Bec’s Tattoo Removal Journey

My First Attempt at Tattoo Removal

I first underwent laser tattoo removal in 2007. At that time, the technology was not as advanced, and with only my little LG flip phone and no smartphone at hand, I couldn't easily search the web, read Google reviews, or conduct thorough research. I visited a clinic in London that, in hindsight, was probably not the best choice. I had just one session, which resulted in severe blistering and significant bleeding.

It's important to note that while small blisters are normal and can heal well with proper aftercare, extremely large blisters are not typical. If you experience large blisters, you should inform your tattoo removal technician immediately, as it likely indicates that the settings were too high.

The in-between phase and cover -ups… oh dear!

I made up my mind—I hated the design of my tattoos. After the initial laser session, I felt like I had no other option but to get a cover-up. Unfortunately, this turned out to be a bad idea. In 2009 I ended up getting a much larger and darker tattoo to conceal the old one, which I disliked just as much if not more! Removing a cover-up is always more challenging, as it's ink upon ink. Additionally, my dream catcher tattoo was made much darker and retouched several times. Now, I'm paying the price for both of these decisions.

Deciding to Commit in 2023

Fast forward to the start of 2023, and I decided it was time to commit to removing the tattoos I no longer wanted. The technology was ready, I was ready, and they weren't going anywhere unless I took action. So, let's go! I'm having some large tattoos removed from both sides of my rib area. Both are lasered in one session since one side, the classic dream catcher, has quite a bit of negative space. My ink is so dark and deep, so I knew it would take 10-15 sessions to remove. So far, I have had seven treatments and will probably need at least another five to seven.

There are parts of the tattoos I'm keeping, which is why they are not faded. The writing around the dream catcher is sentimental to me, so it's staying. On the other side of my ribs, the lower rose and back wing are also staying. The fairy above my bikini line will take longer to remove because it has been covered up and edited multiple times, making the ink layers very heavy.

Managing the Pain During Tattoo Removal

Let's talk about the pain involved in tattoo removal. Getting my ribs tattooed in the first place was incredibly painful and felt like it took forever—a constant drilling of the tattoo gun for hours on end! If only we had a time machine. However, I've found a way to manage the tattoo removal process for myself. I put in my music, which helps me avoid hearing the laser and allows me to imagine I'm lying on a beach in the Caribbean. Occasionally, it feels like a bee sting, but I quickly get over it until the next one! I prefer not to take breaks and just get it done, and within 10 minutes, the entire process is over.

Yes, it's painful, but not enough to stop me from doing it. It's not a day at the spa, but if you want your tattoos removed, there will be some discomfort involved, just like when they were applied. However, I must say, especially for such a large area and a sensitive spot with almost no padding underneath, I could never do the tattoo removal without numbing cream. It makes such a massive difference. In some areas, after imagining my fake Caribbean beach for a while, there are spots where I genuinely can't feel the laser at all.

Frustration with Slow Progress

Frustration—I know it well. After more than a year of laser tattoo removal, I often look at my tattoos and wonder if they will ever fully disappear. How are they still there? Why is it taking so long? It sometimes feels like they haven't changed at all.

The truth is, they have changed and faded significantly. It's just that because I see them every day and want them gone immediately, I quickly forget how dark they used to be.

From Experience to Tattoo Removal Clinic Owner & Expert

After becoming so obsessed with the tattoo removal process, the facts, the technology, I found it fascinating that something once considered permanent by our mothers is now fully removable. Naturally, it made sense for me to set up my own tattoo removal clinic. By investing in the best technology available, I can provide people with the knowledge they need before considering tattoo removal and offer them a service that truly understands their journey.

The Importance of Research and Aftercare

Researching technology is more important than people realise. Aftercare is extremely crucial for your tattoo removal process:

• Healthy eating and lifestyle

• Exercise

• Plenty of water and minimal alcohol 

• A good night's sleep 

• Ladies if you on your time of the month laser will be much more sensitive, trust me!

But most of all be patient, all Instagrams, TikToks, YouTubes, social media basically will show you the results you want to see (we also do the same) this is a platform for marketing but what you don’t see most of the time is people who don’t have outstanding results every time, this is actually more common as there are so many different factors for your removal.

• Location 

• Age 

• Colours 

• Skin type (this matters for the laser technician, if you are a darker skin tone then the laser can not be used as aggressive meaning more sessions) 

• Density/depth

I can’t stress enough that tattoo removal is a journey, it's a process and I know from my own journey that it’s so hard to remember this.

I won't give up, I haven't got this far to not get the results I came here for, when I look back at where I started and  where I am now - today I’m so close. 

See you on the other side peeps! 

Bec x