Does Laser tattoo removal erase tattoo completely?

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.

Does Laser tattoo removal erase tattoo completely?
3 answers to “Does Laser tattoo removal erase...”

A: Black tattoo is easier to remove

William J. Hedden, MD

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... more

A: Tattoo removal - Tattoo ink is variable

Barry E. DiBernardo, MD

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.

A: Tattoo Removal

Jerome Potozkin, M.D.

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... more

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