Adaeze Okeke, MD

I'm assuming that this is a new tattoo and it just started itching. It sounds like you may have an allergy to some of the components of the red ink. This is not an uncommon reaction, but lasering it is not the answer and could potentially make things worse You will need to be treated for an allergic reaction by a medical professional. You can start by taking an over-the-counter antihistamine such as benadryl or Zyrtec but you will probably need stronger, prescription medications. Good luck

Hi there, this tattoo should come out nicely with the Enlighten or any picosecond laser. The ink doesn't look that saturated and black is the easiest color to remove. You should expect between 4-6 treatments. Good luck!

You can absolutely take cetirizine while undergoing laser hair removal. It is an antihistamine which does not make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you should have any itching or sensitivity after the treatments, it might actually help!

It really doesn't matter which direction you shave most of your body. If you have very coarse hairs in your bikini line, they skin around them is sometimes less irritated by shaving downwards. Once you have started laser hair removal is it important that in between treatments you shave to remove unwanted hairs. Plucking, tweezing or waxing removes the hair follicle (and the pigment in it ) which is the target of the laser.

Theoretically the benefits of any medications, especially topical creams would be increased with the use of a higher strength. However, the risks of adverse side effects also worsen. For tretinoin (the generic name for Retin-A) those include redness, scaling, burning and photosensitivity all of which could worsen the overall appearance of your skin. You would need to weigh these pros and cons with your doctor. 

Yes, you did get a superficial burn from the laser but that is a normal part of the laser tattoo removal process. The laser targets the ink embedded deep in the dermis but creates a superfical burn on the surface of the skin. You should manage it with cool compresses as needed, keeping it moist and covered until blistering resolves. Most importantly avoid picking at or scratching any scabs as that can lead to risk of scarring or infection. Please see a doctor if you are concerned that you are worsening.

Hi there, generally hypopigmentation caused by lasers and tinea versicolor are two different things. Tinea is caused by a fungus which generally responds well to topical treatments and gradual UV light exposure. Your primary care doctor should be able to diagnose and treat you if it is tinea versicolor. Your skin looks good, the hypopigmented areas appear mild and your natural color should return either way. Good luck!

The good news is that is a new tattoo, so the ink has yet to settle into the dermis. Newer tattoos are generally easier to remove as is black ink. You should find a provider that uses Pico technology as results are generally achievable in fewer visits and with less risk of adverse effects such as hypo/hyperpigmentation and scarring. I would estimate between 4-6 for this tattoo. Good luck!

As you did not specify which area you are treating, I'm not sure what she means by "hormonal." There are some places such as chin and jaw, and chest and nipples where hair growth is affected by abnormal hormones. While laser hair removal can be effective in these areas, if there is an abnormal pattern of growth or thick or excessive hair it may take longer to achieve results. Also, for some people, assuming that the laser is being used correctly (which is a very important factor to consider) there can be paradoxical hair growth. For your case I would check with your physician if you are concerned about hirsutism (abnormal hair growth in women) before undergoing anymore laser hair removal treatments. Good luck!

It generally doesn't change the healing process too much whether you keep a healing tattoo (after laser tattoo removal) covered or not. Some people find the moisture of a triple antibiotic cream or Aquaphor soothing and helpful if itching occurs. Most important to prevent scarring is not disrupting blisters or scabs. I hope you get fantastic results!