Best way to remove tattoo on wrist after trying laser? (Photos)

Question

I have a tattoo on my wrist, i have had 3 laser sessions on the tattoo and have suffered multiple allergic reactions after the laser, i was on steroids and multiple antihistamines to bring the reaction down. At the moment i have not touched the tattoo since Oct 2015, and still get hives on the tattoo site, this tattoo is 9 years old, and never had an issue with it until laser. After options? Pic show tattoo in current state and after a healed laser session and allergic reaction.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to tattoo removal. Skin reactions such as seen in your photots are not very common, but can happen. It's suggested to take a steroid dose pack prior to treatment.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.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  Unfortunately, you are in a Catch-22 situation.  Your body appears to be rejecting the ink.  It is attacking it and this is its autoimmune response.  If you have laser tattoo removal treatments, it will release more ink into your system creating a bigger allergic response.  There is no right answer.  If you decide to go the laser route, I would suggest treating very small areas at one time to determine how your body will react.  Look for a picosecond laser that shoots both 755nm and 532nm.  Alternatively, you could consider tattoo excision, but that will leave a scar.  Best of luck.

Norman N. Bein, MD, FACS, RVT · Answer

Great photos.  Thank you.  We rarely see such reactions and when we do there is usually some red and pink ink.  This can be highly allergic to some people.  When you had the tattoo placed was your first exposure and with the removal treatments your body is reacting to it.  In such cases we have our patients pre-medicate with Benadryl (usually 2 caps so you need a driver due to drowsiness) and often a short course of steroids post treatment as well as benadryl.  This is quite successful.  We use the Cutera Enlighten which has pico second technology for all colors and requires fewer treatments.  However, you should wait at least 8 or more weeks between treatment to ensure your skin is well healed.  Treating too soon will cause skin thickening.   Any alternate treatments will leave too much scarring.   Excision will require a skin graft as it is quite large.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. The key to tattoo removal is patience. The number of treatments varies by the ink and size of the tattoo. What type of laser did you use for tattoo? The PicoSure laser is has been developed and approved for tattoo ink removal, acne scars and any other blemishes you dislike. The PicoSure is FDA-approved and highly effective for removing regrettable tattoos and scars. I recommend getting a in person consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

I have seen this before. If you take an oral prednisone (a steroid) about 4 hours before and also an antihistamine about 1-2 hours before, it is less likely that you will get that reaction. You may want to even take a short few days of prednisone, such as a medrol dose pack. the Picosure laser is the best laser for tattoo removal. It will decrease the number of sessions that you will need by half. I cannot promise you that this will prevent your reaction but there is a very good chance it will help you a great deal. good luck and if you can, please let me know if this combination worked for you. See a board certified Plastic Surgeon or dermatologist.david berman md

Best way to remove tattoo on wrist after trying laser? (Photos)

Answers (5)

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