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.

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.
There are techniques to avoid hypo pigmentation and ghosting one is the laser with the correct power and thats a function of a competent practitioner. The second is time, I will not allow a patient to come back before 6 weeks if caucasian and 12 if they are african american, occasionally longer.

Thanks for your question.  Ghosting or HypoPigmentation after laser tattoo removal happens when the laser removes the skin's melanin along with the tattoo ink.  Melanin is what creates the pigment in your skin.  If you have a darker complexion, then you have more melanin.This complication is much more likely using a nanosecond or q-switch laser for tattoo removal.  PicoSecond lasers are much safer and have a much lower incident of hypopigmentation.  Darker complexion patients have a higher probability of complication because of their higher level of melanin.  Much of it also has to do with the laser settings used.  If you have concerns, talk to your provider in advance about this issue.