How many laser sessions do I need to get this stick n poke removed and how much will it cost? (Photo)

Question

Less than a year ago I did this stick and poke tattoo on my arm (with tattoo ink). I really don't like it anymore. It's quite small. How many laser sessions will it take to remove it? And how much will that cost?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This can be removed with laser tattoo removal. Tattoos should be removed with q switched or pico lasers. We also use the pfd patch to help speed up the process. It will take a series of treatments, but it's difficult to determine how many sessions will be needed. Cost will vary. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Evan B. Shapiro, MD · Answer

You are an ideal candidate for laser tattoo removal! Many factors go into the number of treatments necessary to remove a tattoo including type of ink, depth of ink placement in the skin, location of the Tattoo, and color of the ink to mention a few. Fortunately for you, black ink is the easiest color to remove! The average number of treatments needed to totally remove a tattoo is 9-10 and costs vary greatly based on geographical areas. We recommend scheduling a consult with a licensed and experienced tattoo removal physician near you. They will be able to give you a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate.

Phuong Q. Tien, MD · Answer

Old tattoo faded over time (couple of decades or so) due the immune system constantly breaking down the ink's pigments and metabolized them through the liver.  For those who wants to expedite the removal process in months instead of years, tattoos can be removed with either 1st generation (Q-Switched) or 2nd generation (Pico) laser technology. If tattoo is new, you'll want to wait until it's completely healed (around 2-3 months) before laser treatment. 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, 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.

Brian Citro, MD · Answer

Thanks for posting with a photo. Stick and poke tattoos are generally very easy to remove. No one can tell you how many treatments it will take but I've seen them go in as little as two and as many as 6. I recommend you find a professional with pico laser. Best of 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.  Older tattoos tend to clear faster than new ink because your body has had more time already trying to break down 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

Richard Rosol, MD · Answer

The good news is that a tattoo like yours can sometimes be gone in one or two treatments.
My advice is to find yourself a medically-trained practitioner with a picosecond laser. He or she will examine your tattoo and give you a more precise estimate of treatment number than can be given from a photograph. They will also go over pricing, which can fluctuate highly from region to region.
Best of luck to you!

How many laser sessions do I need to get this stick n poke removed and how much will it cost? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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