Laser Tattoo Removal Scar

asked 3 years ago by candace19 in san antonio texas
Latest answer by D. Scott Karempelis, MD
Question viewed 137,824 times
Tags: risk, scar

When getting the laser removal for tattoos, does it leave a scar and will it get rid of the tattoo completely?

11 answers to Laser Tattoo Removal Scar

Tattoo removal usually leaves imperfect results.

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.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Laser tattoo removal requires multiple treatments

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.

Scott Trimas, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

Undergo Tattoo Removal from Experienced Provider

Laser tattoo removal works by targeting the pigment in tattoos and breaking it up into tiny particles so the body can absorb and eliminate it. The procedure works best on black or blue tattoos on lighter skin tones. Multicolored tattoos (especially green) and tattoos on darker skin tones are more difficult to remove, and different lasers may be employed to help target the specific tattoo pigments. As with any laser procedure, there are risks of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation if lasers... more

D. Scott Karempelis, MD
Atlanta Dermatologic Surgeon

The success of Laser Tattoo removal depends on the colors and depth of the tattoo and the laser used for removal.

Superficial black tattoos are the easiest to remove and give the best results. Multicolored professional tattoos with ink placed deep in the skin may be incompletely removed by Laser Tattoo removal. Laser tattoo removal is most hazardous in pigmented skin, where normal skin pigment may also be removed in the Laser Tattoo removal treatments. See a professional with lots of Laser Tattoo removal experience and all of the laser wavelengths necessary to do the best job. more

Mark Taylor, MD
Salt Lake City Dermatologic Surgeon

Laser Tattoo Removal...

Laser tattoo removal can be a great procedure for unwanted tattoos. The goal is to remove the tattoo permanently, or to lighten the tattoo so a new one can be placed. Most patients are able to see improvements in their tattoos after a few sessions. Large or heavily pigmented tattoos can require several treatments before they begin to fade. After the sessions are finished, depending on the tattoo, you may have a slight discoloration of the outline of the tattoo, or... more

Andrew Miller, MD
Edison Facial Plastic Surgeon

Alexandrite laser is great for tattoo removal

We mostly use the Alexandrite ("Alex") laser for tattoo removal. This laser does an excellent job of removing most dark green ink used in tattoos. Most patients do not experience permanent pigment changes or scarring, however patients with darker skin types do have a higher chance of darkening or even lightening with tattoo removal. If your tattoo is very densely pigmented or has multiple colors then more treatments will be needed (sometimes up to 10) and the tattoo may never be... more

Brian Dubow, MD
Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon

The tattoo treated will be less pigmented

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 the laser pigment has been removed, the skin will be lighter in color so dark skinned patients tend to have a more noticeable area where the tattoo had been. This disparity can often be... more

Joseph M. Perlman, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Getting Rid of Tattoos and Scars

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. Always make sure to go to a qualified plastic surgeon or dermatologist to perform this procedure. Tattoo and piercing scars are common and easily corrected.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

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

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 usually the easiest to remove with a laser. Reds, yellows, and oranges are usually the most difficult to remove successfully. Different types of lasers are used to removed different color... more

James C. Grotting, MD
Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

The amount of scarring depends on the laser

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 dermabrasion which will definitely leave a scar. As a pateint you need to do your homework, look at before and after pictures and don't choose only based on price - you might be sorry if you are... more

W. Tracy Hankins, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Will Leave a Scar

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 cmpletely elliminate any vestige of a tattoo but for present time, although the site can nearly eliminate the tattoo the driving word here is nearly.