How Soon After You Have a Tattoo Done Can You Get It Lasered off

asked 11 months ago by Stuart2604 in England
Latest answer by Ronald Shelton, MD
Question viewed 414 times
Tags: neck, black ink, fair, timing

My tattoo is under my left ear and down my neck it is a tribal cross 3inches long by a inch and a half about the size of a credit card I wish now not had it done. It is all black and i have a really pale skin tone.

5 answers to How Soon After You Have a Tattoo Done Can You Get It Lasered off

Laser tattoo removal

You can immediately start a series of laser tattoo removal, whether with Alexandrite or NdYag laser. There is a risk of scarring and change in coloration, both lighter and darker. After 10 monthly treatments, there often is significant improvement. You should wait, however, if there is significant inflammation of the area from the tattoo procedure to minimize the risk of scarring.

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Removing Tattoos with Lasers

Immediately. Unfortunately, it will still take a series of treatments to be successful in removing it.

Deborah Sarnoff, MD
New York Dermatologic Surgeon

Tattoo Removal Options

It is best to wait until the skin is completely healed before you start using a laser to remove the tattoo. If you laser it while still healing, there will be additional trauma to the skin which could lead to textural changes after healed (i.e. a scar). Make sure that the laser your doctor uses to remove the tattoo is designed for the removal of tattoos specifically. I've seen some tattoos removed using an ablative CO2 or Erbium YAg laser. The tattoo is removed but a burn scar is... more

Andrew Kaufman, MD
Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon

Lasers for Tattoos can start immediately

There is no reason to wait to begin treatment for your tattoo. You should realize That it will require multiple sessions. It will require ,in general , less treatments if a) it was implanted by a non professional b) if it is pure black- rather than an exotic color c) the lines Are thinner - as well as other factors. All tattoos fade slowly over time. Good luck!

Joshua L. Fox, MD
Long Island Dermatologic Surgeon

www.advanceddermatologypc.com

Tattoos can be lasered immediately after you get them, but it is best to wait

Tattoos can be lasered immediately after you get them, but it is best to wait. The reason for this is that your body will get rid of some of the tattoo ink during the first 6 months after you were tattooed, then when you start in on laser treatment, fewer treatments will be needed. On the other hand, if you are in a hurry to get rid of the tattoo and the cost and number of treatments is not an issue for you, treatment can be started immediately after you get the tattoo, and repeated... more

Kevin C. Smith, MD
Niagara Falls Dermatologic Surgeon

Ask a question

Get Free Email Updates