is It more difficult to remove a fresh tattoo?

Question

I got a tattoo almost two weeks ago that I’m having serious panic attacks about. I know it’s best to wait until the tattoo is healed before attempting removal but I was wondering if it’s going to be harder to remove because it’s a fresh tattoo? It’s about 3x3 inches on my upper forearm. It’s all black and is all dotwork, so the ink isn’t solid lines.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Sorry about your tattoo. It is best to wait six months after getting the tattoo to start removing it. Find a reputable doctor in your area that uses a Pico/Nano laser to remove it efficiently with less downtime. Good luck. Tattoo removal, if not done correctly, can result in either scarring or ghosting.  Here are some tips:
Find a reputable office with a Pico laser. It produces faster results with less scarring than a nano alone.  Tattoo removal shops are not as reputable as a Doctor. Many of these shops close as quickly as they open, leaving you out of luck on pre-paid packages.Stay out of the sun— sunlight can be harmful to healing in after any laser procedureAvoid infections- This means keep your tattoo area clean (i.e. don’t garden right after a tattoo removal on your arm, etc), don’t pick scabs or blisters if they occur.  Follow our post procedure instructions.  Avoid swimming for 48 hours as water can infect the treated areas.Allow healing between treatment sessions- typically 4-8 weeks.Be healthy- while the tattoo laser breaks up the tattoo particles, your body will actually eliminate the particles. Being healthy will help achieve this process faster and allow for consistent healing. Drink lots of water, get adequate sleep, and eat vitamin enriched foods.In our practice we utilize the currently most powerful Pico laser on the market called the PiQo4 by Lumenis.  The main advantage of a stronger tattoo laser (combining nano and pico wavelengths at greater power) is faster breakup of the tattoo.  The science of tattoo removal is complex but essentially the greater power will photo acoustically break up tattoo particles in smaller pieces.

Deborah M. Longwill, DO · Answer

Older tattoos are simpler to get rid of because direct exposure to sun fades the ink. Over the years the body attempts to separate tattoo ink naturally. A tattoo removal laser will certaintly offer this valuable duty of separating the ink into pieces small enough for the body to rapidly process.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is advisable to wait till your tattoo is healed in 4-6 weeks before removal. It can take 6-10 sessions spaced 4-6 apart to see 70-90% removal of a tattoo. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Richard Rosol, MD · Answer

You must wait the customary 6-8 weeks before starting laser treatment, not because of skin healing, but more to wait for all ink in the epidermis to be sloughed off, otherwise the treatment (and money) are wasted on ink that’s going to literally fall out anyway.
In my experience newer tattoos require significantly more treatments than older ones that have had years to start fading in their own. Of course it also depends on other factors that your local, medically-trained provider will discuss with you.
Good luck!

is It more difficult to remove a fresh tattoo?

Answers (4)

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