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Can a Q-Switched Laser Help to Remove Hemosiderin Staining Caused by Laser Tattoo Removal? (photo)

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wilks1986Jul 28, 2013
I have had one laser tattoo removal session to partially remove my tattoo. The treatment was effective in that a decent amount of ink was removed, however in its place I have been left with reddish brown stains which apparently is hemosiderin. I've read online that ironically the same type of laser used to remove the tattoo (and which caused the staining) can be used to break down the hemosiderin. Is this true? If so, what would be the optimum laser settings? I believe an Nd:YAG laser was used.

Answers (2)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Jacque P. LeBeau, MD
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Jan 3, 2014
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Dr. Stuart H. Bentkover, MD (retired)
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Jul 29, 2013
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Roy G. Geronemus, MD

Your tattoo can be removed safely and effectively treated. Keloidal scarring is not likely to occur and is quite rare. Newer tattoos of only  a few weeks duration will likely take longer to respond, however, the newer PicoSure laser works best in these situations.  

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Tattoo removal via LASER Specifically targets color of tattoo ink and breaks it up into smaller particles.Proven by countless studies to be the treatment of choice and effective Your skin will eliminate the smaller particles with 1 of 3 ways (evaporation, removal via lymphatics, and macrophage...

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Lee P. Laris, DO

Although it is possible your tattoo ink contains benzo(a)pyrene, not all black inks do.  The inks made from soot, like burning wood or styrofoam and collecting the smoke/soot and then making black ink from it, as is frequently done in homemade or prison tattoos, are likely to contain...

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