Which laser is best to remove a tattoo in dark skin (African american)? (Photo)

Question

Which laser is best to remove a dark ink tattoo on a dark skin individual

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Tattoos should be removed with q switched or pico lasers. It will take a series of treatments. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Kory Kitagawa, MD · Answer

The PicoWay laser is a highly effective way to remove tattoos from all skin types. Its wavelength can be adjusted so that it does not affect darker skin at all, but only targets the tattoo pigment.  A board-certified dermatologist who is an expert in removing tattoos from darker skin is the one who should help you.

Michael S. Mall, MD · Answer

Thank you for your picture and question. The Picoway is the best tattoo removal for all skin types which addresses the variation of ink colors from the tattoos as well light to dark skin tones.  Know that you should see a center specializing in lasers with an in-house physician. It may take a minimum six treatments because the process is less heat which means, less post-tattoo scarring,  and no recovery time.  I hope this helps.  Best!

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting a picture.  I don't like getting into arguments with other physicians, but Pico should be STANDARD OF CARE for darker skin patients.  We have been using PicoSure for over 3 years.  We have previous nanosecond/Q-Switch patients come to us every week trying to correct hypopigmentation and or scarring from this old technology.  Using the best technology doesn't guarantee that you won't have complications, but it will minimize them.  Best of luck.

Lauren Chavez, MD · Answer

It's MUCH safer than the wavelengths generally used in Pico Lasers, which tend to cause lightening of the skin (which, can be permanent.) The Pico lasers also cost twice as much, in spite of them, largely, not living up to their claim of removing tattoos in "half the treatments." Look at before and after photos (from the physician's office, themselves, with the number of treatments needed, and, you'll see what I mean.) That will also help you find a good provider :)  Good luck! I hope that helps!

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, Thank you for your question.  The way a laser rids the skin of unwanted ink is, it shatters the ink into tiny particles and your body absorbs those particles.  Everything with lasers in "color" related, meaning different wavelengths are used to treat different colors of ink.  The reason that darker skin types tend to be more of a challenge is because the laser has to decipher between the pigment in the ink and the pigment in the skin.  With lighter skin types there is a much greater difference between the color of the ink and the color of the skin.  The latest technology in laser tattoo removal is the pico-second technology. The PicoWay Laser (Candela/Syneron) uses photoacoustic
impact/pressure waves rather than photothermal/heat.  This process has less heat, therefore it is
more comfortable and the chances of hyperpigmentation are less.  The Pico-second pulse shatters the ink into
even smaller particles, allowing the body to more easily absorb the ink.  This type of technology can usually remove a tattoo in about half as many treatments as the traditional Q-switch devices.  Heat is usually associated with hyperpigmentation, with less heat using the pico technology, the chances of are less likely.  You can click on the weblink below and put in your zip code to "find a provider" in your area.Good Luck!

Which laser is best to remove a tattoo in dark skin (African american)? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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