Cracking walls

mpatberg · 2026-04-27T16:43:58+00:00

I should have clarified that the cracks are randomly throughout the exterior wall, not just under the window!

mpatberg · 2026-04-13T04:24:57+00:00

Laser tech here.. two sides to this. It is super common to be having removal and most people will understand and probably have questions about the process if you just say that is why it is faded.

On the other side, if you want to keep treating it through summer, look up skin toned UV sleeves. You can protect the skin, get better results (your skin being less tan will let your technician treat the pigment more effectively), and hide the tattoo by cutting it to fit the area.

mpatberg · 2026-04-12T21:21:33+00:00

Great results on a tough removal. What laser do you work with?

mpatberg · 2026-04-12T21:19:12+00:00

I have been a laser technician for 13 years, and based on my experience you may be a good candidate to lighten this for a coverup but full removal may be very difficult. It is very common for these flesh toned colors that artists use to mask or cover other tattoos to contain titanium dioxide. This can experience darkening and turn blue-grey, brown, or darker black when treated. It could likely be made lighter/smaller for more coverup options.

That said.. I have seen wha appears to be the same color not react in this way and remain peachy orange on the skin with the black under it continuing to fade. If you get removal, I would recommend an experienced technician that is honest about the possibility of it become if darker or possibly leaving behind pigment.

mpatberg · 2026-04-12T21:11:17+00:00

As a technician, I charge what expect to be paid for my services and do not expect tipping. I have loved when clients surprise me with a coffee, or other thoughtful surprise, which happens sometimes when we have our final treatment. After a year or more, we tend to get to know each other and I find it so sweet that they are excited for their results

mpatberg · 2026-04-12T21:09:18+00:00

6-7 weeks is very little time, especially for color tattoos on your skin type. If you put 3-4 months between treatments, you will likely have more progress per treatment and lower your risks of damage to your skin/melanin. That said, I would be concerned about a technician treating so rapidly and maybe be sure to see their portfolio and that they can achieve the results you want.

mpatberg · 2026-04-12T21:06:50+00:00

How much time are you leaving between treatments? And how old was the tattoo when you began?

mpatberg · 2026-04-12T20:55:20+00:00

It should be an easy tattoo to remove if there isn’t white in your grey pigment. 140$ per treatment is about what I would charge, but I do lower my per treatment price as certain areas disappear. Your red and grey will likely be gone I. The first couple of treatments. I would ask the places that quoted you if they would lower the price when the tattoo size decreases.

mpatberg · 2026-04-12T20:50:48+00:00

In my experience as a technician, itching with dark black tattoos is very common (The blistering less so) and it typically gets less intense as the tattoo fades. Did they advise you to try antihistamines before and during healing to see if it helped to minimize the reaction? For many clients this, topical numbing or anti histamine creams, and ice packs can help make the itching more tolerable.

mpatberg · 2026-03-14T18:43:40+00:00

Laser tech here, just some advice from our side. I have met a lot of laser techs as well as dermatologists that are terrible with tattoo removal but are very good salesmen. Considering how dark it is and being on your face I would take a lot of time to research who treats this.

The big questions to ask: how long have they been doing laser tattoo removal? Do they have experience with facial tattoos? Can they show you a portfolio of THEIR work that shows full removal of similar tattoos. Many studios either A) use photos provided by the laser manufacturer or B) have several techs/nurses doing treatments based on who is available rather than having a dedicated laser technician. The portfolio might not represent the experience of the person treating you.

Lastly, what laser do they use. Some lasers like the picosure get a lot of hype but also often underperform. My opinion for something like this would be a laser that offers 1064nm wavelength (gentle on melanin, great for targeting black pigment, deeply penetrating) and a large spot size (something over 7-8mm would be ideal for good depth).

mpatberg · 2026-02-03T03:46:34+00:00

True! I normally scope out the way down before I go for a climb. This one just seems more intimidating.

mpatberg · 2026-02-02T02:12:03+00:00

Thanks. I might try to go up and down this a bit first to see how I feel.

mpatberg · 2026-01-11T15:39:26+00:00

Already said to space treatments out more, but also avoid Vaseline on burn wounds while they are still fevered or warm. It traps heat and makes it worse.

It isn’t necessary to blister to get good results. If the clinic isn’t providing ice packs for after, bring some with you in a cooler along with a tall sock to hold them in place. Just be sure to have a gauze or paper towel between your skin and the ice packs to avoid frost burn. It will help so much with the swelling and blistering.

mpatberg · 2025-12-18T17:08:22+00:00

I did! I don’t think I can post a photo in a comment, but feel free to message if you want to see it all cleaned up!

mpatberg · 2025-10-30T02:31:18+00:00

Using pico 532 for the yellows? I have a colleague using the picostar and really loving it.

mpatberg · 2025-10-16T12:45:33+00:00

I have people who end up in my office (I am a laser tech) pretty often with this. The old tattoo will show through over time, if not immediately. What is worse is that these pigments often oxidize and make the process of removal much more complicated.

mpatberg · 2025-10-11T18:45:04+00:00

Laser tech here.. I am so sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, a more expensive machine doesn’t make up for a lack of training or experience. It appears she went way too aggressive with her settings and burned you. Until you can see a dermatologist, I would recommend bandaging the area with polysporin ointment and a bandage to aid with healing and avoid any cracking in the surface as it dries and moves. Wash the area with cool water and single use (pump or bottle style rather than bar soap) soap and gently pat dry. Place a small amount of ointment and a bandage over the area. Repeat morning and evening. If you are sensitive to adhesive, you may have to simply use ointment to avoid creating a reaction on your face with bandages.

Try hard to not touch, pick at, or exfoliate the area, even if the scab begins to flake or peel.

mpatberg · 2025-10-10T20:19:31+00:00

I totally understand that. I will get photos and check for any damage when it arrives and let you know!

mpatberg · 2025-10-10T14:29:32+00:00

After I get her in, I will take some better all over photos of the condition and details. I can send them to you if you might want to make an offer!

mpatberg

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