Can my 3 week old tattoo be removed with laser? (photo)

thank you for your question. you should wait a minimum of 8 week after getting the tattoo to start any kind of removal process. We use the Picoway laser and have seen great results especially with black ink. A few factors will depend on how easily it is removed, such as age of tattoo, depth of the ink, and where on the body the tattoo is located.

Thank you for your question. If it's new, you'll want to wait until it's completely healed (around 4-6 weeks) After the healing process has occurred, yes this can be removed with laser tattoo removal. Using a PFD patch in tandem with a laser will get you more removal quickly as compared to tattoo removal without it. It will take a series of treatments. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert.  Best, Dr. Emer

Thank you for your question in regards to tattoo removal. Laser tattoo removal is your best option to remove unwanted ink. Although, it is important to wait until your tattoo is completely healed (typically 6-8 weeks) before starting treatments. 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 and thank you for your question!
This tattoo can be removed, and black ink tends to fade first compared to other colors. Since it is a fresh tattoo, you will have to wait until the skin completely heals before seeking laser removal.

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. Since EnlightenTM uses the most advanced technology, 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, and size of the tattoo.  We typically see complete removal within 6-9 treatments and it is best to wait 10-12 weeks between each treatment, in order to provide the body with adequate time to break down and dispose of the ink particles.

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!

We definitely recommend you wait at least 8 weeks to let the skin heal before your 1st session of your removal and once starting that process you want to wait 3 - 4 weeks between each session

Thanks for your question.  You might want to wait a few more weeks to have the tattoo removed, but black ink is fairly straightforward to remove.  It will take several treatments, and should be done by a qualified professional.  You could choose the Pico type lasers, but they tend to be a lot more expensive for treatments and we haven't seen much difference in number of treatments needed vs. the traditional Q-switched laser.  Best of luck!

Hello, Typically you should wait 6-8 weeks from when you got the tattoo to begin removal. You do not want to start treatment until the skin is fully healed from when you got the tattoo. If you go too early then you risk the chance for more scars and trapped ink that we cannot get out. Also, waiting longer in between treatments on a new tattoo is more beneficial for clearing the thickness of the new ink. Waiting 8-12 weeks in between treatments is most effective. When it is newer ink it also seems to take longer to really start clearing, so stay patient and it will clear. You just have to wait to get through thickness to see it clear a lot.

Hello, thank you for your question and for including a photo.  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.  Your tattoo must be completely healed before you attempt to remove the ink. Usually between 6-8 weeks.  The ink is very light and should respond well.
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!