Laser Tattoo Removal :Hyperpigmentation (photo)

Question

Hello. I am having good results with tattoo removal with q-switch laser, but I have there yellowish spots all over the tattooes now. Please, tell me, is it hyperpigmentation and should i do anything before or after the procedures to prevent it or get rid of it or is it going to disappear naturally after my treatments are over? Thank you

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hi, tattoo removal might have side affects, see below for tips. Tattoo removal via LASER
Specifically targets color of tattoo ink and breaks it up into smaller particles.Proven by countless studies to be the treatment of choice and effective Your skin will eliminate the smaller particles with 1 of 3 ways (evaporation, removal via lymphatics, and macrophage elimination)The only safe and effective practice to remove tattoos is to see an expert with the latest technology laser.  For patients who can not afford tattoo removal here options:Tattoo removal can result in either scarring or ghosting.  Here are some tips:
Faster pulse second technology like pico second is a better technology than nano for scarring. Experience can help patients.  Oversight from an experienced physician (best if plastic, facial plastic or dermatology) will likely result in safer outcomes.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 weeksBe healthy- while the tattoo laser breaks up the tattoo particles, your body will actually eliminate the particles in one of 3 ways.  being healthy will help achieve this process faster and allow for consistent healingOther considerations
While you can save money per session with outdated technology (less powerful Pico lasers are not as effective since they do not create enough impact to break up the tattoo), ultimately patients will require additional techniquesIn 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. 
Best, 
Anil Shah

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to tattoo removal. Based on the photo,  the yellowish areas appear to be shading and fading of the black ink, not hyperpegmentation of the 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.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! The good news is that this does not look like hyperpigmentation. This seems like you temporarily effect of the laser or shading from the ink. This should go away. You need proper topical medications and continue with your laser. If it doesn’t go away by itself, then it can be easily retouched with laser. Best of look!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

The good news is that this does not look like hyperpigmentation. This seems like it is temporarily effect of the laser or shading from the ink. This should go away. You need proper topical medications and continue with your laser. If it doesn’t go away by itself, then it can be easily retouched with laser. Good luck!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This can be treated with Retin A and hdyroquinone. It can be hard to treat. Sometimes, a series of light treatments with the 1064 QS laser can help this problem too.

Glenn Messina, MD · Answer

I can tell exactly what I am looking at in this photo. I see the dark ink and some shading on the sides with a light yellow shading as well. Laser tattoo removal is a long process and I believe there are several possibilities here.

First this could be oxidized mineral in the ink creating this yellow color when this occurs its often difficult to remove. I have had black ink turn green, red ink turn black etc.

Second this could be normal fading of your ink and it looks this way. I see a lot of inks as the process goes on become more of a henna looking tattoo than a professional black ink tattoo. Its just part of the process and that fades with further treatment.

Finally it dosent look like hyperpigmentation which is a brown darker color to the skin and if it is using sunscreen , brighteners , increasing the time between sessions may help reduce the problem.

Laser Tattoo Removal :Hyperpigmentation (photo)

Answers (6)

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