Can you have part of a tattoo removed and redone? (Photo)

Hello and thank you for your question. It is certainly possible to remove a portion of a tattoo, as the laser devices used for this purpose are very precise in their treatment area. We often recommend the PicoWay laser for this purpose, as the rapid pulse of the laser effectively shatters the ink in the tattoo to eliminate the image. You will need a series of treatments to achieve your full results and once the area has healed completely, you can create a new image on top of where the old one was. I encourage you to seek treatment with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with extensive experience in laser procedures, who can customize your treatment to your precise needs for the best possible results. 

Hello and thank you for your question!
Our practice uses and recommends Enlighten™, as it is the most advanced laser tattoo removal system in the market.  This laser uses two different pulse speeds, Picosecond and Nanosecond, which allows our medical providers to tailor the treatment to each individual. It also uses two wavelengths in order to more effectively remove different colored ink from a single tattoo.  EnlightenTM uses the most advanced technology. Therefore, it creates optimal results in fewer treatments than older variations of laser tattoo removal, such as Q-Switched technology.  In addition, EnlightenTM is safe for all skin tones. 

The number of treatments required depends on the amount of ink used, how deep the ink is, color used, and size of the tattoo.  For patients who are looking to only lighten their tattoo for future cover-up, 3-4 treatments are usually enough for the tattoo artist to work with. These treatments should be done 10-12 weeks apart from each other.

If this is something you would be interested in, research trained professionals in your area that use EnlightenTM and set up a consultation to determine if you will be a good fit and to discuss a treatment plan for your specific case.

Hope this helps!

Thank you for your question in regards to tattoo removal. Yes, treating partial areas of a tattoo is possible for removal. Once faded to your desired goal, a tattoo cover up can be done. To be sure what is best for you, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps.

Hello, thank you for your question and for including photos.  The way a laser rids the skin of unwanted ink is, it shatters the ink into tiny particles and the 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 device can usually remove unwanted ink in about half as many treatments as the traditional Q-switch device.Just a portion of the tattoo can be removed, it is not possible to secure an exact strait line with the laser energy, there may be some bleeding outside of lines.  Do keep in mind that it will still take multiple treatments and it may take 6-mo to a year to resolve the ink.  At our practice we only treat once each 8 weeks or longer.  It takes time for your body to absorb the ink, rushing this process does not increase the removal process. You will have to have patience.
You can click on the weblink below and put in your zip code to “find a provider” of this technology in your area.

Good Luck!
 

 

Hello, thank you for providing photos! Yes, you an absolutely remove just part of a tattoo. A lot of tattoo removal lasers have small spot sizes that hit the ink, so we can go around what you want to keep very easily. There may be slight damage to the piece you are waving, but should be easily fixable by your tattoo artist. Good luck!

Yes it is possible to remove part of a tattoo.  The portion of the tattoo that you do not like can be removed completely or lightened so that you can ink something over it.  You may need to redo some of the surrounding ink if it is in close proximity to the area being treated.