Tattoo Removal Q&A
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African American Tattoo Removal

asked 2 years ago by sadlowerback in Cleveland, OH
Latest answer by William Ting, MD
Question viewed 3,325 times
Tags: back, African American, excision, safety, tattoo

I am a 30 year old African American woman looking for a safe yet successful way of removing a lower back tattoo. My question to you is, what would be the best laser method for me to consider if I were to do laser? Also, because the tattoo is so large, will excising and grafting a good option?

2 answers to African American Tattoo Removal

+1

Tattoo removal in ethnic skin

Tattoo removal is best done with Q-switched Nd:Yag laser, can be safely done in ethnic skin, though multiple treatment sessions may be required. Any surgical procedure including laser surgery has potential risks of secondary infection or hypertrophic scarring. I would start with Q-switched Nd:Yag laser with conservative energy as there may be risks of pigmentation changes.
William Ting, MD

Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Tattoo removal on African American skin can be difficult

Tattoo removal on African American skin can be difficult since the biggest risk of treatment is hypopigmentation. That being said we have had good success in removing the tattoos on our African American patients using the q-switched laser. However, a larger number of treatments are required since the power settings have to be lower to minimize lightening of the surrounding skin. If a lighter skin color in the area of the tattoo to be removed is not a big concern, than you can proceed... more
Scott Trimas, MD

Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

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