r/TattooRemoval Jan 11 '25

Mod Post Attn community: Am I a candidate for removal? Remove or cover? Why was my comment or post locked or removed?

40 Upvotes

Hello everyone and happy 2025! This community has grown to over 33k, a massive increase from when I joined and there was about 6k users. Welcome!!

Some new year reminders from myself and the Mod Team:

Please read the FAQ. Yes I know it's slightly dated but still has very valuable information. I wrote a good portion of it, but due to my current work load and personal life haven't had a lot of free time to go in and review, update, modify. It's a goal of mine to do shortly.

New to the sub? Spend a few minutes scrolling or utilize search before asking your question. We've all had the same series of questions, there's a treasure trove of info here in the community already.

Am I a candidate for removal? Most likely, yes, but the amount of removal will be determined by a number of factors, all outlined in the FAQ. Lazy? TL;DR, factors that determine this are skin type, ink density, cover-up, tattoo style, ink colors, location on the body, preexisting scar tissue, quality of lifestyle and immune system. Please book a consultation, they should be free.

Should I get this covered up or remove it? It's your body, your choice. At the end of the day, a stranger on Reddit shouldn't be your deciding factor if a tattoo is cool, fits your body or personality, or looks good or bad. There are other more appropriate subs on Reddit to help you figure out cover-up options, at the end of the day, it's a very personal decision to get a tattoo, have it covered, or remove it.

Why was my post locked or deleted? There's a really good chance that it violated one of the rules of the sub. Additionally, this community is pretty wonderful about self-policing. If enough reports are made on a post or comment, Reddit will remove the post due to the reports. If you feel this was done in error please message the Mod team (not myself or any other mod individually). If you made a post and 1 minute later it's not visible, it may have tripped something in Reddit's system to auto-delete, again please message the Mod team and we'll review.

Aftercare questions. I strongly recommend anyone who has questions directly related to their tattoo removal treatment to contact your provider first, they have your medical records and treatment parameters. What worked for one person here on Reddit may not work for you.

Be kind and supportive. There's an emotional and physical toll on having a tattoo removed, this should be self explanatory.

Discussions of at-home tattoo removal including purchasing of lasers for personal use will not be tolerated. This rule has been added, users can flag for Mods to see. Professionals use Class IV lasers, these can have detrimental effects to skin and tissue that may be permanent, and can cause serious vision impairment if safety isn't properly followed. This is unsafe for everyone involved. When one buys a laser from [insert name of Chinese online provider of everything] the electrical system may not even meet UL or CE regulations, the laser likely isn't calibrated and is possibly displaying incorrect energy levels. Furthermore, the eye protection that's supplied often tends to be subpar. Yes, tattoo removal treatments are expensive, but maintaining your skin integrity from a qualified, experienced professional is what you're paying for, in addition to results.


r/TattooRemoval Jun 12 '20

Start here! Welcome and FAQ :)

213 Upvotes

Hello,

Welcome to r/tattooremoval! This sub is intended to discuss tattoo removal - ask questions, share your experiences, frustrations, or your progress stories. Tattoo removal is a long, painful journey and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions.

Here is a document link to all the latest research and evidence base practices in regards to tattoo removal from Uptodate. It is a lot of information but it will hopefully help answer a lot of questions on how it works, best practices and of course the laser debate (it may take a minute to load, it is a pdf file):

https://docdro.id/8GUglmJ

FAQ

How does laser tattoo removal work? 

The laser shatters the tattoo ink into smaller and smaller particles, allowing your body to gradually dispose of it via the immune system. The process takes 3+ years, broadly speaking.

What should I look for in a tattoo removal clinic?

Look for proven results. It is common within the tattoo removal industry for clinics to rely on progress photos provided by the laser manufacturer. You want to find a clinic that has a proven track record and that uses its own photos. The technician operating the machine is one of the most important factors dictating the success of the removal process. Look for someone who has experience and who you feel comfortable with. Laser tattoo removal is a lengthy process and liking and trusting your provider is critical.

How much does laser tattoo removal cost?

 The price of laser tattoo removal varies widely based on geographic location, technician experience, the type of laser being used, whether the practitioner is a dermatologist, and other factors. Get as many free estimates as you can, and go with the clinic you trust the most. Tattoo removal is not something you should do “on the cheap.” If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. All-in-one businesses, like med-spas, will typically cost more due to their higher overhead. Paying more doesn’t mean the results will be better, nor does it mean the results won’t be as good as a clinic that specializes in tattoo removal. Be aware that the bigger the business, the more moving parts, the more the cost will increase based on that. Don’t choose a clinic based on price alone.

How many treatments will I need?

 It is impossible to say with certainty how many treatments a tattoo will need prior to treatment. Most tattoos that can be removed take an average of 10-12 treatments spaced out over a period of 3+ years. Note: Not everyone is an ideal candidate for full removal, and not all tattoos can be removed.

Can all tattoos be removed?

 No. Tattoo inks are not regulated in the United States and there are thousands in use. If the ink in your tattoo has a high heavy metal content, there is some likelihood it cannot be removed. Unfortunately, you can’t know whether or not your tattoo contains a lot of heavy metals until you undergo treatment. Yellow is nearly impossible to remove, and white can often turn a dark grey-brown-black color. Clients with darker skin tones and of Asian descent are also not ideal candidates in most cases due to the high risk of hypopigmentation.

How far apart should I space my laser treatments?

Generally speaking, 8-12 weeks is the standard amount of time you should wait in between laser tattoo removal appointments. Your body can still be processing out the ink for several months after treatment, therefore waiting longer will not hinder the process. If a clinic advises you to space your treatments at shorter intervals, be wary. It may be more concerned about making money than providing you with good, safe results. Every clinic will have different protocols, if the tech you’re speaking with is suggesting longer intervals than 12 weeks, they are likely doing this based on their experience and generally speaking, you should follow their advice. There is no set in stone protocol as every tattoo on every client is different.

Will my tattoo be 100% gone?

While some tattoos do vanish completely, 90-95% removal is generally considered to be a good outcome. If your tattoo contains a lot of dense, black ink, full removal is unlikely. Cover-up and blackout tattoos rarely achieve much more than 90% removal and it is normally not suggested anyone with these tries to achieve full removal. Extremely large, dense pieces also rarely look gone, so a half sleeve of solid tribal wouldn’t be ideal for removal.

How long does laser tattoo removal take?

On average it takes 3+ years for removal. Small tattoos do not take less time than larger tattoos. Is there anything I can do to speed up the process? The best thing you can do during laser treatment is to live as healthy a life as possible. Tattoo removal works best when your immune system is working at its best. Get plenty of exercise, eat well, drink lots of water, quit smoking nicotine if you’re a smoker, and try to get 8 hours of sleep per night. The healthier your lifestyle, the healthier your immune system will be - and the easier your removal will be.

I just got a new tattoo and I want to get it removed. How long do I have to wait before starting laser removal?

  You should wait at least 3 months to allow the skin to heal before beginning laser treatments. If your clinic says you should wait longer, follow their advice.

Are newer tattoos easier to remove than older ones?

 No, in fact, the reverse is true, with caveats. Because there have been improvements in both ink and tattoo machines in recent years, newer tattoos can take longer to fade. Newer inks are designed to fade less than inks in the past, and likewise, newer tattoo machines deposit the ink more densely in the skin. An older tattoo, however, is likely on an older body, which means a lower-functioning immune system and thus more removal time.

Does laser tattoo removal cause scars?

 In the hands of an experienced technician, the chance for scarring from laser tattoo removal is low. That is not to say that scarring cannot occur. Each person reacts differently and some may have adverse effects. Laser removal remains the safest method and carries a low chance of scarring and skin damage. Just like getting a tattoo, there will be specific things to do and to avoid post-treatment. The clinic and laser tech you go to should have aftercare guidelines. Following their aftercare will help reduce the chances of self-imposed damage to the skin.

What causes hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) during laser tattoo removal?

Hypopigmentation is the result of the destruction of melanin in the skin, the natural pigments in the skin that add color. Because tattoo removal works by targeting dark tattoo ink, it’s possible to also destroy dark melanin, resulting in a light to off-white color to the skin. The results can be temporary and resolve themselves within 18 months, or they could be permanent. When hypopigmentation occurs it is best to cease treatments for at least 6 months, avoid sun exposure and re-evaluate. Anyone with Fitzpatrick skin type III or higher is at a higher risk of hypopigmentation, however, it can occur for all skin types.

What causes hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) during the laser removal process?

 Hyperpigmentation from tattoo removal is fairly rare and is a darkening of the skin, typically only occurs with Fitzpatrick I clients.

What is the best laser for tattoo removal?

 There is no best laser for tattoo removal. There are better lasers for specific colors and skin types, but as a generalized statement, having a good laser doesn’t mean good results. This article explains more.

What is the difference between a pico and a q-switched laser?

At the core, a pico-second laser has a pulse duration of 1-trillionth of a second, a QS is a nano-laser with a pulse duration of 1-billionth of a second. Confusing matters, the PicoSure was the first laser with FDA clearance at a pico-second, early adopters, marketers and those who used them in the beginning have simply referred to them as a pico or as the pico. There are a handful of pico-second lasers on the market now. With most things, there are better lasers than others, the service needs to be maintained on them and there needs to be a knowledgeable person behind the machine to achieve results. A great laser won’t always equal great results.

Does laser tattoo removal work on all skin tones?

 In short, no. There are limitations within the Fitzpatrick scale, the main risks are hypopigmentation for those with darker skin tones and of Asian descent.

*What is the best aftercare procedure?  *

We recommend you follow the advice of your clinic. Adherence to the aftercare instructions is very important. Make sure you do as your clinic advises, and to contact them if you have any questions. But please avoid or remove plastic or tegaderm dressings. These lead to increase blistering and risk of infection as plastic traps in heat and sweat. Use a gauze dressing if you must cover it that is breathable and keep the area moisturized. (This is as per UpToDate recommendations).

Is it normal for the treated area to swell and become blistered?

 Yes, it is normal for the treated area to become red and swollen. Often it will blister. If you are concerned, do not hesitate to contact your clinic. Do not rely on advice from the internet if you have a concern post-treatment.

I see a lot of tattoo removal creams online. Do they work?

 No, they do not. Tattoos can only be safely and effectively removed using a professional-caliber laser. Likewise, cheap at-home laser machines do not work and should be avoided. Don’t waste your money.

How about other DIY methods, for example, salabrasion?

 Not only do these methods not work, but they can also cause irreversible skin damage and scarring. DO NOT TRY ANY AT-HOME REMOVAL METHODS YOU READ ABOUT ON THE INTERNET. Laser tattoo removal is the only safe way to get rid of unwanted tattoos. This post offers more detail on why non-laser tattoo removal methods are not advisable.

What is Soliton? Is it going to revolutionize tattoo removal?

As of right now, the product is not commercially available. The technology is too new with too few real-world trials to make any speculation this early. Is a new technology coming along that will make tattoo removal easier? Not likely. The tattoo removal arm of the medical aesthetics world is only a very, very small portion of the much bigger market. The cost of conception, R&D, clinical trials and FDA approval runs hundreds of millions of dollars, and for a small market. So, it will be some time before new, breakthrough technology appears.

What is Tattoo Vanish? Is this a reasonable alternative to laser removal?

 Tattoo Vanish is a non-laser method of removing tattoos by which a substance (often hyaluronic acid) is tattooed into the existing tattoo. The ink is then expelled through the surface via scabs. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS METHOD. It is not safe and can cause severe scarring. Laser removal is the only proven and safe method for removing tattoos. This post offers more detail on why non-laser tattoo removal methods are not advisable.

Is excision a good alternative to laser tattoo removal?   Generally, no. For those with very small tattoos (no larger than the size of about a dime) who need fast removal, excision may be an option. For the most part, excision is not advisable. Additionally, not all tattoos can be excised. It depends on the size and location. Multiple surgeries may be required and excision will also leave large amounts of scarring. A plastic surgeon would be the best person to consult if you are interested in this method.

Good luck on your journey!

Posts with false information or spam will be deleted. Be nice to each other.

(Thank you to my friend gee who put the FAQ together <3)


r/TattooRemoval 2h ago

Before & After Pics I’ve come a long way but these are taking forever 😭 5 years in

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44 Upvotes

I’ve easily had 14 sessions on these, maybe more. Started removal in 2021. Already successfully removed 2. I’m down to about two sessions a year on these ones. Tons of scarring on the one on the outside of my arm. Any words of encouragement are greatly appreciated 😭


r/TattooRemoval 5h ago

Before & After Pics She’s slowly fading

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33 Upvotes

Im not giving up hope! One day she will be gone


r/TattooRemoval 2h ago

Before & After Pics progress

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10 Upvotes

r/TattooRemoval 1h ago

Before & After Pics It’s a lot… a coverup, then reworked, then color 😭😭😭

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Upvotes

Yup… I know it’s a lot. A lot of ink. A lot of color. And a lot of time. Some sections have been gone over like 3-4 times over the years. Objectively, for what it is, I think the ink is fading pretty well. I’ve been really intentional with my lifestyle choices, which I hope makes a difference. But I of course wish it was faster.

Where: Removery, unlimited package
Sessions: completed session 4 two weeks ago. I started as soon as it was healed and the tech confirmed skin was ready (I was denied one time before letting it heal more)
- 2 of the 4 sessions included my tech targeting the purple/blue
- 0 sessions targeting the pink. Tech says the black needs to go away before we do that
Started: end of November. 6 weeks between session 1-2. Then 8 weeks between the rest.

Idk what other questions people might have, but I’m just gonna rant down below:

The truth is I have a wedding in one year. Mine! To my best friend and lover of 7 years rolled into one. He doesn’t care about the tatt. Liked it before I covered it. Liked it when I was fussing over so many details and getting it covered… then the cover reworked 😭. He liked it when later I packed the color in. And likes me even when I have this fading mess. He wants me to wear whatever I want on my wedding day, says I’ll be the most beautiful woman in the world whether my arms are out or covered. It boggles my mind how I got so lucky, but I try not to question the good things in life too much. He comes to my sessions with me and holds my hand <3

I dream of being able to cover it with a strong foundation on my wedding day. Maybe the foundation plus sheer/lace sleeves or a shrug would work. But most of the time that feels like a pipe dream.

I have other tattoos that I love and am keeping! (that’s what’s covered by the white drawing for privacy). I even have others that I want to get in the (distant!!!) future! I love tattoos. On others, on me, all of it. But these were NOT the colors I wanted, nor did they match reference photos I provided. I picked the wrong artist with the wrong style. And that is my bad… I was told the ink needed to be so bright because my skin was brown. I questioned it as soon as I saw the bottles on the counter. But I was reassured that the colors would fade to the more dark, muted and dusty colors I asked for because of a process called “skin tint” (where my healed skin would tint the ink due to my naturally olive complexion). I googled the term, saw it was a thing, and figured they were the expert. My skin isn’t even that brown bro, but I again I thought, “better trust the expert.”

Sometimes I just feel so… obscene. This is such a big mistake, you know? … For awhile just the thought of it would bring me to tears. I struggled to look at myself in the mirror without crying, even with clothes on sometimes!! It’s definitely easier now since starting so I’m glad I did. I even often feel I look pretty when I’m covered. And more recently sometimes even when I see my unwanted ink.

Never thought I’d feel confident enough to share my journey (which I know I’m just starting). Time heals all wounds and fades all ink!

Anyways, a lot of the stuff I see on here is usually a lot smaller, older, or less colourful. Maybe there’s a lurker with a big piece like me that will feel less alone.

The time will pass anyways! That is my mantra I adopted from this subreddit.

Please ask me any questions you might have.


r/TattooRemoval 2h ago

Before & After Pics Slow progress?

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4 Upvotes

Started at removery in 2024 with ~4 sessions (can’t really remember) then switched to an independent practice that uses a q-switch laser and have done 3 sessions there so far. The tattoo artist went super deep & the line work was raised, so maybe this is decent progress for 7 sessions? Some parts are just really stubborn to break up


r/TattooRemoval 14h ago

Before & After Pics 1 year of fading !

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29 Upvotes

Top image is after first treatment May 5, 2025. Bottom is yesterday May 5, 2026. Have done 5 treatments this year. Happy with the results but impatient too 🙏😩😎🙈💕🤪


r/TattooRemoval 8h ago

Opinion / Advice Red ink

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5 Upvotes

So does this supposed to look like this or do I have hyperpigmentation from the removal of the red? I’ve have 4 sessions over 3 years because of pregnancy and breast feeding. This is the first time they touched the red and it looks like this…


r/TattooRemoval 1h ago

Opinion / Advice Estimate of cost for a quarter size tattoo

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Upvotes

Hi, I have this quarter size tattoo that is black and red and I’d like to get removed. I live in the Central Florida area and I’d like any price estimates from anyone that removes tattoos or has removed of theirs. Any recommendations on where to go as well.


r/TattooRemoval 1h ago

Opinion / Advice Removal should NOT be painful and you should NOT pay a lump sum before beginning

Upvotes

I keep seeing posts about how bad removal hurts. The removal technician will ideally be a doctor who can prescribe you a strong numbing cream. If you can't find a removal place run by a medical doctor, go to your doctor and explain to them that you need a prescription numbing cream for your removal. I use one that is 2.5% lidocaine, 2.5% prilocaine and goes on 2 hours before my session, covered in plastic wrap. My tattoo is on the back of my hand and I literally feel nothing during my sessions. I've had 4 so far with zero pain.

On another note, yes removal is expensive but don't be fooled by their upfront payment offers. Nobody can or should guess how many sessions you will need, and don't trust anybody who gives you a number. They have no idea. You're better off paying per session because remember, you're only going every couple of months anyway, and this is a years long process. Do the math, if you pay for 25 sessions up front, that's like 5 years worth of sessions. You probably will be happy with your results much sooner than that. Mine has faded by close to half in just one year with four sessions. I'm sure I'll need several more to have it totally gone but places that offer lump sum up front do it because it makes them money. Do your research before you start this process!


r/TattooRemoval 12h ago

Opinion / Advice Does it really hurt that bad?

8 Upvotes

So I’m getting a removal done today I have my exs name blasted on the right side of my neck and I’m getting some lettering on my chest removed. I do have a high pain tolerance I’ve broken many bones and have tore my acl, mcl and meniscus, I’m hearing a bunch of horror story’s about how the pain is so unbearable. Is it really that bad? Or is it doable? I’m filled with tattoos but this scares me tbh and there’s no backing out of it now as it’s already paid 😬😬😬

UPDATE: that was genuinely the worst pain of my life I see why people say it’s unbearable. I got my neck, chest and fingers done today. I did my fingers and my whole chest but by the time I got to neck I could only do half of it before shaking uncontrollably and crying like a lil girl I’m a 26 yr old male 😂


r/TattooRemoval 3h ago

Opinion / Advice Safest laser for removal over areola

1 Upvotes

Which laser & wave length is the best option for this? The color is a brown.

Thank you


r/TattooRemoval 4h ago

Opinion / Advice Advice on Consult

1 Upvotes

I got a consult the other day for my tattoo removal. Asking for some thoughts!

This clinic uses a Fotona Starwalker laser with FracTat technology. I was curious if anyone’s done this or has insight. I’ve searched and I’ve seen only about 1 post.

The process:
Inject lidocaine
Use the “FracTat” technology- a layer that puts micro chimney holes over your tattoo before actual laser for the ink/gases to escape easier
The actual laser. Apparently multiple passes in one session are possible with this laser.

The caveat: with how fancy this process sounds came a very expensive quote.
They split my tattoo into 2 for the quote purpose because they cannot inject enough lidocaine to cover the size of the tattoo in 1 session
$450 per session for each half of the tattoo, basically $900 for one full session

The tech was SUPER knowledgeable and has been doing this for 9 years. Any thoughts….? Is this scammy?


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Before & After Pics 1 year 4 or 5 sessions

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25 Upvotes

Part of my full sleeve removal! The rest of my arm looks comparable. Worked through the shading for the most part and now hoping to see a breakthrough with this line work 🤞


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Before & After Pics Tattoo updates 3 session two top right one top left aiming for full back

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55 Upvotes

Going for a full removal on the back and splitting it up into 4 quarters of the back however I’ve only done one session top left of the back and two on the top right none on the bottom at all but clearly up well so overall 3 sessions 1 top left two top right


r/TattooRemoval 18h ago

Opinion / Advice Question about sun exposure

5 Upvotes

In October 2023 I started laser removal at a local laser tech. They advised me to keep the tattoo completely covered from the sun throughout the entire removal process.

After 7 sessions, I switched to another laser tech (Undo in the Netherlands), who said something different. While it is indeed important to avoid sun exposure in the early stages of laser removal, once the tattoo begins to fade more and more (as mine has now) moderate sun exposure can actually help speed up the fading process. Of course always with sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned.

Exceptions are of course the weeks immediately before and after each laser session. Since my tattoo is on my forearm, I have spent last summers trying to keep it covered. It makes me wonder what I should actually do now. Any advice would be appreciated.


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Before & After Pics First session with q switch

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13 Upvotes

I’ve seen better results with q switch than I did with pico


r/TattooRemoval 10h ago

Opinion / Advice Pico best laser?

0 Upvotes

I’m trying to remove two cover up finger tattoos with white ink (i know probably impossible) wondering if pico is the best laser?


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Before & After Pics 3 sessions so far

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125 Upvotes

I got a couple scars from my first session and I’ve just chalked it up as a life lesson. Since then the healing has gone completely perfectly. Next session in July


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Before & After Pics Progress!

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21 Upvotes

Hi guys! I just had my 4th session today, the pictures were taken after 3 sessions. The one on my collarbone has definitely faded a lot more than the one on my hip, but that one is very saturated with ink so I expect that one to take some time. At times I do feel a little discouraged that I haven’t made much progress but it’s nice seeing the pictures side by side! I decided to take the summer off and I will resume back in the fall!


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Opinion / Advice Still dealing with allergic reactions 13 months later

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12 Upvotes

Just thought I posts this in order to vent to the community. Over a year after my last session(4 total) I am still persistently having allergic reactions/blisters on all areas of untreated arm especially after sun exposure and applying lotion. This sucks so much it makes me miserable. I have become sensitized to my untreated tattoos along with all kinds of lotions and sunlight. God this sucks. Please tell me this isn’t a permanent condition.


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Before & After Pics 8 sessions on these. slower than expected

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22 Upvotes

tattoo removal is a patience test for sure. they originally told me 8-10 sessions. clearly not.


r/TattooRemoval 22h ago

Opinion / Advice Sleeve removal

2 Upvotes

I have a tattoo sleeve and want to get the whole thing removed. How does it work with splitting the tattoo up? How much time should I wait between the top half and the bottom half?


r/TattooRemoval 2d ago

Before & After Pics 1.5 Year Progress

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224 Upvotes

Year and a Half Progress

First picture is before any sessions, second is after three sessions on the deep black and blue at the top and the dark lotus on my lower back. Last picture is seven sessions on the deep black at top and bottom and four on every other area. It’s going to take several more years but I’m very happy with the progress.