Can my tattoo be removed completely? (photo)

Question

Hello, I got a new tattoo maybe two months ago and I’m not happy with the placement and would like to remove it. Is this possible? I am dark skinned and just would like to have a clean slate. The tattoo is on my boob and is just the outline of a Rose. I have decided not to shade it as I’m unhappy with it.

Joseph J. Castellano, MD · Answer

Hello, and thanks for your question. From the photos, it appears that you may be able to have a successful removal of your tattoo. The PicoWay method of tattoo removal uses laser energy to gently penetrate the skin and dissolve pigment without using heat. The ink particles will be naturally absorbed by your body over several weeks. As you may already know, the larger the tattoo and the more color that was used, the more sessions may be required for removal. Most people need to have multiple treatment sessions, typically scheduled between 8 and 12 weeks apart, to achieve their desired results.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to tattoo removal. Laser tattoo removal would be your best option to remove unwanted ink. Although, it does appear in your photo that some scarring has already developed from the initial tattoo. Keeping that in mind, it is also important that you see a provider that has the proper and safest wavelength of laser to treat darker skin tones. To be sure what is best for you, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps.

Barbara Padilla, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question!
Our practice uses and recommends Enlighten&trade;, as it is the most advanced laser tattoo removal system in the market.  This laser uses two different pulse speeds, Picosecond and Nanosecond, which allows our medical providers to tailor the treatment to each individual. The number of treatments required depends on the amount of ink used, how deep the ink is, and size of the tattoo.  Typically, we recommend 6-9 treatments spaced 10-12 weeks apart.
  
If this is something you would be interested in, research trained professionals in your area that use Enlighten and set up a consultation to determine if you will be a good fit and to discuss a treatment plan for your specific case.
  
Hope this helps!

Deborah M. Longwill, DO · Answer

Hi dhoss,
Thank you for your question. Looking at your picture, your tattoo has a lot of traits that make it a great candidate for removal. A series of sessions will be required to get an excellent outcome. I recommend to consult with a tattoo removal expert  to tailor a treatment best suited for you. Best of luck!

Dr. Deborah Longwill

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, this can be removed with laser tattoo removal. It will take a series of treatments. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. If it's new, you'll want to wait until it's completely healed (around 4-6 weeks) Best, Dr. Emer

Evan B. Shapiro, MD · Answer

You are a candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal. Tattoo Regret is very common. Werecommend waiting at least 6 weeks prior to initiating laser tattoo removaltreatments.

Sachit Shah, MD · Answer

Yes it can be removed. However you would need a consultation first. It would require  a number of treatments and there is wide choice of picosecond lasers available in our office.

Jennifer Mundt, NMD · Answer

Hello, I love that you asked this question prior to getting it shaded or colored in. It is always easier to remove a tattoo with less ink. Black is a great color to remove as the laser can usually target it well. I love the PicoWay by Candela because it hits black with a lot of power breaking down the ink and making it easier for you to clear from your body. The only thing you may have to think about is if the tattoo artist scarred the lines when they put it in. If they dug too deep in any way, then you will already have a scratch there when you uncover the ink with the laser. Now most scar tissue is close to your skin tone (being a little darker or a little lighter). However you may see these remnants after your removal.

Kristin J. Tarbet, MD, FACS · Answer

This tattoo can be removed completely or pretty close to completely but as far as how many treatments it would take depends on the actual laser itself and the amount of ink that was placed into the tattoo.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and for including a photo.  The way a laser rids the skin of unwanted ink is, it shatters the ink into tiny particles and the 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.Darker skin types do tend to hyperpigment/hypopigment. (darken/lighten)  With the PicoWay laser, there is far less heat and injury, both of which cause this result.  Your provider will definitely have to start with lower energy than that of lighter skin types, and proceed with increases that are more conservative in order to avoid the risk of hyper/hypo-pigmentation.  This will also probably result in more treatments in total. 
You can click on the weblink below and put in your zip code to “find a provider” of this technology in your area.
  
Good Luck!

Can my tattoo be removed completely? (photo)

Answers (10)

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