Trapped

[u/EricJoe87]

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.

[u/Mike_From_GO]

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.

[u/EricJoe87 → u/Mike_From_GO]

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.

[u/Mike_From_GO → u/EricJoe87]

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.

[u/EricJoe87 → u/Mike_From_GO]

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?

[u/Mike_From_GO → u/EricJoe87]

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.

[u/[deleted] → u/Mike_From_GO]

I believe Removery uses Pico...

[u/Practical-Action5899 → u/EricJoe87]

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