White ink tattoo removal: I've got a cover up tattoo and its totally messed up on my arm. (Photo)

Question

Hi, basically this tattoo is mostly with black ink but there is a significant amount of white ink on the mask as some patterns and some around nose and mouth and foehead as you can see.. i have researched that white ink can not be removed by laser or anything so i am considering just removing dark part of that mask and when its faded enough just wanna re cover it up with dark ink is it gunna be working that way ?

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and for including a photo.  Sorry to hear that you regret your tattoo.  The way a laser rids the body of unwanted ink is, it shatters the ink into tiny particles and your 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.  It is the density of the black ink that you should be concerned about, the white ink, once the darker framing ink is eliminated will make the white ink barely visible, not to mention that you should be able to do a cover up fairly easy over the white ink.  The density of the black ink will make it a challenge to treat, but not impossible.  You will need to start with minimal energy in order to stay safe and avoid hyper/hypopigmentation.  You can click on the link below and put in your zip code to "find a provider" of this technology in your area.Good Luck!

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting a picture.  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.  The colored ink can be removed with a laser.  We have not seen any white ink in our practice, so we do not have any first hand experience.  I don't think it will hurt anything to treat the white ink.  It will either do nothing, fade or change to another color over time and then fade.  Look for a picosecond laser provider and have 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.

Phuong Q. Tien, MD · Answer

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.

Richard Rosol, MD · Answer

Titanium dioxide white responds extremely well under picosecond 755nm pulses. Find a medically-trained  and licensed practitioner with a PicoSure or equivalent laser, and that tattoo will be quite removable. 
Good luck!

White ink tattoo removal: I've got a cover up tattoo and its totally messed up on my arm. (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Titanium dioxide white.

Answer: Titanium dioxide white.

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Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

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White ink tattoo removal: I've got a cover up tattoo and its totally messed up on my arm. (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Titanium dioxide white.

Answer: Titanium dioxide white.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.