Black 9 word phrase tattoo on my collar bone, is this possible to completely remove on tan skin with no trace? (photos)

Question

I was 17 when I went to a professional shop in Kalamazoo to get a 9 word phrase tattooed on my right collar bone in black. I am now 23. I would love to fully remove it with slim to no trace of it. I’m fairly tan and in the summer get extremely dark. I’m Native American. If I stay out of the sun I can typically get my pigment light. Is it possible to remove this tattoo due to my skin color being tan? I rarely burn unless you put me in the desert sun and I rarely have scars.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your question and photos. Yes, it is possible to remove your tattoo, just know that it will require patience and a skilled doctor with the right laser. I would suggest a Pico laser that is safe for all skin tones, but it is very important to stay out of the sun while you are being treated.Tattoo removal, if not done correctly, can result in either scarring or ghosting.  Here are some tips:
Find a reputable office with a Pico laser. It produces faster results with less scarring than a nano alone.  Tattoo removal shops are not as reputable as a Doctor. Many of these shops close as quickly as they open, leaving you out of luck on pre-paid packages.Stay out of the sun— sunlight can be harmful to healing in after any laser procedureAvoid infections- This means keep your tattoo area clean (i.e. don’t garden right after a tattoo removal on your arm, etc), don’t pick scabs or blisters if they occur.  Follow our post procedure instructions.  Avoid swimming for 48 hours as water can infect the treated areas.Allow healing between treatment sessions- typically 4-8 weeks.Be healthy- while the tattoo laser breaks up the tattoo particles, your body will actually eliminate the particles. Being healthy will help achieve this process faster and allow for consistent healing. Drink lots of water, get adequate sleep, and eat vitamin enriched foods.In our practice we utilize the currently most powerful Pico laser on the market called the PiQo4 by Lumenis.  The main advantage of a stronger tattoo laser (combining nano and pico wavelengths at greater power) is faster breakup of the tattoo.  The science of tattoo removal is complex but essentially the greater power will photo acoustically break up tattoo particles in smaller pieces.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Aclar.  Yes, it appears that you are a good candidate for tattoo removal and it should be able to be removed completely.  The good news is that it's all one color and that color is very dark.  This means that a wavelength of 1064 (yag) can be used and this has a low incidence of causing any lightening or scarring of the skin.  Generallyspeaking, the safer the treatments are done, the more treatments it will take to remove the tattoo, so keep that in mind.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This can be removed with laser tattoo removal. Tattoos should be removed with q switched or pico lasers.  It will take a series of treatments. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, this can be removed with laser tattoo removal. In my office, I use the Picosure laser which is great for all skin tones and is 95%+ effective in removing tattoos and works best on dark colors such as black, blue, purple and green. It can take up to 6-10 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart to see removal. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Kory Kitagawa, MD · Answer

You could get an excellent result with the PicoWay laser, which can remove tattoos from dark and light skin and all variations in between. It will take between five to 10 sessions to completely remove your tattoo. A board-certified dermatologist who is an expert in tattoo removal with PicoWay can help you; be sure to find someone who has experience with darker skin tones.

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Black 9 word phrase tattoo on my collar bone, is this possible to completely remove on tan skin with no trace? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Tattoo Removal of Black Ink

Answer: Tattoo Removal of Black Ink

Answer: Tattoo Removal on Tan Skin? PicoWay Removes Tattoos From All Skin Types

Answer: Tattoo Removal on Tan Skin? PicoWay Removes Tattoos From All Skin Types

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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.