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

May 12, 2009
Asked By:Regretful in Los Angeles in Los Angeles, CA

If a tattoo is fresh (only a few months old), is laser even an option, or would 15-20 sessions still not remove something so fresh/dark (it's only black, 2 inces wide x 6 inches long)? I'm fairly pale, and my skin really absorbed the ink. Also, is excision not an option on an "active" area like the shoulder blade? Even w/grafting? I know the scar would be major, but I desperately want the tattoo gone.

Answers (18)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
VOTED MOST HELPFUL
February 13, 2017

Answer: How soon can a tattoo be lasered?

Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACSBoard Certified General Surgeon
VOTED MOST HELPFUL
February 13, 2017

Answer: How soon can a tattoo be lasered?

Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACSBoard Certified General Surgeon
May 5, 2016

Answer: When Can I remove my tattoo?

Mansour Bendago, FRCSCCertified Plastic Surgeon
May 5, 2016

Answer: When Can I remove my tattoo?

Mansour Bendago, FRCSCCertified Plastic Surgeon
May 26, 2009

Answer: Tattoos and lasers

Ron Shelton, MDDermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
May 26, 2009

Answer: Tattoos and lasers

Ron Shelton, MDDermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology

Recommended reading

Tattoo Removal

Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

  • 99% worth it
  • 796.0k reviews
  • Avg cost: $693
Learn More
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
May 13, 2009

Answer: Tattoo removal with laser and surgery

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
May 13, 2009

Answer: Tattoo removal with laser and surgery

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
MOST RECENT
January 4, 2019

Answer: New tattoo Removal - PicoWay

MOST RECENT
January 4, 2019

Answer: New tattoo Removal - PicoWay

Recommended reading

Tattoo Removal

Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

  • 99% worth it
  • 796.0k reviews
  • Avg cost: $693
Learn More
ADVERTISEMENT