REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

AutozamAZ-3 · 02-02-2011, 11:50 PM

I was wondering if anyone has had experiences removing a tattoo or fading a tattoo to cover it up with another tattoo that they could share? Can anyone recommend a reputable place in Vancouver that may specialize in removing or fading? Have any of you had any luck with "creams"?
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SkinnyPupp · 02-02-2011, 11:54 PM

No cream will remove a tattoo, you will need to find a laser clinic that specializes in tattoos. Some tattoo shops have people who come in to do it. Black is the easiest to remove.

That's all I know, good luck

threezero · 02-03-2011, 12:13 AM

just get it cover

Vansterdam · 02-03-2011, 03:36 AM

I heard there's A good place that charges 75 an hour but I lost all the contat info

I could use a couple hours to remove a piece myself
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AutozamAZ-3 · 02-03-2011, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vansterdam

I heard there's A good place that charges 75 an hour but I lost all the contat info

I could use a couple hours to remove a piece myself
Posted via RS Mobile

$75, with laser treatment? that is really inexpensive even if it isnt laser. the norm is 200 at least a treatment from what ived heard.

Hurricane · 02-03-2011, 06:41 AM

To be honest; I hope and expect this thread to start and end with Arbutus Laser.

Quick summary of my experience;

Looked for a good removal place for quite a while. I was impressed with all of the information from BS Laser and Skin Care Clinic. So I figured I would give them a try. I did my due diligence, there just wasn't a ton of info available online or elsewhere for me to use.

http://www.bclaserandskincare.com/

Long story short, biggest mistake ever. I could write an essay why, but I will try to keep it short.

The Doctor there did the first treatment. The next time I came in, it was the Nurse doing the actual treatment, with the doctor watching. For the remaining couple of times, the Dr. barely managed enough time to pop his head in the door and say hello. The sooner he could shell me off to the help, the easier his job was.

At the time, I didn't realize this was abnormal. I just assumed it was standard practice. On the other hand, nothing ever felt right there. They often set the machine wrong, I ended up with pretty severe scarring, which was mostly short-term thank god. They encouraged me to come back at very close intervals (again something I thought was normal at the time).

At the end of the day, Dr. Shah seemed a lot more interested in the money than the patient. After four treatments, a hell of a lot of pain, and a significantly lighter wallet, I ended up talking to a friend of a friend by chance. He recommended Arbutus Laser.

www.arbutuslaser.com/

Night and Day!

First off, both of those Doctors are amazing there. One was on vacation mid way during my treatments, so I saw the other one. They began by explaining everything to me which was incredibly different from the previous place.

Some examples;

The best way to remove a tattoo is long periods of time between treatments. It means less money for them, but also less for you.

Always the Doctor doing the treatment. No nurse even present; although some really cute ones worked at both places (laser center, who'd of thunk?

)

The other guy was using the wrong laser. I can't remember the terminology, but there are a few acceptable lasers for tattoo removal. He was using the wrong one at the wrong time.

Also, at the first place they would freeze my tattoo first, to account for using the wrong laser I guess. I would be bandaged for days at the first place; at Arbutus I was healed up in no time at all.

The pain was virtually non-existent, and my tattoo was basically gone in three treatments. The first four at the other place did the same amount of removal as one at the new place. It was also a lot more painful than the original tattoo at the first place, including hours after the treatment.

At Arbutus, during one treatment, the Doctor actually said, it took him a little less time, so he would adjust my price to be lower. Awesome guy.

I think the other Dr. knew what he was doing to be honest. I just think maybe he was happy to improve the bottom line by making my treatment less effective and more frequent. But I have no real proof of that, so I will leave that up to you to decide.

I would be happy to answer any more specific questions anyone has, but my advice, go get a consultation at both places (at the time the only tattoo specialists in Vancouver AFAIK) and see which one you like. Now that there are so many sleeved up wannabees in Metro Van I would imagine its becoming big business as these guys make their transition from bartender/weed peddler to the real world of business.

Vansterdam · 02-03-2011, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurricane

To be honest; I hope and expect this thread to start and end with Arbutus Laser.

Quick summary of my experience;

Looked for a good removal place for quite a while. I was impressed with all of the information from BS Laser and Skin Care Clinic. So I figured I would give them a try. I did my due diligence, there just wasn't a ton of info available online or elsewhere for me to use.

http://www.bclaserandskincare.com/

Long story short, biggest mistake ever. I could write an essay why, but I will try to keep it short.

The Doctor there did the first treatment. The next time I came in, it was the Nurse doing the actual treatment, with the doctor watching. For the remaining couple of times, the Dr. barely managed enough time to pop his head in the door and say hello. The sooner he could shell me off to the help, the easier his job was.

At the time, I didn't realize this was abnormal. I just assumed it was standard practice. On the other hand, nothing ever felt right there. They often set the machine wrong, I ended up with pretty severe scarring, which was mostly short-term thank god. They encouraged me to come back at very close intervals (again something I thought was normal at the time).

At the end of the day, Dr. Shah seemed a lot more interested in the money than the patient. After four treatments, a hell of a lot of pain, and a significantly lighter wallet, I ended up talking to a friend of a friend by chance. He recommended Arbutus Laser.

www.arbutuslaser.com/

Night and Day!

First off, both of those Doctors are amazing there. One was on vacation mid way during my treatments, so I saw the other one. They began by explaining everything to me which was incredibly different from the previous place.

Some examples;

The best way to remove a tattoo is long periods of time between treatments. It means less money for them, but also less for you.

Always the Doctor doing the treatment. No nurse even present; although some really cute ones worked at both places (laser center, who'd of thunk?

)

The other guy was using the wrong laser. I can't remember the terminology, but there are a few acceptable lasers for tattoo removal. He was using the wrong one at the wrong time.

Also, at the first place they would freeze my tattoo first, to account for using the wrong laser I guess. I would be bandaged for days at the first place; at Arbutus I was healed up in no time at all.

The pain was virtually non-existent, and my tattoo was basically gone in three treatments. The first four at the other place did the same amount of removal as one at the new place. It was also a lot more painful than the original tattoo at the first place, including hours after the treatment.

At Arbutus, during one treatment, the Doctor actually said, it took him a little less time, so he would adjust my price to be lower. Awesome guy.

I think the other Dr. knew what he was doing to be honest. I just think maybe he was happy to improve the bottom line by making my treatment less effective and more frequent. But I have no real proof of that, so I will leave that up to you to decide.

I would be happy to answer any more specific questions anyone has, but my advice, go get a consultation at both places (at the time the only tattoo specialists in Vancouver AFAIK) and see which one you like. Now that there are so many sleeved up wannabees in Metro Van I would imagine its becoming big business as these guys make their transition from bartender/weed peddler to the real world of business.

thanks for the info !

what did you have remove and how many sessions/hours did it take? do you mind showing a picture of what you had removed so i can have an idea of what to expect

also what did you end up paying for approx at arbutus?

threezero · 02-03-2011, 08:11 AM

^^ how big is your tattoo and was it professionally done? Have any before and after shots? I doubt sleeves can be remove without looking like a burn victim
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Hurricane · 02-03-2011, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vansterdam

thanks for the info !

what did you have remove and how many sessions/hours did it take? do you mind showing a picture of what you had removed so i can have an idea of what to expect

also what did you end up paying for approx at arbutus?

Hours are an irrelevant term. Each session takes a few minutes of actual laser time. It's nothing like getting inked in the first place.

I actually live in Japan now, so part of the reason for getting the ink gone was so I could enjoy Onsens all around the country without getting booted out like the Russian sailors.

My sessions at BC laser were roughly $275 per. Actually the first thing they asked me at Arbutus was, how much were u paying per session. I told them $275, they laughed a little and said $175 is reasonable. Sometimes it was less. It was a forearm tat, so not exactly inconspicuous.

Overall, I spent almost 2g on the removal. Honestly I never expected the results to be so great. They show you the before and after pics of previous clients, and you assume it to be perfect case scenarios, or even a little bit of PS. But honestly, it works.

If you have some time, one session a year, ideally in late winter (sun after is ok, but sun before is a no no.) is by far the most economical way.

The guy who recommended the place to me had a half sleeve, right below the elbow. He was completely done in 4 sessions.

It depends on the skin, the ink, and a few other factors. Black is the easiest color to remove, yellow and orange are the hardest.

Quote:

Originally Posted by threezero

^^ how big is your tattoo and was it professionally done? Have any before and after shots? I doubt sleeves can be remove without looking like a burn victim
Posted via RS Mobile

Tattoo was pro, it was a forearm piece, which covered about a quarter of my forearm. Scaring is essentially non-existent if done properly.

Its been about 3 years since my last treatment. It looks perfectly natural. No scarring, no lack of hairs, everything is perfect.

I am still amazed to this day, how effective the treatments can be.

I will see if I can get some pics together for those interested. They took lots of pics throughout the treatments, unfortunately I never asked for any.

winson604 · 02-03-2011, 09:47 AM

+1 for Arbutus Laser. I have 2 friends that got some pieces removed there and from the results it looked really well done and they both said the experience was good.

AutozamAZ-3 · 02-03-2011, 09:47 AM

a million thanks for that post hurricane. do you mind telling us what you were quoted, and how much you spent at arbutus? were the end results satisfactory? were you removing light colours or just black and whites? could it be that you the treatment only took 3 times because a lot of work was already done at bc laser? what was the total span of the 3 appointments?

edited: we posted at the exact same time

PJ · 02-03-2011, 12:16 PM

Hurricane, I'm interested in seeing pictures. It sounds like you got it done really well.

I've always heard that it costs more, hurts more, and ends up looking worse.

Can you get your lasered skin re-tattooed?

Nicotine · 02-03-2011, 02:06 PM

i highly doubt that^^
SNL - Tattoo Remover

Hurricane · 02-03-2011, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Impulse_x

Hurricane, I'm interested in seeing pictures. It sounds like you got it done really well.

I've always heard that it costs more, hurts more, and ends up looking worse.

Can you get your lasered skin re-tattooed?

Couple of things to mention...

The reason most before and after pics still show a little bit of evidence is because people stop their treatments. Most people are happy with it 95% gone, and at a couple of hundred dollars per session I don't blame them.

Tattoo removal follows the idea of diminishing returns. The most progress is generally made early on, because there is a lot of ink to explode, and it contrasts significantly with the skin (assuming black ink, lighter skin). As the tattoo becomes more and more faded, progress is less noticeable each time.

Unless you got Inked by a topless Kat Von D, your laser treatment is probably going to cost significantly more than the original tattoo, yes.

As for pain; in my opinion its not even comparable. Especially at Arbutus, it was nothing. During the original tattoo, you are sitting in the chair for hours sometimes. As I said, the laser session takes a few minutes.

It only looks worse in the sense that it looks faded. Its never looked blotchy or weird, but partway through the treatment, people would ask if it was a tattoo or not. Winter is the best time, so unless its a forehead tat, it will likely be covered up anyways.

I just did a before and after search on google, and most of those results will show you exactly what to expect. Any of them with slight evidence left are actually incomplete, because eventually all the ink will be completely gone with more treatments.

As far as tattooing over, of course you can. Probably only a couple of sessions would be needed to fade it enough to put a completely different piece over. I would talk to your artist, and determine the piece you want, and decide which parts (if any) of the current tattoo can be salvaged.

Alas, I recommend just going in for a consult. Its free, you can talk to the Doc, see some real live before and after pics, and get a quote.

I think the main reason there are so many horror stories out there is because its a relatively new, and even unregulated division of skin care. The doctors at Arbutus have a ton of experience with tattoo removal, and that is the most important thing.

Good luck!

Hurricane · 02-03-2011, 05:39 PM

BTW any of the red and/or swollen photos are before and after the actual treatment, like an hour or a day or something. The tattoo looks brighter, swollen, and basically 3 dimensional.

Also immediately after the treatment sometimes it looks like the tattoo is completely gone but in fact its not.

Both are a couple of reasons the pictures can be confusing and disheartening. But in reality, there is always progress, and with a good Doctor, there shouldn't be any risk of scarring and there should be minimal pain/financial burden.

Also, the most important thing is to get no sun before treatment, but after is ok. So if you are planning a week in Cancun during the winter, get the treatment before you go, not after.

These are a couple of things I wish I had known beforehand, so I wanted to share them.

PJ · 02-03-2011, 05:45 PM

^Very good to know. Thanks so much dude.
I'm considering having one of mine lasered.. I'll have to think about it some more.

AutozamAZ-3 · 02-03-2011, 06:42 PM

Hurricane: I called arbutus and the receptionist quoted me a $75 deposit for the initial consultation and $30 per square inch. Is this what you were quoted as well? By the way, is this normal that they are charging a deposit for the consultation... I thought it was complimentary.
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Hurricane · 02-03-2011, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AutozamAZ-3

Hurricane: I called arbutus and the receptionist quoted me a $75 deposit for the initial consultation and $30 per square inch. Is this what you were quoted as well? By the way, is this normal that they are charging a deposit for the consultation... I thought it was complimentary.
Posted via RS Mobile

To be honest, because I was already in progress I just booked a session with Arbutus and went in. I did my initial consultation with BC laser center, but truthfully it was over 5 years ago, so I can't honestly remember if they charged me a deposit. By that time I had made the decision, the consultation was just a formality so I would have payed it without thinking.

It's not really surprising, since this is a purely cosmetic procedure. The deposit would be put towards your first treatment. I know that place is popular, so I imagine its an attempt to root out window shoppers. Usually it was a few month waiting list for every treatment, and that was a while ago.

My advice, if you haven't already done so, read up on the web. I imagine there is a lot more info now than there was then. I spent years thinking about getting it removed before I actually did it. I had a million concerns, but I couldn't be happier now with my choice.

$30/inch sounds about right from what I remember. So now you have a rough estimate; you could always go for one session, and see how it goes. It's not going to ruin your tattoo, and if you change your mind, you could simply get the tattoo touched up afterwards. To be honest, if you have a big tattoo, get a small part done, just to see how it all goes if you are worried.

If it was a good friend of mine, I would say just do it! Obviously if you are thinking about it now, your not happy with the tat, and truth is you never will be. The sooner you get started (and its the perfect time of year) the sooner you will be without it.

All the best.

Vansterdam · 02-04-2011, 02:00 AM

Do you think there's a difference if you wait longer say a year or two before you get laser removal so the ink fades away?

Or is it harder to remove say if you had your ink for a few years
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Hurricane · 02-04-2011, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vansterdam

Do you think there's a difference if you wait longer say a year or two before you get laser removal so the ink fades away?

Or is it harder to remove say if you had your ink for a few years
Posted via RS Mobile

It's my understanding that the newer a tattoo is, the easier it is to remove. But I think the difference is relatively negligible.

I got my first tattoo when I was 16, and was in my early 20's when I started the removal process.

Over time, the ink settles and becomes more accepted by the body I imagine. Part of the reason it fades a bit as well is because some of it is taken away by the bloodstream, just like any injury to the body.

xilley · 02-04-2011, 02:34 AM

just dont get one

even tho i personally want one too
but with some many people regretting.. changes my mind lol

Nightwalker · 02-04-2011, 02:52 AM

This thread actually makes me want to get one. haha

Hurricane · 02-04-2011, 03:30 AM

Tattoos are great; ideally just get it somewhere it can be hidden with a golf shirt/pants.

And preferably don't get one while your two years shy of graduating high school. Minds not exactly developed then.

PJ · 02-04-2011, 09:08 AM

Haha, I got my first one when I was 16 too. But it's on my shoulder and I don't really even notice it anymore now that I have 5..

Hurricane · 02-05-2011, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkinnyPupp

No cream will remove a tattoo, you will need to find a laser clinic that specializes in tattoos. Some tattoo shops have people who come in to do it. Black is the easiest to remove.

That's all I know, good luck

BTW, thanks for the unjustified infraction points from the other thread.

Not sure what upset you exactly, but regardless, I think you need to be a little less sensitive, its interfering with your ability to moderate properly.