Best Tattoo Removal

asked 3 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Sanusi Umar, MD
Question viewed 10,313 times
Tags: ankles, technique

when i was younger this tattoo was cute. now i hate it and want to remove it. whats the best way?

11 answers to Best Tattoo Removal

Spectra Laser for Tattoo Removal

The Spectra Laser is the best laser system for tattoo removal. One of the challenges with laser tattoo removal procedures is removing multicolored designs like the one you have. You have to understand that lasers, by definition use a single wavelength. For the most part, this allows it to be absorbed by a single color. The Spectra laser comes with multiple hand held accessories so that it can treat different colors. Additionally it is safe for all skin tones. Laser light is usually... more

Sanusi Umar, MD
Redondo Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

www.finetouchdermatology.com

Multiple lasers

This tattoo is going to require multiple lasers. For the black ink, I would use a q-switched alexandrite laser. The red will require a q-switched 532nm laser. Because of the bright green and yellow pigment, I like to use the Fraxel repair--this laser will vaporize the ink and facilitate the removal of the entire tattoo. This will definitely require multiple treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart. Good luck! Dr. Groff

William Groff, DO
San Diego Dermatologist

Sometimes simple is best

As you can see from previous answers, laser treatment, while effective, will likely be time-consuming and costly. From your photo, the tattoo looks rather small, so there is a possibility that surgically excising the tattoo would be the quickest, simplest method! The down side is a scar- if you heal well, this should be minimal. Even with using all the right lasers and the proper number of treatments with each one, you may not achieve complete removal. It is a... more

Victoria W. Serralta, MD
Arlington Dermatologic Surgeon

Tattoo with multiple colors requires correct technology

In our practice, we obtain excellent, predictable outcomes with our q-switched YAG laser, the Medlite C6. This laser effectively treats dark ink and red/lighter colors. The green ink responds best to a q-switched Alexandrite laser. Make certain you start the process by knowing which technology the practice uses for all colors. Also, as other panel members pointed out, you will need to be committed to a long process with very realistic expectations. Keep in... more

Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Multicolor tattoos can be difficult

Tattoo removal can be accomplished in a number of different ways including excision of the tattoo, dermabrasion (essentially sanding out the tattoo pigments) or laser. By far the most common way to removal tattoos is by using laser. Lasers treat tattoos by using laser energy to destroy tattoo pigments. The concept of "selective photothermolysis" means that the laser can target the ink without destroying your tissue. Laser energy is absorbed depending on the pigment color. And that's... more

Steven H. Williams, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Infrared Coagulator For Tattoo Removal

Tattoos are simply permanent drawings or designs made in the skin. But with the passage of time, not everyone remains happy with their foray into body art. Perhaps as many as half of all individuals sporting tattoos grow to regret their youthful indiscretion. What appeared cool and “in” on a forearm at age sixteen can prove an impediment to getting hired as an airline stewardess at age twenty-six. And a soaring eagle with its wings spread wide and coarsing up the side of the... more

Nelson L. Novick, MD
New York Dermatologic Surgeon

Multiple lasers, multiple treatments

Greetings Desiree, Unfortunately your tattoo is going to be quite a complicated one to remove. There are several methods of tattoo removal but lasers are probably your best bet. Unfortunately it will take several lasers and several treatments with each laser to get rid of the tattoo. Lasers work well but they are generally aimed at only one pigment. Even with the best lasers and practitioners though, it may take additional treaments with dermabrasion or excision to completely remove all... more

D.J. Verret, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

Tattoo removal

It is likely that laser treatment will give you the best results. Your professionally done tattoo contains some color that is unfavorable to the laser treatment (green); you should expect multiple sessions (at least 10) spaced at least one month apart. Despite these treatments, some residual ink or pigment change may remain reminding you of the presence of this tattoo. However, with time and sun exposure this residual effect tends to improve. I would not recommend... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Q-switched Nd:Yag laser for tattoo laser removal

Tattoo laser removal may take several treatments to achieve satisfactory fading. Q-switched Nd:Yag laser is the gold standard. Black-greyed colored tattoos done by an amateur is the easiest one to remove while multi-colored tattoos done by a professional may be the most challenging as different dye handpieces may have to be utilized. Look for either Lutronic or Conbio Hoya tattoo removal lasers and make sure tattoo laser removal is performed under supervision of a... more

William Ting, MD
Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon

How can I remove a tatoo?

It used to be that if someone wanted to remove a skin tattoo, a surgeon excised it with a scapel, usually in increments to help the tissue around it expand and cover the wound. Today, we can use laser removal. The laser light picks up the pigment and vaporizes it. It takes a series of treatments, and if a tattoo is very deep, there may be some scarring. But the method is far superior to that ised in the old days, when we had to remove it surgically.

Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Laser Tattoo removal of red, green, black, blue tattoos. Efficacy of laser tattoo removal

Removing tattoos on the skin is becoming increasingly more effective based on the laser wavelengths available for treatment. Each laser wavelenghth works on one or two colors and the technology has improved considerably over the last two years. One option would be to decrease the easier black areas first and then move on to the more difficult red, yellow, and green colors. Multiple treatments are needed.