Is it possible to just get laser tattoo removal on a certain part of tattoo? (Photo)

Question

As in can u get a small part of a tattoo removed while the rest of the tattoo remains unharmed or at least won't get ruin? Example.. the date under the roses is still visible after a cover up and I was wondering if I can just laser the numbers and then just get the tattoo redone after it completely heals

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, it's possible for a portion of your tattoo to be removed with laser tattoo removal. Tattoos should be removed with q switched or pico lasers. It will take a series of treatments for removal. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Craig Schwartz, DO · Answer

Absolutely. With today's new technologies, it is possible to remove any part, or all, of a tattoo, and to do so faster, easier, and with less discomfort than ever before. Understand that it will take multiple treatments done over time, and depending on what part you may want removed, there may not be a perfect distinct demarcation, and it may require a minor touch-up to the edges, but yes, it can certainly be done. Make sure you go where the new Pico devices are being used.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

It is possible to remove parts of a tattoo and not all of the tattoo. There will not be a razor edge distinction between the part which is gone and the part that stays. You might need to slightly touch it up when completed.

Evan B. Shapiro, MD · Answer

It is absolutely possible to remove a certain part of a tattoo. Many people undergo laser tattoo removal to lighten a pre-existing tattoo prior to a cover up. In your case, targeting the areas where there is ink from both the roses and the date,would result in the need to touch up the rose design. I recommend a consultation with your tattoo artist in conjunction with a laser tattoo removal specialist.

Michelle Ellern, DO · Answer

Yes! You can remove any or all of a tattoo.  I have removed areas as small as around 1 inch.  I cover the area with a white material to prevent the laser hitting the surrounding tattoo and just treat the exposed area.  However, it is not possible to be exactly precise and a little edge of the surrounding tattoo may need to be touched up as well .Good luck with your treatments.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and for including photos. Yes, the laser can selectively remove ink, it can be pretty precise, but not necessarily exact straight lines. The date is under the rose pattern, so no matter what you would have to have the rose pattern re-done once you removed the unwanted "date" ink. Laser tattoo removal is a series of treatments, depending on the device being used. The laser shatters the ink into tiny particles and the body absorbs those particles.  It will definitely take multiple treatments to remove the ink.Good Luck!

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  Yes, you can remove only a portion of the tattoo.  While, laser have a reputation of being extremely accurate, some light may scatter and slightly damage the surrounding ink.  It takes a series of laser tattoo removal to fade ink completely.  Once you have faded the target ink you may have to have the surrounding tattoo freshened up slightly.  Best of luck.

Is it possible to just get laser tattoo removal on a certain part of tattoo? (Photo)

Answers (7)

More Tattoo Removal Questions

This 3 dot tattoo is in the processing of removal via glycolic acid post 2 weeks. Does this tattoo look infected? (photo)

Is there hope for me to remove this tattoo? (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (7)

More Tattoo Removal Questions

This 3 dot tattoo is in the processing of removal via glycolic acid post 2 weeks. Does this tattoo look infected? (photo)

Is there hope for me to remove this tattoo? (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS