Is it okay to get laser treatments with Q-switched laser with only a four week wait?

Question

I just began treatments on three small, all black tattoos. I was told by my provider that I could come back in 4 weeks, although general consensus seems to dictate a longer wait. I'm Caucasian and my skin is fairly pale (but I don't burn easily, just tan gradually if I'm in the sun). The tattoos range from 1 - 3 years old. They are all black. I just had my first treatment three days ago and haven't seen much blistering, just slight redness.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

No, 4 weeks wait time should be fine between treatments for the Q-switched laser. The longer you wait, the more time your body has to absorb the ink, but you always have to weigh that against your timeframe for ridding yourself of your tattoo. My best, Dr. Sheila Nazarian @drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

Four weeks between treatments is a normal interval for laser tattoo removal.  In some areas closer to  the heart where there is better blood circulation and healing is faster, the interval may even be shortened to 2 or three week.  It is important that the previous treatment is completely healed without any scabs or skin surface alternations.  Treatments may also be stacked with 2 treatments on the same day separated by 20 minutes (the R20) method.  Picosecond lasers also heal faster so the interval on some tattoos can also be shortened when using a picosecond laser such as the PicoSure, PicoWay or Enlighten and some newer picosecond lasers just entering the marketplace.

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

The longer between tattoo sessions the more effective the session because the body needs to absorb the ink. I personally prefer a 8 week interval between sessions to minimize the number of sessions and remove more ink.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello,  4 weeks is the proper timing between treatments for the Q-Switch laser devices. Perhaps what you are hearing is in regards to the newer technology 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. The wait time between treatments that is recommended for this new technology is 6-8 weeks.  There is also what is called a R20 method where the tattoo is treated up to 4 times during the same session with a 20 minute wait time between each treatment.  Either way, you need to give your body time to absorb the ink.Good Luck!

Is it okay to get laser treatments with Q-switched laser with only a four week wait?

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