Will my color tattoo, especially the blue background and yellow poppies, be difficult to laser? (photos)

Question

Brand new tattoo (colored about 2 weeks ago). I am so so disappointed with the colors and want it lasered off so I can get it redone in just black and gray. So if there are small traces of color that could be easily covered it won't be a huge deal but I really mostly want the blue background shading gone and the bright yellow in the poppies, that's what I hate the most and what is apparently, through my research, the hardest colors to remove. Any advice or knowledge is much appreciated!! Molly

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to Tattoo removal. Different wavelengths of a laser will respond better to certain ink colors than others. It is best to wait until your tattoo is completely healed before starting the tattoo removal process. 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.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

After your tattoo heals I would suggest Alex TriVantage qswitched laser which treats different tattoo colors safely and effectively over time.  It can take multiple treatments such as ten to fifteen every six to eight weeks. The process to remove it is a little slow but safe and effective.Hope this helps.  Good luck.

Jeffrey Gosin, MD, FACS · Answer

Molly - you are correct that the yellow and blue will be difficult to remove.  However, we never know exactly how a particular tattoo will respond until treatment begins.  There are many times that a particular ink will respond better than expected.  First, the tattoo is too new to begin treatment.  You should wait at least 6 weeks prior to beginning treatment.  Then, I would discuss your goals with your treating clinician so that expectations are clear.  If your goal is to lighten the ink enough to tattoo over it, that should be able to be accomplished.  Finally, I would be careful with the pink.  That might have white ink mixed with red, and white tends to turn a gray color with treatment.

Daniel J. Ritacca, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Pico lasers are the most advanced technology removing tattoos in fewer sessions then older laser systems. I utilize the PiQo4 which has 4 Pico wavelengths making it possible to target 96% of ink. Certain colors respond best to certain wavelengths.The removal process can vary based on your skin tone, sharpness of the ink, location of the tattoo, and your immune system. I would recommend to wait until your tattoo is fully healed. Best wishes with your tattoo removal.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for including a photo.  You should definitely wait a couple of months for the tattoo to completely heal.  Different wavelengths treat different colors.  It is best to go to a provider that has multiple lasers, both Q-switch and 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. Both technologies are capable to removing unwanted ink, sometimes it takes a little bit of testing to determine which wavelength can best target your ink.  It may be difficult to target blue and yellow and not effect the black outlining in the tattoo. If you plan on having it redone with just black, you should be able to get rid of enough color to cover it up and the outlining could also be retouched to sharpen it up again.Good Luck!

Will my color tattoo, especially the blue background and yellow poppies, be difficult to laser? (photos)

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Answer: Treatment of multi-color tattoos

Answer: Treatment of multi-color tattoos

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Answer: Will my tattoo be difficult to laser?

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Will my color tattoo, especially the blue background and yellow poppies, be difficult to laser? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Treatment of multi-color tattoos

Answer: Treatment of multi-color tattoos

Answer: Will my tattoo be difficult to laser?

Answer: Will my tattoo be difficult to laser?

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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.