Okay, I was just wondering if anybody here (with Tricare) has had a tattoo removed. I know Tricare will cover it, but my question is, who are the doctors around here that do that? Where are they located? How long does it usually take for a removal? And, finally, how much does it hurt? 

Wait, Tricare actually covers tattoo removal? I never knew that. 

Talk to your pcm. They will give you a referral to see a specialist and will give you all the info you need. The removal is done by lasers and it takes more than one time to get it fully removed. It will leave a scar, and may not totally remove the tattoo. The specialist will be able to give you more info. It hurts like he!!, even worse than getting it done 

If it hurts that bad, I might just deal with the tat for the rest of my life. It's not bothering my horribly, but I'm just not happy with it anymore. It was one I got when I was 19 and stupid KWIM? 

Thanks for the info, lizzie. 

I know Tricare will cover it That's pretty incredible that tricare will cover it. Not trying to offend anyone, but I don't think that it should. How long does it usually take for a removal? It depends on the size, but most tattoos take more than one session to be fully removed. And, finally, how much does it hurt? My friend said that it hurt, but they prep the area to numb it a bit, and then put numbing stuff on it after to make it feel better. Most places will use a topical anesthetic before they start the process. And even sometimes local anesthetic is used. 

Takes several sessions... is very expensive and yes it hurts. Stay away from Carolina Pines MedSpa. There is a laser clinic in Swansboro and I think Changes MedSpa in Jacksonville may do it. 

They cover that? wow. 

Yeah, I think it's funny that Tricare covers it, but they do. And, since they do, I might just take advantage of it. It's no worse than covering a boob job, just because you are depressed about having small tatas or because your marriage is "strained" from you having saggy boobies. I'm just sick of my redneck tattoo. I probably should have thought more about it before I got it, but I didn't. It's just not who I am anymore, KWIM. 

It's no worse than covering a boob job But they don't do that for everyone only if you are active duty and it affects your self esteem and you have it proven, correct? or no? 

What is the tattoo of? 

It's just not who I am anymore, KWIM. I understand, a lot of people feel that way about their older tattoos. My DH has some funny tattoos! But I don't think he would ever get rid of them. 

I plan on getting my tribal removed starting in January, at the Swansboro Laser Clinic. 

because your marriage is "strained" from you having saggy boobies. SHUT UP! Really? How bout "life sucks from my nasty belly" will they tuck that?! 

I should tell them to give me free ultra mega mellons. It'll put a new spark in my marriage, and save me $5k, think it'll work? lol 

I wish they did cover my tatas...would have saved me my $5k....I was not about to go cry to my pcm! lol 

I did my implants through the military, in Bethesda Naval Hosp.... but I had connections in the plastics clinic... plus I payed for the actual implants ... $900 I think... it's been 6 years..not sure how it's done these days. 

It's a Confederate Battle flag. Like I said, it's redneck. That's what I was into at the time. Wrangler jeans, cowboy boots, country music and mud runs. LMP- from what I understand, they cover wives too. But, that's not coming from somebody at Tricare, so I won't repeat it as gospel. 

I was on a list for tatto removal at Balboa years ago, but it was only for active duty. Mater, can you provide a link or other proof that Tricare covers removal? I have a tat that I would like gone, but I am too cheap right now to pay for it! A guy in one of my classes was active duty, and he was in the process of getting a tat removed - but he had to pay out of pocket. 

I don't have a link. I'll have to see if I can find one. I just know of 2 people who've had tats removed and they said Tricare covered it for them. I'll start looking now. 

If they do, that's awesome! Something I will defintely look into!!! 

My bad y'all. Those people must have lied to me. I just found the Tricare link and it said it doesn't cover them. That's what I get for assuming, right. 

Guess I'm stuck with my redneck tat. :( 

You could always try the tattoo removal cream! link 

thanks 4 the link!!! 

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