I got a tattoo of a Quetzal, a very colorful Bird. I'd like to know how much of a chance I'd have at removing it? (photo)

Question

The colors in the tattoo are green, white, teal, Brown, yellow, purple, and red.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, this can be removed with laser tattoo removal. It will take a series of treatments. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. If it's new, you'll want to wait until it's completely healed (around 4-6 weeks) Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can have this tattoo removed with laser tattoo removal. In my office I use the PicoSure laser. PicoSure has a short pulse duration that exceeds photothermal action and results in an intense photomechanical impact. This adds up to faster results and fewer treatments when compared to other tattoo removal methods. It works best on darker inks such as black and blue. The number of sessions required to lighten or remove a tattoo can range from 6-10 sessions. The amount of sessions depends on the size, color and placement of the tattoo. The further the tattoo is from the heart the more time it will take to remove. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can have this tattoo removed with laser tattoo removal. In my office I use the PicoSure laser. PicoSure has a short pulse duration that exceeds photothermal action and results in an intense photomechanical impact. This adds up to faster results and fewer treatments when compared to other tattoo removal methods. It works best on darker inks such as black and blue. The number of sessions required to lighten or remove a tattoo can range from 6-10 sessions. The amount of sessions depends on the size, color and placement of the tattoo. The further the tattoo is from the heart the more time it will take to remove. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The key to tattoo removal is patience. The number of treatments varies by the ink and size of the tattoo. The PicoSure laser is has been developed and approved for tattoo ink removal, acne scars and any other blemishes you dislike. The PicoSure is FDA-approved and highly effective for removing regrettable tattoos and scars. I recommend getting a in person consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.

Kory Kitagawa, MD · Answer

The PicoWay laser is, in my opinion, the best laser for removing tattoos of varied colors, such as those in your Quetzal bird tattoo. It can be adjusted to handle a variety of pigments, from light to dark. It works by using picosecond laser technology to shatter the pigment in the tattoo ink. The pigment is then absorbed by the body and eliminated through the liver. This is why tattoo removal takes many sessions and many months to a year to completely fade a tattoo. Another advantage with PicoWay is that the bursts of energy are so short (just trillioneths of a second) that it causes minimal discomfort. It also works well on a variety of skin tones. A board-certified dermatologist who is an expert at tattoo removal using PicoWay will be able to give you an accurate timeline of how long it would take your Quetzal to fly away for good.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting a picture.  You will get better and fast results using a picosecond laser.  The 755 nm will get rid of most of the ink colors.  For red and pink ink, you would need to make sure they have 532 nm.  The most important factor in tattoo removal is time and patience.  Your tattoo is thick and dark.  It is going to take at least 2 years to remove this tattoo.  We would recommend treating it at 2-3 month intervals for the first 3-4 treatments and then have you wait 4-6 months between treatments.  Your body has to do the hard work of breaking down and eliminating ink that the laser crushes into tiny particles.  I would recommend finding the most experienced picosecond laser facility in your area.  Best of luck.

I got a tattoo of a Quetzal, a very colorful Bird. I'd like to know how much of a chance I'd have at removing it? (photo)

Answers (6)

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