Laser Tattoo Removal Scar

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.