No frosting at all after laser treatment. Will I still get some fading?

Question

I have just had my second laser treatment, the first time it frosted & went white, this time i had no frosting at all just red pinpoint bruising, will i still get some fading? Or should i change laser? The laser was turned up higher than last time too. I don't know why it hasn't frosted this time.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not clear whether the lack of frosting indicates that there was no absorption by the pigment. A few weeks and you can determine whether your pigment is still responding to the laser. Take before and after photos so that you can objectively determine improvement. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Santa Monica

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

If you are using a Q-switched laser and the ink is blue, green, purple, or recalcitrant black, the lack of frosting may indicate that a PicoSure laser is needed to remove your tattoo. Turning up the power on the Q-Switch laser will have no effect on removing your ink and can seriously damage your skin. At Hall Plastic Surgery in Austin, Texas we only use the PicoSure laser with Boost for tattoo removals. If you are using the PicoSure laser, most of the time tattoos will frost during treatment. The frosting is actually gas formation under the skin which appears white in color. When utilizing the boost upgrade for Picsure the speed of the pulse is increased and the energy requirements, measured in Joules per centimeter squared, are decreased. The resulting Pressure Wave is up to 70% more powerful and produces a strong photomechanical impact. Photomechanical impact stress is responsible for pinpoint bleeding and bruising. Occasionally the redness associated with this phenomenon will overshadow the frosting or diminish it. However, the ink is still shattered and clearance should be noted.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Frosting is not a necessary element with laser tattoo success.It is technology dependent (type of laser) as well as the power settings used.You should continue with the treatments as outlined by the physician for your tattoo removal.

No frosting at all after laser treatment. Will I still get some fading?

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No frosting at all after laser treatment. Will I still get some fading?

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