There was an ex-bf's name under the roses (dumbest thing I ever did) and I think that's why it bothers me so much. Other than that it's not a bad tattoo.. *sigh

I did the lower back tattoo as well, Novangel.
Definitely the one I want removed.

I got a lower back tattoo when I was 17, and I got it removed. It cost a pretty penny (probably like $1200 I want to say) and it was pretty painful the first time. Funny story, my parents found out about it and pretty much was like "get it removed or you're out." So I got it removed. The first time was on my 18th birthday, no anesthesia. When you get a tattoo removed, you are prescribed a numbing cream that you rub on the area a couple of hours before and wrap it in cellophane. that pretty much takes care of the pain during the procedure, but afterwards.... ouch. It's basically a burn you're taking care of. You go in every couple of months, it took me like 6 sessions and then it generally fades away. It depends on the size, if you had color (because they need different lasers for different colors and black), how dark it is, etc. If you have large blocks of black, its going to take more time. Mine was just an outline, I had planned on doing color later.

So that's my tattoo removal story.

I have a "tramp stamp" too, but I love mine. I would never have any of my tatts removed.

Some really GOOD tattoo advice? NEVER have anyone's name tattooed on you! Unless it's your child's name or mother/father. I feel like that's just good common sense.

This. In fact, some tattoo artists refuse to do names on people unless they're related, like siblings, mother/father, and kids.

mine is different. its not a specific name. its a beautiful title =) we talked about it and didnt want to get each others names cause it seemed like that spelled doom for the relationship

I just got my first tattoo a couple of weeks ago. Not on my wrist. Shoulder. I got it about six months after going vegetarian. I love it! I really wanted something meaningful that was for me (and not someone else). Of course, people have pointed out that I could decide to eat meat again, but even if that is the case, it has changed my life so much. I got into an MS program in nutrition mostly because of my vegetarianism. Excited to see what your tattoo turns out to look like!

Oh, and I agree that once you get your first tattoo, you'll definitely want more!!!

I really wished they would've refused, I really wasn't in my right mind at the time. Oh well, it's covered up but I am not paying to get it removed. If anything I will go back to have the roses re-done to cover the name better. If you look hard you can still see it underneath. :/ I got it covered only months after it was initially done so everything was too fresh.

It varies from person to person on how much it's going to hurt. I don't have any wrist tattoos but my best friend has one and it didn't bother her at all. We just sat and chit-chatted. I do have several, one on the top of my foot and I must have a high pain tolerance, because it hurt but not as bad as most people act.
I think you'll be just fine! Post photos when they're finished! <3

Thanks Bandit for the removal story.
Mine [just black w/ some shading] has actually faded on its own since I got it. I suppose the artist that did it didn't go deep enough into my skin. Which, ironically, is now a good thing? Lol
I've read about other creams to fade it more, which I may try before spending too much money on laser.

I even considered a cover up with flowers wrapping around my hips & diagonally up across my back to the top of my shoulder. I'd want to lose the weight first, though.

Funny that people don't even know I have these tattoos unless I mention it. Even the one on my wrist.

I think you should definitely get it touched up. Most shops will do touchups on their own work for free or a minimal fee.

If you're considering removal, I would talk to a dermatologist first. You might have super sensitive skin and a cream would only inflame it. Luckily one of my dad's best friends is a retired dermatologist (still practicing at the time) and was able to refer us to a specialist. For me, a cream would have irritated my skin as I can't use most skin cremes because they irritate my skin. Plus, you can get all of the information from a non-biased source. I would also talk to a tattoo artist and see if they would be able to cover it up appropriately.

I have a tattoo on my lower back that I love. It's a mayflower and the word "liebe" which is German for love My older sister has the same one and my other older sister has just the flower. So, that's probably why I love it It was fairly painful, but not unbearable and definitely worth it. I am a huge baby so if I can tolerate it then anyone can

This is definitely good advice. The tattoo artist who did my tattoo actually had an entire book filled with just examples of how he has covered names for people before. I guess there's a pretty big market for that! To be fair, though, my sister had her husband's initials tattooed on her back while they were dating. Then proceeded to purposely name her oldest daughter using the same initials.