Will white ink respond well to laser tattoo removal?

Question

I had picosure tattoo removal more than 8 years ago and it was to removal a very stubborn tattoo that wasn't responding. The tech became to aggressive and the laser caused some major hypopigmentation. To my knowledge, there isn't much to do about this. I tried to have it covered with white ink but I hate that tattoo and want it removed/lightened and covered with something darker/different. Can the white ink be removed or will the laser reject it and possibly even make it darker?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello !

It is possible to remove white ink tattoos with laser tattoo removal, but the success of the treatment will depend on several factors. White ink tattoos can be more difficult to remove than black ink tattoos, and the type of ink used can also affect the outcome of the treatment.

In your case, since you had hypopigmentation caused by previous laser treatment, it's important to consult with a highly experienced and qualified laser tattoo removal specialist. They will need to evaluate your skin and the tattoo to determine the best course of treatment.

It is possible that the white ink may not respond well to laser removal and may even become darker. Additionally, because of your history of hypopigmentation, there is a risk of further damage to the skin. A highly skilled specialist may recommend using a combination of laser treatments and other techniques, such as skin needling or excision, to achieve the desired result while minimizing the risk of complications.

In summary, while white ink tattoos can be removed with laser treatment, the success of the treatment and the risk of complications will depend on several factors, including the type of ink used and your skin's response to previous laser treatments. It's important to consult with a highly experienced and qualified specialist to determine the best course of treatment for your individual case.

Best of luck!

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hi Nelly1917,

I am Sarah, a medical assistant at Anil Shah Facial Plastic Surgery, and I am so sorry to hear about your unsatisfactory experience with laser tattoo removal. If you still desire to get your white tattoo removed, it is quite possible. White ink tattoos can be more challenging to remove with laser tattoo removal compared to tattoos with darker colors. The reason for this difficulty lies in the way laser tattoo removal works.

Laser tattoo removal works by delivering specific wavelengths of laser light that are absorbed by the tattoo ink. The laser breaks down the tattoo pigment into smaller particles, which are then gradually eliminated by the body's immune system. However, white ink tattoos do not absorb the laser light as effectively as darker ink colors, such as black or blue.

The lack of significant absorption by white ink means that the laser may not be able to effectively target and break down the pigment particles. As a result, the removal of white ink tattoos can be more challenging, and it may require more sessions compared to tattoos with darker colors.

It's important to note that the success of tattoo removal, regardless of ink color, can also depend on factors such as the age of the tattoo, the size of the tattoo, the individual's skin type, and the type of laser used.

If you have a white ink tattoo and are considering laser tattoo removal, it's crucial to consult with a qualified and experienced professional. They can evaluate your tattoo, skin type, and overall suitability for tattoo removal. They can also discuss the expected outcomes and the number of sessions that may be required for successful removal. In some cases, other tattoo removal methods, such as surgical excision or cover-up tattoos, may be considered as alternatives.

Will white ink respond well to laser tattoo removal?

Answers (2)

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