Is it possible to remove my black ink tattoos and what is the risk of permanent scarring? (Photos)

Tattoo removal is easier depending on the color of the tattoo! If you have a tattoo color of yellow or green-blue, it can be faded but less likely to be removed! But if you have a tattoo that is black in color you can sometimes remove it completely depending on the depth of the ink. Sometimes, the laser can't absorb deep enough to remove the tattoo that it will leave a bruise like area that can be covered with makeup.

Hello, 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 healing.Cost 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(great for sensitive patients)/ zimmer chiller/ etc.Other considerationsWhile you can save money per session with outdated technology (less powerful Pico lasers are not as effective since they do not create enough impact to break up the tattoo), ultimately patients will require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 techniques
 In 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

This tattoo can be easily removed with an Q-switched Nd:Yag laser. You may experience what is known as "ghosting" after removal. This is like a shadow of the previous tattoo. Choose an experienced provider, make sure you wait at least 6 weeks between treatments, and good luck!

Laser tattoo removal is an excellent modality for you to remove the existing tattoo and have it repaired or adjusted in the future. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian 

This is a good tattoo for the R20 method - rapid removal which is 4 times faster than traditional laser tattoo removal.  See the link below for more informastion 

Hello, thank you for your question and for including a photo. Black ink is the easiest color to target and remove. The newer technology available for laser tattoo removal is definitely much more safe and less likely to cause any scarring. 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 device can usually remove a tattoo in about half as many treatments as the traditional Q-switch devices. You can learn more about this technology by clicking on the link below.

Good Luck!

Hello, Thank you for sharing a photo. Black is always the easiest color for laser to pick up on. And, should take out most of the ink. The issue with scarring is I see a little scar tissue from the tattoo artist (raised ever so slightly in your photo). This means then when the ink comes out the scar tissue that Is originally there will be there and unfortunately it will most likely stay like that. There are scar treatment options to help smooth this out like the Resolve Hand piece on the PicoWay laser, but it will still be there a little bit. The PicoWay laser should not cause any further damage to your skin upon taking the ink out. Numbing options are always available if you need.

Thank you for your question. Yes, this can be removed with laser tattoo removal. I use the Picosure laser in my practice. 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 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 hope this information helps!

We have used several tattoo removal lasers in our practice. We are currently using the Enlighten Pico laser for tattoo removal with great success. In most cases we see complete clearance of the tattoos we are treating. Some tattoos take more treatments then others so you have to be aware of the commitment once you start laser tattoo removal. It is very important to understand all pre and post instruction and Know that your provider is experienced with laser tattoo removal before starting your treatments. Be sure to have a consult and feel very comfortable with your provider. I do believe it would be possible to remove the tattoo in question. How many treatments will depend on the laser being used and how your body responds. 

Black ink is the easiest color to remove using lasers. In my practice, we use the PicoWay Laser, which uses photo acoustic energy as opposed to thermal energy. Therefore this laser shatters the tattoo particles into much smaller fragments with much less treatments. We recommend 6 treatments with 1 month between each treatment. Visit a board certified dermatologist to receive a consultation.