Is it possible to have a full sleeve tattoo removed (professionally done)?

Question

It is a full color sleeve it has yellows/red/black/blue/purple/tan/blue/whites If it is possible about how much would it cost per session?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Yes, it is possible to remove your tattoo safely and professionally. Since your tattoo is colorful you will have to do a fair amount of research to find a laser that can handle all shades of your tattoo well. Here are some tips for a successful tattoo removal. Good luck!Tattoo removal, if not done correctly, can result in either scarring or ghosting.  Here are some tips:
Find a reputable office with a Pico laser. It produces faster results with less scarring than a nano alone.  Tattoo removal shops are not as reputable as a Doctor. Many of these shops close as quickly as they open, leaving you out of luck on pre-paid packages.Stay out of the sun— sunlight can be harmful to healing in after any laser procedureAvoid infections- This means keep your tattoo area clean (i.e. don’t garden right after a tattoo removal on your arm, etc), don’t pick scabs or blisters if they occur.  Follow our post procedure instructions.  Avoid swimming for 48 hours as water can infect the treated areas.Allow healing between treatment sessions- typically 4-8 weeks.Be healthy- while the tattoo laser breaks up the tattoo particles, your body will actually eliminate the particles. Being healthy will help achieve this process faster and allow for consistent healing. Drink lots of water, get adequate sleep, and eat vitamin enriched foods.In our practice we utilize the currently most powerful Pico laser on the market called the PiQo4 by Lumenis.  The main advantage of a stronger tattoo laser (combining nano and pico wavelengths at greater power) is faster breakup of the tattoo.  The science of tattoo removal is complex but essentially the greater power will photo acoustically break up tattoo particles in smaller pieces. 
Best, 
Anil Shah

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to tattoo removal. Removal of a full sleeve tattoo will require a series of treatments over the course of several years. Pricing can vary, although typically the larger the tattoo the more expensive it will be, especially considering a full sleeve. 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.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can have your tattoo removed with laser tattoo removal. I like to use the Picosure laser which can remove 70-90% of a tattoo. It works best to remove dark colors such as black, blue, purple and green. It can take up to 6-10 sessions to remove a tattoo and the average cost per session to remove a large tattoo is $500-$1000. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Robert Pettis, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  In our practice we have been using the PicoSure laser by CynoSure for tattoo removal since it was FDA approved about 4 years ago.  We have been successful in providing removal treatments for tattoos of all sizes and colors, even the "sunset" (red/orange/yellow/pink) colors which can be particularly challenging to treat.  The PicoSure laser has a specialized 532 attachment that targets the sunset colors better than most other systems.  
You will want to schedule a consultation with an experienced clinician.  During the consultation they will take measurements of your tattoo and create a treatment plan which outlines what areas will be treated at each appointment, a timeline for treatment, and possibly a "rotation" schedule, where different areas will be worked on at different times to make the treatment more comfortable while allowing optimum recovery time and consistently working on the removal process.  Your clinician should also discuss reasonable outcome expectations, numbing options (we use a cream to numb the treatment areas, it is included in our fee), care instructions for the treatment areas, and answer any questions you may have.
It is difficult to estimate cost without a proper consultation, but you can anticipate anywhere from about $30-$50 per square inch per treatment.  A discounted pricing may be available based on a long term treatment plan.  It is important to find a clinician that you feel comfortable with as this will be a long term relationship.

Richard Rosol, MD · Answer

Large tattoos such as full sleeves are very ambitious projects, and complete removal is prohibitively expensive for most people.
Find a knowledgeable and experienced provider with medical training and broad-spectrum laser capabilities. If complete removal is your goal, be patient, expect it to take 2 years or more, and stay flexible with your plan and expectations if you encounter colors that cannot be removed. Cost is likely to run well into the thousands, if you have the right people doing it. Don’t be tempted by low-ball pricing; it usually leads to burns, scars, and a mess that cannot be fixed.
Good luck! Be sure to blog your progress here on RealSelf.

Is it possible to have a full sleeve tattoo removed (professionally done)?

Answers (6)

Answer: Successful Tattoo Removal Requires Time and Patience

Answer: Successful Tattoo Removal Requires Time and Patience

Answer: Large, multicolor tattoos.

Answer: Large, multicolor tattoos.

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Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

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Is it possible to have a full sleeve tattoo removed (professionally done)?

Answers (6)

Answer: Successful Tattoo Removal Requires Time and Patience

Answer: Successful Tattoo Removal Requires Time and Patience

Answer: Large, multicolor tattoos.

Answer: Large, multicolor tattoos.

Browse related questions

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.