I want to remove my 2 years old pink colored tattoo with a laser, is this possible?

Question

after 2 years of having it, i have developped an allergy to the pink ink of my tattoo. ive been using cortisone creams/hypodermal injections to control it but this is not a solution and definately not ideal. ive had it for 3 years now and i want to remove the ink. is it possible to do so with laser, considering its pink? if so which type?

Evan B. Shapiro, MD · Answer

It is possible to remove your tattoo using laser tattoo removal. Black tattoo pigment is the easiest to treat. Other colors, such as pink, are able to be removed using a laser as well and will require the use of a different wavelength. The best way to remove a tattoo is using a Q-Switched laser.

Richard Rosol, MD · Answer

You may be reacting either to red pigment or white, as this is likely a compounded color. I have treated many pink tattoos that contained titanium dioxide white, and I have seen hypersensitivity to just about any color.
I suggest you only consider laser removal by a physician, with the very close supervision of an allergist. Better yet, get a double-boarded dermatologist/allergist on board. Don't mess around with this.
Good luck! Please blog your progress here on RealSelf!

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Unfortunately, you are in a Catch-22 situation.  Your body appears to be rejecting the pink ink.  It is attacking it and this is its autoimmune response.  If you have laser tattoo removal treatments, it will release more ink into your system creating a bigger allergic response.  There is no right answer.  If you decide to go the laser route, I would suggest treating very small areas at one time to determine how your body will react.  Look for a picosecond laser that shoots at 532nm.  Alternatively, you could consider tattoo excision, but that will leave a scar.  Best of luck.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question.  Pink ink can possibly be removed with the 532nm wavelength.  The 532nm wavelength can usually target pink, orang & red in the color spectrum.  Different wavelengths are used to treat different colors.  The way the laser rids the body of unwanted ink is, it shatters the ink into tiny particles and your body absorbs those particles. The latest technology in laser tattoo removal is the pico-second technology. The PicoWay Laser (Candela/Syneron) uses photoacoustic
impact/pressure waves rather than photothermal/heat.  This process has less heat, therefore it is
more comfortable and the chances of hyperpigmentation are less.  The Pico-second pulse shatters the ink into
even smaller particles, allowing the body to more easily absorb the ink.  This type of technology can usually remove unwanted ink in about half as many treatments as the traditional Q-switch device.  Because your body also plays a part in the removal process, it is impossible to guarantee anyone 100% removal.  You can click on the weblink below and put in your zipcode to "find a provider" of this technology in your area.Good Luck!

I want to remove my 2 years old pink colored tattoo with a laser, is this possible?

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Answer: Can I remove a pink tattoo?

Answer: Can I remove a pink tattoo?

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I want to remove my 2 years old pink colored tattoo with a laser, is this possible?

Answers (4)

Answer: Can I remove a pink tattoo?

Answer: Can I remove a pink tattoo?

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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.