Am I at higher risk for a tattoo removal scar because of the tattoo location? (Photo)

Question

A few years ago, I decided I wanted to have a tattoo removed and went to tattoo removal consultation with a well-respected doctor in my city. He advised against the removal since the tattoo was against the chest bone and he felt confident it would cause scarring. Thinking lasers may have advanced in the last few years, I contacted another doctor who said he was confident that he could remove my tattoo and didn't seem concerned at all. His laser is the Cynosure Picosure laser. Thoughts?

James Shire, MD · Answer

There is no guarantees that you can't get a scar from tattoo removal, but with your coloring it would be very unlikely using the PicoSure laser. . In addition the black color of your tattoo clears very well. You would be a good candidate for PicoSure treatments, and should get a very satisfactory result. Best of luck.

Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS · Answer

The first doctor may have a reason to be concerned since the skin over the chest-bone does have a higher propensity to form hypertrophic scars and even keloids.  The risk is greatest if in darker-skinned asians, hispanics, and african-americans.  However, the Picosure laser with it's mechanism of action has a less chance of causing permanent thermal injury and scarring and works very well on black tattoos.  No procedure is 100% safe and no one can make a guarantee but in the right hands, the risk of tattoo removal with the Picosure should be minimal.  I would consider doing a test spot at lower energy or larger spot size to start.  Good luck!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not clear if this is on the sternum or your back but the description suggests sternum (front of chest). There have been big advancements in laser technology for tattoo removal and risk of hyperigmentationand scarring is low in Caucasian skin types.

Marilyn Pelias, MD · Answer

When done properly, the risk of scarring from tattoo removal is small.  In a caucasian patient with no history of hypertrophic scars, the risk is minimal.

Am I at higher risk for a tattoo removal scar because of the tattoo location? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Picosure

Answer: Picosure

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Am I at higher risk for a tattoo removal scar because of the tattoo location? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Picosure

Answer: Picosure

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about PicoSure

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