Tattoo Removal Q&A
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Permanent Tattoo Removal

asked 2 years ago by carpediem in windsor, ontario, Canada
Latest answer by Jeffrey C. Poole, MD
Question viewed 10,993 times
Tags: removal, Virtual consultation

I had the symbol for "mother" tattooed (far right) and wanted "daughter" and "love" added to it. The symbol for "daughter" is on the left. I want to have this fixed, and the only alternative I see is to have it lasered off. Will laser tattoo removal erase it completely? Will it leave any scarring? I've been sick to my stomach since this was done. Please help me.

4 answers to Permanent Tattoo Removal

+1

Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser Tattoo removal is very effective in the right patient.  How effective your tattoo fades depends on a few factors. (1) Professional or Amateur -- Professional tattoos generally have a heavier amount and deeper placement of the ink, making them slower to respond (2) Color of your tattoo -- Black ink responds best.  Depending on the laser used-- Red, Blue, Purple and Green are also very responsive.  Yellow, orange, white, or skin colored tattoos do not respond well, and... more
Jeffrey C. Poole, MD

Metairie Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Black tattoo is easier to remove

Tattoo removal is easier depending on the color of the tattoo! If you have a tattoo color of yellow or green-blue, it can be faded but less likely to be removed! But if you have a tattoo that is black in color you can sometimes remove it completely depending on the depth of the ink. Sometimes, the laser can't absorb deep enough to remove the tattoo that it will leave a bruise like area that can be covered with makeup.
William J. Hedden, MD

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tattoo removal - Tattoo ink is variable

We can not say there will be "complete" removal but the goal is to make it barely visible. Best situation is single dark pigment and very light skin.  Risks can include incomplete removal and scarring.  Also, the depth and amount of ink placed is a factor as well.
Barry E. DiBernardo, MD

Montclair Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tattoo Removal

The biggest risk in removing tattoos with laser is that in some cases we can only partially remove the tattoo. In some cases, the ink is placed so deep in the skin that by the time the laser energy hits the ink, it is not strong enough to break it down. Some inks absorb the laser better than others. Scarring is not very common. You can always have a small test spot done so that you and the doctor can get a sense of how you will respond.
Jerome Potozkin, MD

Walnut Creek Dermatologic Surgeon

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