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Laser Tattoo Removal On African American Skin, Is this Possible? (photo)

asked 4 months ago by SadFace731 in Detroit, MI
Latest answer by Sanusi Umar, MD
Question viewed 181 times
Tags: African American, candidate

I am an African American woman wanting laser tattoo removal. From what I have read it seems questionable as to whether or not the procedure will work on my complexion. It is a fair new tattoo & I do not develop keloids or scars easily. Can anyone tell me whether or not laser removal is possible, how many sessions would i need and the expense?

2 answers to Laser Tattoo Removal On African American Skin, Is this Possible? (photo)

+2

Laser Tattoo Removal on African American Skin

The reason why laser tattoo removal is considered to be a risk for darker skin is because of the high levels of melanin. In order to remove the tattoo ink, the laser needs to be absorbed by the colored ink pigment. However the melanin in your skin is likely to absorb the laser light as well which can cause overheating and scarring. The Spectra laser for tattoo removal uses the 1064nm wavelength. All laser systems use one wavelength to accomplish specific objectives. What is special about... more
Sanusi Umar, MD

Redondo Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

www.finetouchdermatology.com

+2

Laser Tattoo Removal for African American

Thanks for your question and especially for including photographs. Fortunately, your skin is light brown so that makes the laser be able to "shine" into your skin better to "find" the ink which is buried down in the dermis, the second layer of the skin. Because you have black ink and are African American, a 1064 laser would work best. This wavelength gets the tattoo ink with very little getting filtered by your natural pigment. Although some professional tattoos... more
T. Wayne Day, MD

Nashville Dermatologic Surgeon

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