Can I Re-tattoo over a Laser-Removed Tattoo?

Question

I got a tattoo that turned out crooked, and I am getting it lasered off once it heals. When i'm done with my treatments will I be able to get another tattoo over that same area? Or will there be scarring??

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

once the tattoo you don't like is removed with laser, you may, once the inflammation calms down, have a different tattoo placed. The risk of scarring should be the same whether you had a previous tattoo or not.

Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS · Answer

Absolutely you can tattoo over a previously-lasered tattoo.  In fact laser tattoo removal is often used to lighten up unwanted tattoos for better cover-up.  Of course you must be careful to not cause too much scar tissue in the removal process since scars don't take up ink as well as normal skin.  To avoid excessive scarring, I would recommend seeking out a professional with the latest laser technology like a pico-second laser.  Best of luck!

Jennifer Mundt, NMD · Answer

Hello, You can absolutely re-tattoo the same area once laser removal is complete and you have let you skin rest for 3-4 months. Scarring should not be an issue with laser tattoo removal if using a PicoWay Laser. The only scarring you should see is if you have certain colors in your ink or if you already have scarring from when you got the tattoo.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can have laser tattoo removal to remove the remaining ink over scar tissue. I recommend having treatment with the Picosure laser as it is effective in removing 70-90% of a tattoo and works best on dark colors. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Joseph A. Russo, MD · Answer

Depending on the tattoo artist and their level of expertise, they may have caused a scar during the tattoo, which should be determined during your consultation. You gave up perfect skin when you got the tattoo unfortunately. With that being said most patients have no problem with tattooing over the removal or having perfect healthy skin.

Mario Marzola, MD · Answer

Yes absolutely you can as there should be no scarring due to the laser treatment. I would suggest waiting a few months so that you are completely healed before you get the new tattoo.

Warren B. Seiler III, MD · Answer

Great question - Once the tattoo heals completely from the laser treatments, you are able to get another tattoo over the area. This should not cause any scarring. In fact, this is a pretty common route many people take when wanting to cover up a existing tattoo. Also, many people choose to only get a few laser treatments to lighten the area, instead of completely removing it just for another tattoo to replace it. I hope this helps!

David L. Robbins, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, it is absolutely
possible to re-tattoo over a laser-removed tattoo. In fact, many tattoo artists
will recommend tattoo removal treatments before attempting to cover it up.

Kory Kitagawa, MD · Answer

Yes, it’s fine to have another tattoo done in the same area that you had laser tattoo removal done. There will be no increased risk of scarring. In fact, many people opt not to have their previous tattoo completely removed, but instead fade it enough that a new tattoo can be done as a cover-up. Make sure you see a board-certified dermatologist with experience in tattoo removal for the best results.

David S. Rosenberg, MD · Answer

yes you can definitely tattoo over skin which has previously undergone laser tattoo removal.  We often will treat a tattoo with only 4 out of 6 treatments if a patient want to do a "cover-up" tattoo

Can I Re-tattoo over a Laser-Removed Tattoo?

Answers (16)