What is tattoo ghosting and why does it happen?

Thank you for your question in regards to tattoo removal. The term "ghosting" or "ghost tattoo" happens when you lose pigment in your skin where the tattoo originally was, now leaving the area white. This can happen when the proper settings are not used, you have been exposed to the sun, and/or have more melanin in your skin. 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.

Tattoo ghosting occurs when the skin pigment around and in the tattoo is removed along with the ink. This leaves a "white" area or image where the tattoo was. Ghosting  can happen if a persons with a tattoo has dark or pigmented skin. Therefore, laser tattoo removal should not be done if the skin around the tattoo was a tan or is being expose to the sun (before and during the treatment process) or their natural skin color is highly pigmented. If one has dark skin it is important to have a test spot done to determine the reaction.  Consult with an experienced doctor to discuss your options

I always tell my patients the laser for tattoo removal does not think, it released a wavelength absorbed by a pigment and the beam shatters that pigment. We are aiming to shatter the tattoo but occasionally the melanocyte releasing melanin which tans the skin gets targeted. If the melanocyte is killed the area becomes white, if stunned the area lightens or ghosts then returns. There is also incomplete tattoo removal leaving behind a slight appearance of a tattoo which is a function of either the cells bot releasing the ink or the laser not powerful enough to shatter the ink in its final faint stages.