Large tattoo removal from brown skin? (photo)

Question

Hello everyone, When I was 15 I made the irrational decision of getting a large tattoo. A year later, the ink faded to a weird colour so i opted to get it re-inked again! Being 21 now, I don't hate the tattoo but its not what I would have done had I waited till I was older. I was considering laser removal but have been told repeatedly that due to my brown skin, it would not completely remove it and if it did, it would leave a white 'ghost'. I have also considered excision. Your opinion is highly valued.

Adaeze Okeke, MD · Answer

Yes it is entirely possible to remove a tattoo from brown skin. The most important thing you can do is find a provider who has done it before and can show you successful before and after pictures. The adverse side effects you mentioned, hypo-pigmentation and ghosting are indeed more likely with darker skin, but there are precautions that can be taken to prevent them. You should probably seek a provider who uses a picosecond laser as these cause less hypo-pigmentation. Excision is definitely not a good idea as you would end up with a large scar. I hope that helps, good luck in your tattoo removal quest!

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes it is possible to laser remove a tattoo from brown skin. As you have mentioned there is a higher risk with darker skin for hypo-pigmentation and ghosting. However there are precautions that can be taken to help prevent them. In my office I use the PicoSure laser. PicoSure has a short pulse duration that exceeds photothermal action and results in an intense photomechanical impact. This adds up to faster results and fewer treatments when compared to other tattoo removal methods. It works best on darker inks such as black and blue. The number of sessions required to lighten or remove a tattoo can range from 6-10 sessions. The amount of sessions depends on the size, color and placement of the tattoo. The further the tattoo is from the heart the more time it will take to remove. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes it is possible to laser remove a tattoo from brown skin. As you have mentioned there is a higher risk with darker skin for hypo-pigmentation and ghosting. However there are precautions that can be taken to help prevent them. In my office I use the PicoSure laser. PicoSure has a short pulse duration that exceeds photothermal action and results in an intense photomechanical impact. This adds up to faster results and fewer treatments when compared to other tattoo removal methods. It works best on darker inks such as black and blue. The number of sessions required to lighten or remove a tattoo can range from 6-10 sessions. The amount of sessions depends on the size, color and placement of the tattoo. The further the tattoo is from the heart the more time it will take to remove. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This is best treated with a 1064 laser because of its color and your skin type. I agree that the Piqo4 is the best laser for you because it is both pico and nano second and has the 1064 laser. I would not excise this, the scar will be much worse than the tattoo.

Daniel J. Ritacca, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is possible to treat medium to darker skin types with laser tattoo removal. Pico lasers are the most advanced technology. I utilize the PiQo4 laser which has 4 Pico wavelengths making it possible to remove 96% of ink in as little as 4-6 treatments on average. Tattoos are removed faster and safer with Pico lasers and there is less risk of scarring. It is important not only to seek the best technology but an experienced laser tattoo removal provider who has experience in treating different skin types. I have been practicing laser tattoo removal for almost 20 years.

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