Possible to Lighten a New Tattoo?

Question

I had a tattoo on my right arm several weeks ago and it was a solid black. Now I'm trying to lighten it up. Can any one tell me what should I do? Thanks.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Once the skin has completely epithelialized, then tattoo removal lasers can work to help lighten the tattoo pigment underneath the skin. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Often, new tattoos respond very well to laser treatment. Typically laser treatment consists of many, ten or more treatments done at least once per month. Newer tattoos might not need as many treatments as mature tattoos because the older tattoo has pigment that has been surrounded by the host's collagen in the dermis of the skin. The new tattoo's pigment exists freely within the dermis and may be more susceptible to fragmentation by the laser and the host's immune system can engulf the particles of pigment and carry them away from the dermis. I have had some patients though, whose new tattoos were stubborn. There never is a guarantee of results with tattoo removal.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

You are in luck. A fresh tattoo is the easiest to lighten requiring the fewest treatments especially if black ink is used. I would recommend finding someone with a q-switched tattoo removal laser and they can do one or two treatments and it will be much lighter. I hope this information helps.

Jennifer Mundt, NMD · Answer

Lightening a tattoo can be a very good possibility, but may lighten unevenly depending on how the tattoo artist put the ink in. Using a PicoWay Laser is probably the most effective laser as it takes less treatments and does not harm the skin if proper aftercare is used. If you are lightening for a cover-up then you may have to take it half to three-quarters gone for a good cover-up.

Mario Marzola, MD · Answer

Yes this is possible to lighten new tattoos, however with time they will also fade naturally. The only thing to be aware of is that you can not guarantee uniformity all over the tattoo (same colour all over/ no patchiness).

David L. Robbins, MD, FACS · Answer

We can absolutely lighten
new tattoos, however, new tattoos are typically more difficult to remove than
older tattoos. New tattoos tend to have more color saturation than old tattoos,
making the process a bit longer.

David S. Rosenberg, MD · Answer

I recommend 3-4 laser treatments to lighten.  That's approximately 24 weeks until the last treatment is complete.  That will also give you some time to consider weather the last treatment is nescessary.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

First, consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to give yourself the best chance to get the results your are searching for. Because it is all black, using proper settings and with a skilled provider, you can definitely lighten this – several sessions may be needed but this should not be a major issue to do.

Louis M. DeJoseph, MD · Answer

First you must let the skin heal from the tattoo roughly 2-3 weeks.  After this the simple options include injecting the tattoo with some sterile saline solution which will have a slight lightening effect, or several treatments with a Q switched laser.  Hope this was helpful.
Dr D.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

You are a great candidate for laser FADING compared to removal... fading is much easier. The only trick I can predict is that your laser nurse/ doctor must get the passes right, as fading maybe patchy. In your case 1-3 sessions are needed.Dr Davin LimLaser and Cosmetic Dermatologist

Possible to Lighten a New Tattoo?

Answers (10)

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