Why isn't my tattoo responding to treatment?

Question

I have had 19 treatments with 4 different lasers (q-switch, picosure, Revilte and enlighten) and have been left with this blotchy, scarred mess of a tattoo. Each technician who had promised full removal has failed to deliver and no one can explain why. Is my skin over lasered? Is my body not removing the ink like it should? Or are lasers just a big load of BS? I don't want to get another cover up but I can't justify continuing to spend thousands of dollars for minimal results.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, some tattoos take much longer to remove than others depending upon skin type, age of tattoo, size of tattoo, amount of ink used, type and timing of laser treatments, etc. I would find out which laser worked best on you and then see a provider that utilizes that laser technology to treat the tattoo. Switching around devices will not improve resolution. Some times waiting longer between treatments can improve tattoo removal as well.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to tattoo removal.The number of treatments required for removal will depend on your skin type, where the tattoo is located on the body and how much ink is saturated in the tattoo. It appears that your tattoo was only black to begin with (which responses very well with the proper laser) but if the tattoo was extremely dark and deep into the dermis it is to be excepted to have numerous treatments. Timing in between treatments is another important factor as well. Treating too soon can overwhelm our bodies response to break down the ink, essentially causing higher risk for scarring, blisters and pigmentation loss with no improvement in loss of ink. 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!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There is an alternative treatment called the Eclipse Micropen TR. It will take a series of treatments, but you may get better results. I suggest a formal consultation with a tattoo removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It just happens that some tattoos take a much longer time to remove and this depends on the skin type, age of the tattoo, the size, the amount of ink used and the type and timing of treatment. I suggest finding out which laser worked best on you and then finding a physician who utilizes that laser to further treat your tattoo. Also, sometimes waiting longer between treatments can help improve removal of the tattoo. Best of Luck!

Kory Kitagawa, MD · Answer

Black ink is usually the easiest to remove, particularly with a state-of-the-art laser such as PicoWay. However, if your tattoo is old and the ink reaches deeply into the dermis, it will take longer to fade it. That said, I'm not sure why you are having so much trouble removing your tattoo. Nineteen sessions seems excessive. As my colleagues have pointed out, it takes up to 18 months or more before the body can eliminate the shattered pigment. I'd advise you to take a rest from the tattoo removal process and let your body do its work. Wait at least six months and see if there is an improvement by comparing before-and-after photos taken in identical lighting conditions. When you're ready to try again, find a board-certified dermatologist who is an expert at tattoo removal to get the best results. Technicians may not have the proper training or experience.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It just happens that some tattoos take a much longer time to remove and this depends on the skin type, age of the tattoo, the size, the amount of ink used and the type and timing of treatment. I suggest finding out which laser worked best on you and then finding a physician who utilizes that laser to further treat your tattoo. Also, sometimes waiting longer between treatments can help improve removal of the tattoo. Best of Luck!

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting a picture.  You did not mention how long you have been treating your tattoo.  After using a PicoSure for two and half years doing tattoo removal, I can tell you that most tattoos take 18 to 24 months to remove.  The most important element in picosecond laser tattoo removal is time.  The laser breaks up the ink into tiny particles and then your body has to flush it away.  For new tattoo removal patients, we see them every 2-3 months.  After 2-4 treatments, we try to see them every 4-6 months.  After 19 different treatments, we would want to only see you every 6 months and tell you to drink plenty of water & clean up your diet.  Best of luck.

Why isn't my tattoo responding to treatment?

Answers (7)

More Tattoo Removal Questions

Can a raised tattoo be removed? (Photo)

I got a tattoo of a Quetzal, a very colorful Bird. I'd like to know how much of a chance I'd have at removing it? (photo)

Tattoo removal: Picoway, Picosure vs Quanta Plus C? (photo)

What laser tattoo removal laser is known to be the least risky in causing changes in skin color such as hypo pigmentation?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS