Jeffrey Gosin, MD, FACS

I recommend waiting until after the nodules resolve prior to getting your next treatment.  While there isn't any harm in treating while nodules are there,  it is best to wait until you are finished healing.  This occurs in most people within 6 weeks.. However, not everyone heals at exactly the same rate.  I would give it a few more weeks and see how it is progressing.  

I recommend waiting approximately 6 weeks after getting a tattoo to begin the removal process.  This is a general guideline.  You should have your tattoo evaluated by a laser provider to obtain the specific recommendations in your case.

If you gained weight since your SculpSure treatment, a treated area can become larger.  However, if you maintained the same weight, nothing about SculpSure should increase the appearance of fat or looseness of the skin.  Sometimes people get nodules that they can feel in the treated area.  It generally takes up to 6 weeks for those to resolve. At times it may be longer.  Perhaps that is what you are noticing.  If you have concerns, you should go back to see your treating doctor and compare your before and after photos to see the actual response.

The safest wavelength of laser for dark skin is 1064nm.  That should work well on the dark ink in your tattoo.  To adequately treat the colors, shorter wavelengths may be needed.  They can cause some lightening of dark skin. However in certain situations they can be used safely, as long as all of the potential effects are discussed in advance and you are ok with them.  The Enlighten Laser (Cutera) would be a good choice for your tattoo.  It has all of the wavelengths of energy required to treat the colors in your tattoo, including picosecond 1064nm, the best option for the dark ink.  You should have a consultation and discuss the process, and possible side effects, in person with your provider.

It is impossible to know whether a single episode of sunburn after laser treatment will leave a scar.  You will need to just wait and see and try to avoid other sun exposure. It is very important to avoid sun exposure to the treated area during healing and prior to laser treatment in order to prevent possible scarring and to obtain the best results.  The goal of treatment is to remove the ink, while leaving the skin itself intact.  The sun sensitizes the skin and makes it more prone to damage and scarring from the light based energy of the laser.