I have purchased a IPL hair removal device and have used it twice now on my tattoo to try and remove it. Help Please? (photo)

Question

It scabbed up (not enough to scar) the first time through the week and the scabbed parts fell off and there was less ink on the tattoo in those parts. I was wondering is this actually going to work? Can I harm myself or skin in any way doing this? Could I get cancer or some medical issues? What should I do?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest avoiding IPL for tattoo removal this can cause severe scarring and burns.  See a tattoo removal expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  IPL is not the appropriate device to remove your tattoo and it definitely has the potential to burn and scar you.  There are excellent tattoo lasers available these days and one like the Picosure or Picoway would be ideal for your situation.  Best of luck!

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Treating a tattoo with IPL, especially treating yourself without having any experience, is a bad idea.  IPL will not effectively remove the tattoo but it will cause scarring.  I see green in your tattoo, and a picosecond laser would work best to remove it.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

IPL is not safe for tattoo removal.  It will cause damage to the skin and will leave scarring.  The IPL pulse duration is far too long.  The only lasers which are appropriate for tattoo removal are Q-switched lasers and picosecond lasers.  Please don't try to do this at home.

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I have purchased a IPL hair removal device and have used it twice now on my tattoo to try and remove it. Help Please? (photo)

Answers (4)

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