The white in my tattoo has turned grey after my first laser session. Can this be removed with further treatment?

Question

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This can happen after any laser treatments but can happen after laser tattoo removal of colored ink and needs more sessions to get it to lighten again. Lightening creams and cosmelan can help. I suggest seeing a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer.

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

Hi thanks for your question. Typically after any laser tattoo removal session temporary skin discolouration as well as a lightening of the tattoo is normal. You will almost always need more than one session to remove a tattoo altogether. Removing tattoos is complex, it's dependent on a variety of factors such as the colour of the tattoo, its size, age, depth, particle size and your skin tone. Typically to remove a tattoo completely you will need several treatments spaced approximately 8 weeks apart, so it's a bit of a long journey. But yes with an expert provider and the best technology it is possible to permanently remove your existing tattoo. Please speak to your provider if you have any further questions or concerns.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question.  Usually, white ink cannot be targeted.  There is no pigment, therefore no target.  We have done many tattoo's with white ink in them and the white ink is barely noticeable once the surrounding colors (framing) has been removed.  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 device can remove a tattoo in half as many treatments as the traditional Q-Switch devices.  Always best to do a in-person consultation to determine how many treatments may be necessary to resolve the ink.  
Good Luck!

The white in my tattoo has turned grey after my first laser session. Can this be removed with further treatment?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

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The white in my tattoo has turned grey after my first laser session. Can this be removed with further treatment?

Answers (3)

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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.