Can this 10 year old tattoo be fully removed? My rose was done in 2008, the Jellyfish was done in 2009. (Photos)

Question

The Jelly was originally orange, yellow & green. Didn’t like the color, so I had it changed in 2010 to blue and red. The ink wasn’t as strong as the 1st application because in 2 years it faded dramatically! Now I just want them completely gone, not interested in any cover ups. I’ve certainly learned my lesson :(

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

Don’t worry! Your tattoo can be completely removed with five to 10 sessions with the PicoWay laser. PicoWay removes all kinds of colors without harming your skin. Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist who’s an expert with PicoWay will make your skin clear again.

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

Yes we can remove these tattoos with lasers. Picoway laser is one of the best for this as it can remove any color tattoo on any color skin.  This tattoo has a lot of blues, greens and reds in it.  I would speak to a laser tattoo specialist about removing this.

Phuong Q. Tien, MD · Answer

Tattoos can be removed with either with 1st generation (Q-Switched or Nano) or 2nd generation (Pico) laser technology. If tattoo is old, it’s a little easier to be removed since your immune system has been metabolized the ink. The number of treatment is depending on various factors (lighten for cover up vs complete removal, laser technology, physician's experience, tattoo size, ink saturation, ink colors, overall health, skin type, tattoo location, etc.. We have utilized both Nano/PICO technology and PICO is costlier, but removes tattoo much more efficiency with less discomfort. We recommend seeking laser tattoo removal treatment from a reputable professional healthcare provider in your area who is specialized in tattoos removal with both Nano/Pico technology.

Kristin J. Tarbet, MD, FACS · Answer

This tattoo can def. be removed via laser. I would speak with your doctor or your laser specialist to see what laser they would recommend and an estimate amount of treatments it would take to have it completely removed

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and for including photos.  The way a laser rids the skin of unwanted ink is, it shatters the ink into tiny particles and your body absorbs those particles.  The latest technology in laser tattoo removal is the Pico-second technology.  The PicoWay Laser (Candela/Syneron) uses photoacoustic impact/pressure waves rather than photothermal/heat.  This process has less heat, therefore it is more comfortable and the chances of hyperpigmentation are less.  The Pico-second pulse shatters the ink into even smaller particles, allowing the body to more easily absorb the ink.  This type of device can usually remove unwanted ink in about half as many treatments as the traditional Q-switch device.  Because the body plays a part in the removal process, it is impossible to guarantee anyone complete removal. The PicoWay technology is the very best available.  It is safe and for the most part does not cause scarring (hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation), this is what causes tattoo removal to appear unsuccessful.  I believe that with the pico technology you should get excellent results.  You must be patient, we treat only once every 8 weeks, it takes time for the body to absorb the ink particles.  More time between treatments usually yield fewer treatments.  It will take at least a year to complete the removal process.Good Luck!

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Tattoo regret is very common.  Almost every tattoo can be completely removed with enough time and treatments.  The most important factor in laser tattoo removal is patience.  Wait at least 2-3 months between treatments.  You have to give your body time to absorb the ink.  For laser tattoo removal you have two routes.  We are constantly asked to repair the damage caused by q-switch lasers.  Some damage is permanent.  Make sure you know all of the facts before you start.The older nanosecond or Q-Switch lasers that came out about 20 years ago.  The majority of former Q-Switch patients we see have significant hypopigmentation (ghosting) around and under their tattoo.  The Q-Switch lasers have trouble differentiating between the melanin in your skin and ink.  The technology uses heat to burn the pigment out of your skin.  In addition, we have seen patients with raised scars as if they have been branded.  Both of these condition are typically irreversible.  Picosecond laser came out about 5 years ago.  Every laser manufacturer has a different marketing hook to make you choose their laser.  At the end of the day, it's about the technology and experience of the clinician.  All PicoSecond lasers (like the Enlighten, PicoWay & PicoSure) fire 1000 times faster per second, using a pressure wave rather than heat to shear the ink molecules apart.  The hype of extra wavelengths does not make that much of a difference.  The 755 nm will get rid of most of the ink colors.  For red and pink ink, you would need to make sure they have 532 nm.  After using the PicoSure for 3 and half years, we have only seen pinpoint hypopigmentation in a very small number of patients usually of darker skin tones.  We cannot say it is impossible to get burned with a Picosecond laser, but it is highly unlikely.  We tell every PicoSure tattoo patient to expect at least 6 treatments, but don’t be surprised if it takes 10 to 12.  Patience is the key for our patients.  We typically see our tattoo removal patients every 8 to 12 weeks initially.  We eventually encourage them to wait up to 6 months as the tattoos seem to continue to fade while they wait.Treatment prices vary by market. The cost for picosecond treatments will be higher, but you should need less than half the treatments compared to a nanosecond laser.  The patch is only used with the older nanosecond lasers.  Best of luck

Can this 10 year old tattoo be fully removed? My rose was done in 2008, the Jellyfish was done in 2009. (Photos)

Answers (6)

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