Tattoo Removal Q&A
77%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
54 Reviews
Tattoo Removalbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Tattoo Removal Cost: $650

Learn about Tattoo Removal

356 people and 123 doctors are talking about Tattoo Removal

Get Free Email Updates

How Much Fading Should I Expect After Three Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments on Ankle? (photo)

asked 5 months ago by kkelley474 in Atlanta, GA
Latest answer by Jeffrey C. Poole, MD
Question viewed 265 times
Tags: ankles, expectation, fade, laser

I have a multi-colored tattoo on my left outer ankle, approximately 1 inch in area, 15 years old. I have had three laser removal treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart with a Versapulse VPC laser used each time. I understand that laser tattoo removal is a long process requiring multiple treatments and will likely not remove all of the tattoo, but I see very little difference in color. I am wondering if I should continue on with the current laser, find another method of removal or just live with it.

2 answers to How Much Fading Should I Expect After Three Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments on Ankle? (photo)

+1

Multi-colored Tattoos difficult to Treat

For most tattoos, I tell patients to expect about 6-8 treatment session spaced 2 or more months apart, with a goal of achieving about an 80-90% lightening. Some tattoos, such as yours, with more complex colors will often get a lesser response. The more vibrant green, orange/red and yellows in your tattoo tend to be harder to remove. The Versapulse is a good laser -- essentially 3 tattoo laser in one, and is good for addressing black, purple, red and green colors. The... more
Jeffrey C. Poole, MD

Metairie Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Tattoo Removal on Ankle

I would continue with laser treatment. Tattoos on the ankle can be slower to respond than other areas. I have used the Versapulse laser in the past. The Versapulse has both Nd:YAG and alexandrite lasers available and it is effective for tattoos. However, it is somewhat older technology and there are newer Q-switched lasers available. I recently upgraded my Q-switched laser to the Quanta Q Plus C which has both Nd:YAG and Ruby... more
Richard Ort, MD

Lone Tree Dermatologic Surgeon

Ask a question