My tattoo's violet color is darker after 8th treatment. Should I continue getting treatments? (photos)

Question

Hello, Im from germany I have a chest tattoo removed for two years now. The color contains a lot of purple and some light blue. First I had the tattoo removed with the nd yag laser and q switched laser. Now with Picoway. During the last two treatments I noticed that the color became darker instead of lighter. It's annoying because the tattoo was already very bright and didn't have much color anymore. My question is, how should I continue?Im afraid that it can't get any brighter. Is that normal?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to Tattoo Removal. It is best to let your skin heal completely before continuing laser treatments. More time between sessions have the best outcome during hte removal process. 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.

Jennifer Mundt, NMD · Answer

Hello and thank you so much for attaching a photo. There are a couple of reasons the pieces where the ink was is continuing to get darker. The first reason could be the ink contained titanium dioxide (a white ingredient to make the purple and blue look more pastel). This titanium dioxide when the laser hits it will oxidize and turn darker gray or black. Sometimes you can try to keep hitting this and it will lighten a little bit and sometimes the more you hit it will continue to get darker. The second reason for the continued darkening on the skin is the skin is hyperpigmenting (turning a brownish/red color) due to the continued trauma (laser) to the area. The only way to mitigate that is to stop hitting it so your skin can heal. And then, there are lightening creams you can possible try to lighten the hyperpigmentation out faster. It can take months or years to clear the hyperpigmentation, but you need to stop hitting the area with the laser so you stop creating more hyperpigmentation. Good luck!

Philip A. Rettenmaier, DO · Answer

Thanks for the question.  Just looking at your picture it looks as if you may have some Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) following laser treatments.  My suggestion is that you should take time off from treatments to allow your skin to recover.  PIH can resolve on its own over a prolonged period of time or you may need to use a 4% Hydroquinone cream to help.  Talk to your Dermatologist about treatment options.

My tattoo's violet color is darker after 8th treatment. Should I continue getting treatments? (photos)

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