Laser tattoo removal - does it leave a scar?

Sort: Date | Helpful

7 answers to “Does laser tattoo removal leave a scar?”

A: Laser tattoo removal requires multiple treatments

By Scott Trimas, MD - Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

Generally speaking, laser tattoo removal does not result in scar formation. However, invariably, there is some loss of pigmentation especially with darker complected individuals. Over time this becomes less noticeable and sometimes the outline of the orginal tattoo can persist.

A: The tattoo treated will be less pigmented

By Joseph Perlman, MD - Houston Plastic Surgeon

The object of laser treatment for tattoos is to use a specific laser that will target the chromophore (tattoo pigment) . Different colored tattoos require different wavelength lasers to achieve the best result. For example, green or teal colored tattoos respond best to an alexandrite laser Wherever... more

A: Getting Rid of Tattoos and Scars

By Raffy Karamanoukian, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Tattoo removal with laser works by a process known as selective photothermolysis. The pigment in the tattoo is targeted by the laser light. Macrophages then phagocytose the tattoo particles. If the tattoo is deeply imbedded or the wrong laser is used, hypopigmentation and scarring will ensue... more

A: The answer depends on the type, size, color, and location of the tattoo.

By James C. Grotting, MD - Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

Professional tattoos typically distribute large particles of ink uniformly in the deep dermis (deeper layer of the skin). They are more difficult to remove that amateur tattoos, which are typically comprised of irregular placement of a less amount of ink in the superficial dermis. Black tattoos are... more

A: Tattoo removal usually leaves imperfect results.

By George J. Beraka, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Hi! Three points: 1) Tattoo removal is often not complete. 2) The lasered skin can look bleached. 3) If the tattoo color is deep, and the laser is done very deeply trying to remove all the color, then you can get unsightly scarring.

A: The amount of scarring depends on the laser

By W. Tracy Hankins, MD - Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

The proper tatoo laser can often remove the tattoo with very little scarring. We use the Spectra pulsed dye Yag laser from Lutronic. Unfortunately, this laser is more expensive than some other lasers that are in use and some unscrupulous providers use these lasers or even use modalities such as... more

A: Will Leave a Scar

By Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD - Virginia Beach Dermatologist

Unfortunately, there will be some sort of scar left behind, even with the best tattoo removal lasers. Not exactly a scar but a remnant that a tattoo was once there. That is why most of us feel you should think long and hard when you get the tattoo in the first place. There may be techniques later to... more

Does laser tattoo removal leave a scar?