August 2010
I know it has been a year since my last post. Let’s be honest though…it takes several months and even years for scars to fade. This way you can see a side by side one year later.
August 2010
I know it has been a year since my last post. Let’s be honest though…it takes several months and even years for scars to fade. This way you can see a side by side one year later.
August 2010
Mike replied:
It seems to be a bit smaller but also darker. I am affraid you went into the sun too soon after your surgery not giving the scar time to fade more, that is also why you kept the dark edges, otherwise the scar would have been much less noticable. However if you are pleased with the result, that is what counts
Thanks for the update.
September 25, 2010 at 3:07 pm. Permalink.
raeofhope replied:
I actually have and still do keep it continuously covered. After some previous/post surgeries this is just how my skin pigments. Everyone heals differently! I’m just showing my experience. Some people have keloid scars, some have hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) and then hyper (darkening). I never go out without SPF 45+ and never sun on my stomach without a towel over my scar.
September 26, 2010 at 1:31 am. Permalink.
Mike replied:
You ar right, everyone does have a different pigmentation. Are you now completley satisfied with the result, or are you still considering getting it redone in one straight line?
September 29, 2010 at 4:58 pm. Permalink.
raeofhope replied:
At this point, I won’t be going back to have the scar moved into a straight line. I’ve learned to love it as it is.
April 20, 2012 at 8:51 pm. Permalink.
Lisa replied:
thank you so much for your blog! so hard to find personal experiences out there and also one’s with a long time passed so we can really see the scar that remains.
September 26, 2010 at 12:54 am. Permalink.
raeofhope replied:
Glad to help!
September 26, 2010 at 1:32 am. Permalink.
s replied:
hi. looking to get some work done myself. where did you find doctors to do the surgery?
March 16, 2011 at 3:06 am. Permalink.
inkkni replied:
Thanks for your blog. I also started one w/my experience having a tattoo removed (http://regrettingink2.wordpress.com) where I’ll post my post-surgery pics soon.
You encouraged me, and I hope people will think better before having ink done…
October 9, 2011 at 3:02 pm. Permalink.
lolagirl replied:
Hi, I have been having laser treatment but I’m not getting the results I wanted so am thinking about excision. Are you happy you did it and do you use anything on your scar to help the appearance eg. bio-oil? Thanks
March 26, 2012 at 10:33 am. Permalink.
raeofhope replied:
I am so happy that I did it! I used some retinol from the derm’s office but not much other than that besides my daily lotion. Good luck!
April 20, 2012 at 8:49 pm. Permalink.
Abby replied:
Hi there — I have to say, along with everyone else, your blog has helped and inspired me tremendously at my decision of removing my tattoo. Thank you! I made the stupid decision of getting a tattoo of a rose (4×3 inches — COLORFUL, and done poorly) on my shoulder way too quickly and ended up regretting it a few months later. The tattoo “artist” that did it did a horrible job. It’s made me pretty depressed and sad. :-/ And to make things even worse, my tattoo has LOTS of vibrant colors in it — greens, purples, yellows, turquoise, you name it. So laser removal is really just going to be a big waste of time and money. I have had 2 laser treatments on it, didnt fade much, the green is still very vibrant, and finally came to the realization that I am going to waste money trying to lift the most difficult colors by laser. I just dont want to get any more ripped off than i already have been with this whole deal. I would much rather do something that is guaranteed. My tattoo is about the same size as yours — 4×3 inches. I have met with one plastic surgeon for excision removal and he quoted me $1200 for the first excision treatment (he said he cannot do it all in one sitting, must wait for skin to stretch) and meet with two more this coming week and after those i will compare prices, expertise, and then make a decision. When I find myself feeling down in the dumps about the whole thing — I just sit and read your blog to find some peace of mind! I agree with others and you who have mentioned how weird it is that laser removal is so much more common of a procedure than excision because laser is so unpredictable and EXPENSIVE! But as for your scar — it has healed BEAUTIFULLY! I cannot believe how much smaller and lighter it has become since the procedure. I hope to God that my outcome is similar to yours…..Anyway, thank you so much for your pictures, updates, and advice to us all, as it is very hard to find things like this regarding this subject. Once I have started my procedures I will create a blog so that I can maybe help those struggling with the same deal. God bless you!!
May 4, 2012 at 6:48 am. Permalink.
raeofhope replied:
I am so happy to help in any way that I can. It’s a very hard decision to make. My only advice to you is not to rush the procedure. If the doctor suggests two treatments then I would go with that. You don’t want to do one session (to save money) and then have the skin on your shoulder stretch and create a wide scar. I wish you the best and will be praying for you during this time!
May 4, 2012 at 1:27 pm. Permalink.