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Is Laser Tattoo Removal Possible for Dark Skin?

asked 2 years ago by Penzi in Flushing, NY
Latest answer by Robert C. Langdon, MD
Question viewed 10,388 times
Tags: dark, tattoo

I am a very dark-skinned black woman interested in laser tattoo removal. From what I've read it seems questionable as to whether or not I am a candidate because of how dark my complexion is.

I don't develop keloids, have a few small (<1/2") hypertrophic scars that have smoothed over the years, and have never scarred from a burn. I have two tattoos that I am interested in removing (pictured is the larger of the two; approx. 4 x 4" on my right upper back).

Can anyone weigh in as to whether or not laser removal is possible, how many sessions would be required and expense?

1 answer to Is Laser Tattoo Removal Possible for Dark Skin?

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Safe laser tattoo removal in dark skin

Laser tattoo removal is definitely safe and effective on darker skin types, as long as the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is used. The safest tattoo color to treat is black (as depicted in your photo). The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is safe because the wavelength of this laser (1064 nanometers) is longer than that of the Q-switched Ruby (694 nm) and Alexandrite (755 nm) lasers. The longer wavelength of the Nd:YAG laser has relatively little effect on melanin pigment within the epidermis. The other... more
Robert C. Langdon, MD

Guilford Dermatologic Surgeon

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