Hyperpigmentation after tattoo removal? (Photo)

Question

This tattoo seems to have no ink left however you can still see this. I was told it's hyperpigmentation and they can treat it. Is this normal? It took about 13 sessions to remove it. It was black.

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

Looks like PIH or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This can be reversed. The cause of this is typically when the settings are set a bit too high during each treatment, especially the first few. Hopefully they have the Pico laser and can use Pico genesis settings which are lower and stay low. It may take several treatments and can be spaced out every 4 weeks for this. Eventually it will disappear. They should not charge you to fix an adverse.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. We use the PicoSure laser for tattoo removal.
You are seeing hyperpigmentation of the skin in response to your tattoo removal. This occurs as a protective mechanism of the skin after injury, such as tattoo removal. It is best avoided by having little to no UV exposure to the treated area for at least 3 weeks, and I prefer 6 weeks. In many cases, the pigmentation will fade as time goes by. IPL or a skin lightening product could also be used. Good luck and congratulation on your successful tattoo removal.

Hyperpigmentation after tattoo removal? (Photo)

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Hyperpigmentation after tattoo removal? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.