Can I Have my Tattoo Removed, Without Noticing a Difference?

Hey, I'm thinking about getting my tattoo removed. The tattoo is on my upper back, and some of it down my spine. Fairly large tattoo, and only black ink was used. Most of the tattoo is outline and little shading. Another part of the tattoo uses bold ink, but it is "stretched" out on my back, rather than clustered in one area(picture a cross, with bold shading in the bolders). I'm light skin, so I heard it's easier to remove. My question. What are my realistic expectations to remove this tattoo?

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by slk2000

Doctor Answers (3)
Community Comments (2)

Large Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal for a large tattoo can be very successful, when the proper tattoo removal laser is used and the treatments are performed by an experienced laser surgeon. Tattoo removal lasers vary, so it is important to confirm that you are receiving treatments with the proper laser for your tattoo and your skin type. You are correct; black ink tattoos on light skin types tend to have the best tattoo removal results. Most tattoos require somewhere between 4-20... more

Can Tattoos be Removed Completely?

Hi SLK. It is realistic for a tattoo of this type to be removed. The issue is how many treatments. When tattoo treatments are performed, the goal is to safely remove all the ink without any scarring and this happens only when an experienced practitioner is using the correct technology. As a consumer, the tradeoff you make is more treatments with a lower chance of scarring vs. fewer treatments with a higher chance.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD

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Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

Can I Have my Tattoo Removed Without Noticing a Difference...

Laser tattoo removal can have a very rewarding outcome. Fortunately, black ink and dark blue ink is the easiest to remove, while colors like green and yellow are more difficult. On the average, six sessions are needed. If a quality laser is used like a Q-switched Yag or Ruby laser, then often times the tattoo is either completely removed or almost completely removed. Ultimately, it depends on how deep the ink is in the skin, and no one can guarantee that all the... more

Comments (2)

Laser2013 24 Jan 2013

I agree that black tattoos are likely to have very good results. You may want to consider the R20 protocol. We have had very good results with it. As always, the laser and the person using it are the most important parts of the equation. Hope that helps.

slk2000 24 Jan 2013

Thank you for the reply to my question! I will look into the R20 protocol. I will also do some research on these lasers before I commit 100% to the procedure of removing my tattoo. It's only a matter of time, for me. At the end of the day, it will be my physician deciding what's best for me, as far as laser and treatments. Again, thanks for the reply! And Take Care!!

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