Tattoo Changing Color During Laser Removal? Doctor Answers, Tips
Tattoo Removal: Q&A
Ask a Question

Tattoo Changing Color During Laser Removal?

My pink tattoo has turned blue. I had about 6 previous laser treatments with much of it faded. I had to stop treatment almost 4 years ago because of pregnancies and now just had my 7th treatment. I am a little concerned because this treatment darkened the remaining pink ink and seems more visible all around. It wasn't looking like the butterfly it once was, but almost a bruise. Now it is distinctly a butterfly again. I was told that the laser pulled out ink from beneath the surface that wasn't visible. What the heck is going on?

1 Doctor Answer | Asked by sk35 in ct
+1

Tattoo changing color after treatment

Pink tattoos are at risk for turning darker after a laser removal treatment with a q switched laser. The reason is the ink used to make pink is a mixture of red and white pigment. The white ink component is titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. When these pigments are lasered they can turn blue or black. The darkened pigment can still be removed but will require more treatments to clear. Often a test spot can be performed on pink or white tattoos to see if this will occur prior to full... more

You might also like...

Real Stories

Just Started the R20 Tattoo Removal - Boston, MA

Hi everyone! I have a 15 y/o lower back tattoo that is not huge, but difficult colors. It's...

Before + After Photos

View 58 Tattoo Removal photos
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok