Is Complete Tattoo Removal Possible?

Question

I desperately want my tattoo gone. It is 8 years old and was done professionally with black ink. Based on my research I believe laser treatment to be the best option. I am concerned about the results though - I do NOT want a cover-up, and given the prominent nature of its placement it is important to me that my tattoo is 100% gone. My worst fear is that it comes out looking terribly and thus draws even more attention. How would you rate my outlook and how many treatments would be necessary?

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

The short answer to your question is that it may be possible to remove your entire tattoo especially if it is black ink. That being said it could take multiple treatments up to 16 to completely remove the tattoo. The laser is the only effective option. Good luck in your area.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Tattoo removal via LASER
Specifically targets color of tattoo ink and breaks it up into smaller particles.Proven by countless studies to be the treatment of choice and effective Your skin will eliminate the smaller particles with 1 of 3 ways (evaporation, removal via lymphatics, and macrophage elimination) Tattoo removal and scars
Tattoo removal can result in either scarring or ghosting.  Here are some tips:
Faster pulse second technology like pico second is a better technology than nano for scarring. Experience can help patients.  Oversight from an experienced physician (best if plastic, facial plastic or dermatology) will likely result in safer outcomes.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 weeksBe healthy- while the tattoo laser breaks up the tattoo particles, your body will actually eliminate the particles in one of 3 ways.  being healthy will help achieve this process faster and allow for consistent healingCost of tattoo removal
Typical cost will range from $50 to $500.  The cost of tattoo removal in our practice varies on the size, location, and type of tattoo.  The cost also depends on what type of technique is utilized (R0, R20). We don’t charge for anesthetics/ nitrous (great for sensitive patients)/ zimmer chiller/ etc.Other considerations
While you can save money per session with outdated technology (less powerful Pico lasers are not as effective since they do not create enough impact to break up the tattoo), ultimately patients will require additional techniquesIn 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

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