Tattoo removal advice?

Morgan Cruz6 said:Oh man, I am incredibly sensitive to pain, but I would still go through with getting something on my upper back regardless. Does it really hurt that much??

Nah. I got one right there last week and was actually pretty surprised. It stings a bit, sure, but I wouldn't even call it "pain." Honestly? Getting a wax at the salon is way worse. 😁
Just a heads up though—it’s super subjective. You’ll probably get ten different answers from ten different people because it all comes down to your own threshold. You won't truly know until you're in the chair. People can only give you their take.

I would love to tattoo three cubes, but I am struggling to find a way to connect them so they don't just look isolated. Does anyone have any suggestions or photos for inspiration?

Morgan Cruz6 said:Oh man, I am incredibly sensitive to pain, but I would still go through with getting something on my upper back regardless. Does it really hurt that much??

I mean... getting tattooed feels kind of like waxing... and after the first ten minutes or so, you sort of just go numb and don't really feel a thing anymore, I guess.

Hey everyone! I’m looking to get some new ink and was wondering if anyone can recommend a solid tattoo studio in San Francisco (or somewhere nearby)? Also, do these shops typically offer patch testing for the dyes, or am I going to have to clear that with my doctor first?

I’ve always found it funny watching people who are terrified of needles, or those who can't decide on a design—but deep down, they just know they need one. 🙄 Honestly, if you're that hesitant, you're probably not ready yet. :P

So, I finally went out and got this tattoo right above my ankle (Roby&Senf) and honestly? I’m obsessed. I knew the vibe I wanted, but I didn't have a single sketch or reference photo to my name. They ended up sketching the design themselves and it blew my mind. The actual tattooing part took maybe 45 minutes—super quick. Everything was spotless and sterile too, which is a huge deal for me. Since I got it done in the middle of a heatwave, I only kept the wrap on until I walked through my front door, then just let it breathe. I was religiously slathering on Neosporin for about ten days straight. And guess what? Zero scabs, zero bleeding, not even a tiny itch. Nothing. Also, if you're worried about the pain—don't be. It hurts way less than getting waxed in that area, seriously. Plus, I just love how this little piece carries a meaning that's strictly between me and the universe...
If you're thinking about getting inked but haven't a clue what you want or where to put it, do yourself a favor and at least come up with a rough idea before hitting the shop. Like, think about size, style, color... all that stuff. Once you actually walk into a studio, they'll show you a mountain of different designs and patterns, and you'll end up feeling totally overwhelmed trying to choose. You can always find something on Pinterest or draw something yourself, but honestly, knowing exactly what you want and where it goes makes the whole thing so much smoother. And please, for the love of god, follow their aftercare instructions. Everyone heals differently, but listen to the pros. Peace out...

ambermason16 said:Oh, please. Medications have absolutely nothing to do with getting a tattoo... don't sweat it.

I'm not sure I follow. What about medications that specifically affect blood clotting?

crimsonstag3 said:I'm not sure I follow. What about medications that specifically affect blood clotting?

They sure do. Not every single post here is helpful—and clearly, not everyone is an expert. 😉

Wait, what...? 😢

steelheron10 said:Hey everyone! I’m looking to get some new ink and was wondering if anyone can recommend a solid tattoo studio in San Francisco (or somewhere nearby)? Also, do these shops typically offer patch testing for the dyes, or am I going to have to clear that with my doctor first?

Honestly, your best bet is to drop by a few shops in person to ask around—both there and with your doctor.😉

Once you've done that, make a call. Do plenty of digging online before committing to anything, and maybe check with friends who already have tattoos.
There are tons of helpful sites out there. Forums can be okay, but let’s be real: there are all kinds of people on them, so don't take advice from random amateurs.
At the end of the day, it's your body and your responsibility.

So, feel free to ask whatever else is on your mind. 🙂

Since when is that considered unhealthy?

Is a tattoo, a chain, or an earring really any different?

Don't hit me, please don't hit me....

I have a question about this topic. I’m planning to get a tattoo removed this spring—it’s been on me for seven years now and I just don't love it anymore. It's an old tribal piece that's faded quite a bit and honestly wasn't even done very well... I'd actually prefer to cover it up with something more refined and my style, but I'm looking at removal first. I've reached out to several people outside the US who had similar experiences; generally, it doesn't seem too bad since the pigment eventually blends with your skin tone. Since I have very fair skin, it isn't super prominent, so any scarring shouldn't be a major issue... plus, there are always options like scar correction or chemical peels if needed. Anyway, that's the situation... does anyone here have actual experience with this? I'd love some recommendations for a top-tier dermatologist or surgeon who can do this perfectly... and what kind of prices are we talking about? I heard it could run around $333 per session... etc. Any info is appreciated. Covering it up isn't really an option because the tattoo is too large, and a cover-up would require something massive and dark... I don't want a "patchwork" look. Laser technology has come such a long way in dermatology, so I feel like this is the cleaner, better solution... I'd be grateful for some serious, expert advice 🙂

Bump😛
Is there seriously nobody here who actually understands this stuff, or maybe an E. surgeon on the Forum...

silentpanther15 said:If you ever decide to get inked, just a heads up: factor in about 2-3 months where you absolutely CANNOT let that spot hit the sun!!!

You won't hurt yourself, but the lines and colors could fade big time...

Anyway, if you want the best info, I’d highly recommend checking out that tattoo shop in rural Washington, D.C.! 👍

I don't think it's just about the lines fading, though. How long the color stays on your skin mostly depends on how much your skin absorbs it!
And you definitely can't go in the sun because the heat might cause an infection!
Maybe it's best to just wait until winter to get tattooed!

So, here’s the deal. About ten years ago, my cousin was serving in the US Army, and—of course—after a night of heavy drinking, he and his buddies decided they were going to get tattooed. They just did it themselves using some ink and a needle. Honestly, youth is wasted on the young, and I don't even want to get into how absolutely revolting and reckless that whole idea was 🤮, but that’s a conversation for another day. Now, that tattoo looks hideous. It reminds me of those old, faded tattoos you see on guys who served decades ago—just messy initials or random years etched into the skin...
The thing is, he wants it gone now. It’s completely washed out, looking more like a weird greenish stain than actual ink. So, I wanted to ask you all about your own experiences: where are the best places to go for removal, what kind of prices are we talking about, and does it require multiple sessions?
Thanks in advance! 😉

See, when you're dealing with plastic parts, those custom jobs are way harder to fix than the ones made strictly by the book. It's because the color isn't distributed evenly deep down in the material...

The bad news? Tattoos done this way are a total nightmare to get rid of. If they packed the ink too deep into the skin layers, you're basically looking at permanent ghosting that won't budge.

hey there 👍

I just wanted to add a little something to this discussion, specifically regarding the idea that a tattoo always has to be completely removed before starting something new.
In my experience with touch-ups and cover-ups, you don't necessarily need to rely on heavy layers of black ink just to mask what was there before; if you are working over an existing dark tattoo, you can actually utilize various lighter color combinations quite effectively, particularly when you are incorporating elements like 3D shading or other textured techniques.