Will laser removal leave a scar? (photo)

Question

I have a tattoo on my inner wrist that I have to get removed. My army recruiter told me that as long as there isn't a bad scar after the removal I would be fine. I'm just worried because I've heard that it can leave bad scarring.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This can be removed with laser tattoo removal with minimal risk of scarring. It will take a series of treatments. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

thank you for your question! The lasers that we use nowadays minimize the chance of scarring. It all depends on many factors such as the laser being used, the experience of the provider, as well as your skin condition and reaction to the laser. With Picosure laser you could successfully remove this tattoo in 6 treatments or so. Best of luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

The lasers that we use nowadays minimize the chance of scarring. It all depends on many factors such as the laser being used, the experience of the provider, as well as your skin condition and reaction to the laser. With Picosure laser your tattoo could be successfully removed in 6 treatments or so. Good luck!

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. In the past, tattoo removal was a surgical process that would often leave a scar, but modern laser tattoo removal allows you to remove nearly any tattoo completely, without surgery and without a scar. Tattoos are highly variable, and the only way to know what results you can expect and how long they make take to achieve is to have your tattoo evaluated in person by a laser expert. For more information on laser tattoo removal, I recommend getting a in person consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

Hi,the risk o scarring for a tattoo on the inner side of the wrist is not very high.But it is important to understand your previous history of healing post any injury like a keloidal tendency or hypertrophic scar in the past.Otherwise with a negative past history of such conditions the chances of scarring is minimal.

Sejal Shah, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos and question. Generally the risk of scarring is very low. However, some people do develop fibrosis, or thickening of the skin which feels like a scar, after tattoo removal. The best way to reduce this risk is to see a board certified expert who uses a picosecond laser, such as the Enlighten. You will require less treatments and therefore have less risk of scarring.

Good Luck!

Good Luck!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

In general, a good tattoo laser doesn't create a scar. If the settings are done within the safe parameters and the skin is carefully watched during the procedure, you should do fine without scarring. This tattoo requires a 1064 laser for best results. A laser with nano and picosecond capabilities is best too. The Piqo4 is my choice for this.

Glenn Messina, MD · Answer

These days a lot of people are offering laser tattoo removal with varying levels of competence. A new physician with the latest laser may not be the best course find yourself a physician offering laser tattoo removal who has been doing the treatment for a long time.

In your case its imperative because the military will NOT accept any scar shaped like a tattoo.  The risk of getting a scar is under 5% however when ever I see someone present with a scar its usually one of 2 circumstances. First using the wrong laser ( ie YAG long pulsed for hair removal , intense pulsed light source) or the correct laser but at very high settings.

I would look in your area for someone with a good track record for laser removal and start with them. Expect to require about 10 treatments in that area

James McMahan, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.  As long as you are treated by an experienced laser physician and use the proper laser, your chance of complete removal is very good with a low risk of scarring.

Will laser removal leave a scar? (photo)

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