Does laser removal on unwanted Tattoos affect wanted Tattoos nearby?

Question

My question is, if the laser removal also affects Tattoos, which i want to keep, if they are Close to the Tattoos being removed. Can the laser remove Tattoos, which are not in the direct red Point where the laser shoots. Thank you very much

Brian Citro, MD · Answer

If the laser doesn't hit the ink in the tattoo, it will be safe. If the tattoos have any overlap or are up against one another, then you can have some collateral since the laser will likely hit the adjacent tattoo. These are easy to correct by going to your tattoo artist for repair. If you have adjacent or overlapping tattoos, then I recommend going to your tattoo artist first to get their opinion regarding possible repair.

Jessica H. Kim, MD, FAAD · Answer

No, laser treatment of a tattoo would not affect surrounding tattoos not being treated.  Treatment occurs only for the actual tattoo being treated.  The main function of the laser is to break down the ink particles to smaller sizes in order for your own body's immune system to resorb it.  Consequently, untreated tattoos are not affected.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

When treating a tattoo, the laser is very focused and should not affect nearby tattoos. It is easy to tell exactly where the laser hit because of the change in color of the tattoo. If it is not hit at the time of the treatment, it won't be affected later on either.

Does laser removal on unwanted Tattoos affect wanted Tattoos nearby?

Answers (3)

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