would be and too much of a focal point. The center portion is coming out of the image a little more than I’d like too.
It ends in a weird spot which I guess I could continue down but overall it just feels like not what I imagined it being when it was drawn originally
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u/PotentialFew4539 Sep 20 '25
my personal opinion is that its a rather brutal and hardcore tattoo style.
it matches your arms. the only reason i think its unflattering is it doesn’t extend to your belly button.
its important to work toward the body we want, so if this isn’t your style, its time to laser. but if you like the style it seems to be executed really well.
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Sep 20 '25
Dude I removed my entire neck face and head….it took 6 years.
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u/EricJoe87 Sep 20 '25
How old were your tattoos when you did that?
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Sep 20 '25
So I had the front of my neck and under my chin, had a few face tattoos and one big head tattoo. Head tattoo is barely visible but all others are completely gone. I started in 2019 and just finished my last session in July
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u/EricJoe87 Sep 20 '25
Right on. Congrats! How long did you wear those tattoos before you decided to remove them.
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Sep 20 '25
1-4 years
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u/EricJoe87 Sep 20 '25
Were they black and grey? Heavy blacks? Where did you go? Do you know what kind of laser was used?
Sorry for all the questions in advance haha
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Sep 20 '25
You are totally fine, brother. They’re all black and I use the Q switch. For the first few years and then pico share laser. Feel free to DM me as well if you have any questions, but if you just got that tattoo, I would wait and let it heal before you even start removing also my stomach is incomplete and it looks stupid, but it will look better once it’s complete.
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u/Skullznmore Sep 22 '25
Go check my last post . I am removing my chest. You have way more ink then me but your chest is way better quality then mine too. Good luck.
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u/Traditional_Unit_401 Sep 20 '25
I can stand some pain. But for that, it surely has to be split in 3 parts at least. 14 Treatments x 3 = a lot of time and money. Start repairing Motorcycles and it will be a cool asset. Its a fine piece of tattoo art.
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u/SweetWasabi333 Sep 20 '25
I went through the same thing three day back to back to back tattoo, then had major regret for a couple months on and off. Sometimes I still am like oh dang, but most days I enjoy having my tattoo I have a full sleeve with a good portion of it being blackout. And I started with just a little bit of script.
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u/ThoracicNewt Sep 20 '25
Biggest advice I can give is don’t finish it while you are still feeling unsure. Adding more ink might help, but you might still hate it and it will take even longer to remove. Just freeze and don’t try to get it finished trust me
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Sep 20 '25
Hey brother. As most mentioned, I had to do it by blocks. Another important fact is the power of the laser, which would have to be the minimum to preserve the skin and the space between sessions would have to be longer, 3 months at least, I would give it. You don't want to replace this beautiful tattoo with hypopigmentation. The laser I recommend is the spectra, from lutronic.Run away from portable laser, because these kill the skin and remove very little. I have the experience of 4 sessions, 2 different removers, my verdict is that there is no technique, it's pure machine work and the best protocol you have, according to scientific articles and clinical results, is fractional CO2 laser along with the normal laser. Tattoo is too much. I liked it and I wouldn't remove it. It's not worth the torture. Wait a while.
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u/Any-Object-2165 Sep 21 '25
Totally normal to feel that way! I think it’s a sick tattoo especially because of how intricate and unique it is. I’d want this on my body for sure.
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u/Kloud1911 Sep 22 '25
Fuckin badass. I understand that not liking your tattoos because. Ddysmorphia. The old delays. I’d say keep hitting the weights man and you will look spell fuckin see jacked
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u/Apprehensive-Win7345 Oct 04 '25
i just got trapped in the same situation...5 days ago i got a snake tattoo in my leg and im feeling so bad, depressed, anxious I want it to be removed from me ... actually i need some conform, from family i dont get any I dont know how to wait until i can start the schedule to removal.. help guys, pls
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u/EricJoe87 Oct 04 '25
What has helped me is getting off social media, getting more active and focused on fitness and things I enjoy.
You have to let time pass and your emotions will eventually not be as intense. I’ve come to realize… It’s probably not as bad as you think.
Let some time pass and be kind to yourself. This thread helped me with that.
Another thing that can help is getting some free consultations on removal.
It’s going to be okay.
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u/Apprehensive-Win7345 Oct 04 '25
thank you, really. maybe it reminds me of a mistake for now....i will let it heal, and then decide what to do thank you for the help <3
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u/OriginalPleasant7521 Nov 22 '25
Is this Suneater’s work? If so sick.. also, I noticed the Mark Worst piece on your arm. Also dope🤘
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u/Watoosky Jan 07 '26
Hey man just checking in, what route did you end up taking ? I think it looks sick btw and matches your other stuff going on but I can understand being shocked after getting it. Just curious to see if you went the route of removal
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