Back in my mid 20's I got a black tribal art rose tattooed on the lower part of my left leg. At that time, the location of the tattoo never really crossed my mind. It just seemed like a cool and rebellious thing to do. I really didn't think about the design too much. I knew that I loved roses and the color black, so I chose a black tribal art rose. The original stencil had a red rose, but at that time, I wasn't a fan of colored tattoo's.
Fast forward twenty years later. I decided that the location of this tattoo hadn't been one of my better choices. I'm older, wiser and have realized that we all make bad choices sometimes in our lives. Mine happened to be visible, permanent and in black ink. Also, in the career that I have, tattoo's often have a negative vibe and are frowned upon bu some. Personally, I love tattoos and actually have another one. ( That one is not visible; it's also very personal and does have a lot of meaning. )
I decided to get the tattoo removed about two years ago. Picosure was the newest tattoo removal and the reviews seemed to have good results. The following paragraph was taken from Carolina Laser and Cosmetic Center, the link will follow: Picsure uses the latest technology to remove ink colors and brown spots by delivering ultra-short picosecond pulses of energy in to the skin. These pulses create a photo-mechanical effect, or pressure wave, that targets ink and brown spots while avoiding unmarked tissue. Pressure Wave shatters the ink and brown spots in to tiny, dust-like particles which are easily eliminated by the body. This results in clearer skin with fewer treatments without injuring the skin. Sourced: http://www.carolinalaser.com/index.html
The procedure is costly compared to the coupple of hundred bucks that I spent to have the tattoo put on. Pricing of removal is determined by size and has cost me 1,800 dollars just for my small tattoo. Also, at that time in which I started, there were only two places in our state that offered 0% financing as long as it was paid for in a year. This was a big decision for me, not only the expense, but the time and distance to have the procedure done. I drive three hours each way for this ten minute procedure.
Almost two years in to the removal process and it has drastically faded. I wish I had a picture of the tattoo prior to beginning treatment. After two more sessions, I will take a little break, get a tan and let my leg heal for a while. Sun an laser treatments don't work too well together, so I have been pasty white for way too long!
I will start again with the removal process in the fall and hopefully by spring, my little flower will be gone. High hopes and fingers crossed!
For others wanting a new tattoo, please remember it is all about placement and you will be stuck with it unless you want to go through what I am at the moment. I will chalk this up as a lesson learned.
