How Soon After a "New" Tattoo Can You Start Laser Removal?

Typically a tattoo shouldn't be lasered until the skin is completely healed from the tattooing.  Generally this takes at least 6 weeks.

Hi There and thanks for your question. This is a common inquiry that we often get. You need to wait at least 6 weeks from when you initially got the tattoo. If you have a laser treatment on the tattoo earlier than this you can risk of the area being scarred. It may take 8-10 sessions
but also it depends on your body's ability to break down the ink particles. It would not be recommended to have excision on the shoulder due to the constant movement that it will undergo. You may be a good candidate for a procedure called the R20 where it compresses 4 sessions into one treatment. Each session is spaced apart with 20 minute intervals. This is a quicker way to remove any small, black tattoo.Best of Luck! 

I have treated very fresh tattoos with excellent results but, occasionally, some patients will need more treatments than others, especially in the mature tattoos.  Consult with a laser specialist in your area.

Tattoo removal is performed by laser and surgery. Tattoo works by selectively targeting pigment in the tattoo. Once the laser is used, macrophages in the skin remove tattoo particles.
Surgery is reserved for tattoos that are resistant to laser tattoo removal. Surgery is not indicated for areas that are dynamic, like the joints, shoulders, mid back, and chest.
Since the laser targets the tattoo pigment, it can be performed early after laser hair removal, as long the epidermis is intact.

Hello, Waiting 6-8 weeks post getting a tattoo is usually sufficient to begin getting a tattoo removal with  a PicoWay laser. A new tattoo is thicker and will require more treatments compared to a tattoo that is 3-5 years old. Also, when you begin to get laser treatments on a freshly put in tattoo it is better to wait a little longer in between treatments (12 weeks) to allow the newer, thicker ink to clear after the laser has hit it. Seeing a medical professional who can injectably numb you will help you mentally and emotionally get through the treatments so you will not have to suffer any more than you already have.

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can have laser tattoo removal to remove the remaining ink over scar tissue. I recommend having treatment with the Picosure laser as it is effective in removing 70-90% of a tattoo and works best on dark colors. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

A lot of people regret their tattoo within in the first week of getting it done-so you're not alone. Luckily laser tattoo removal technology has come along way. I would suggest using the PicoSure laser-it's a picosecond laser that treats all colors of inks it about half the treatments as traditional Q switch lasers. I would suggest waiting a full 6-8 weeks before treating it. Make sure when searching for a provider, you are looking for a board certified plastic surgeon, and black is the easiest ink to clear.

Dear RegretfulYou are not alone. It is estimated that 25% of people who get a tattoo regret it immediately. Older technology of Q Switch lasers would dictate a long waiting period before starting laser tattoo removal. Smart Laser uses the newest Picosecond technology and has a significantly lower risk of side-effects than Q Switch. I have used Smart Laser on tattoos that were a week old without problems. As long as your skin is intact over the tattoo, Smart Laser is safe. I recommend finding a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist with the newest picosecond lasers to help you. Sure you can find spas, tattoo parlors and Family doctors who have lasers, but, this is your skin we are talking about. Have it treated by a professional. I hope this is helpfulDr S

I recommend waiting six weeks after getting a new tattoo to have it laser removed. This is because you need time for the skin to heal after getting a new tattoo. If the skin is not healed you may have complications like scarring. The colors you have described are difficult to remove. Black ink is the easiest color to remove.

Due to the healing process
after receiving a tattoo, it is best to wait 6-8 weeks to begin tattoo removal
treatments.