Getting tattoo removal and not seeing any changes after three sessions. What rights do I have as a consumer? (Photos)

Question

I had my first tattoo removal session 10 years ago I blistered, I was sore I couldn’t take the bandage off for awhile. After 10 years I decided to try it again and bought a package for 5 treatments I’ve had 3 done and have not seen a lick of change, also I don’t blister and I’m barely sore. It was however still very painful, So on top of wasting my money I also put myself through a lot of pain and saw no difference. How can I get my money back? There’s also Yelpers claiming the same.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to tattoo removal. Since laser tattoo removal is a cosmetic treatment, and is done at your leisure, any refund would have to be discussed with the office you had treatments at. Laser tattoo removal has become more and more successful over the years. No evidence of any progress at all seems to result back to an inexperienced technician and/or improper wavelength. 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.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Tattoo removal, especially of a larger magnitude, can take several treatments to see results. I would speak with the rendering physician to get a realistic timeline of when you will begin to see results. A great option to utilize as well if the PFD patch which allows deeper laser penetration and results in less sessions needed to remove the tattoo. Best, Dr. Emer.

Brian Citro, MD · Answer

Thanks for posting the photos. First, I'm glad to see you aren't one of my patients! Second, you don't really have any rights except the right to seek treatment elsewhere. Laser tattoo removal can be complicated depending on how the tattoo was done and how you are trying to have it removed. The best thing to do is make sure you are with an experienced professional who is using modern lasers. If you aren't satisfied with your results then get a second opinion from a qualified professional. Best of luck.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question.  The laser devices of today vs. the devices of the past have definitely improved over the last decade.  Do you know what kind of device is being used?  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 device can usually remove unwanted ink in about half as many treatments as the traditional Q-switch device.  That being said, since your body also plays a part in the success of the removal, it is impossible to guarantee anyone 100% removal.  The newer device, the PicoWay has far less heat and less tissue destruction, therefore blistering may not have to be present to achieve a good reaction.  It also takes time for the body to absorb the ink particles.  At our practice we only treat once each 8 weeks, it takes at least a year to resolve a tattoo.  I would recommend that you do some research on devices available in your area, and be sure that you are going to a board certified dermatology office for safest/best results.  You can click on the weblink below and put in your zip code to "find a provider" of this technology in your area.

Getting tattoo removal and not seeing any changes after three sessions. What rights do I have as a consumer? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: No results from laser tattoo removal after 3 sessions, what rights do I have as a consumer?

Answer: No results from laser tattoo removal after 3 sessions, what rights do I have as a consumer?

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Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

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Getting tattoo removal and not seeing any changes after three sessions. What rights do I have as a consumer? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: No results from laser tattoo removal after 3 sessions, what rights do I have as a consumer?

Answer: No results from laser tattoo removal after 3 sessions, what rights do I have as a consumer?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.