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

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. 

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.

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

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!

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.

Yes, you are a good candidate for laser tattoo removal. Black ink is the easiest color to remove. We recommend keeping the tattooed area out of the sun during treatments.  At our practice, we use a Q-Switched laser which we find very effective in removing tattoos such as yours. See some of our before and after pics on our Realself page. 

Yes, your tattoo is treatable with the appropriate laser - either nanosecond or newer picosecond lasers - and wavelength.  For best results, you should let your tan fade prior to treatment.  Consult with an experienced physician.  

Hello, Thank you for your question, and for including photos.  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 devices. This type of device is safer on darker skin types due to the energy not being as hot.  It is still recommended to avoid the sun for the full duration of the treatment for best results.  You can click on the weblink below and put in your zip code to "find a provider" in your area of this technology.Good Luck!

Thank you for your question and photographs.  It is possible to remove your tattoo without scars and minimal to no trace that it was present. However, you have careful, use the right laser, be patient and go to someone who is very experienced.  With your skin coloring, I would stick to using a 1064nm Nd:YAG laser starting at a low level and gradually increase the setting. The longer you wait between sessions, the more ink will disappear.  Plan on taking a couple of years to get it removed and you will get the best result. It is those who are in a big hurry who are more likely to wind up with scars or permanent skin color changes.