I want to fully remove my back tattoo. The tattoo is only a year old, want to wait 10 years before I do it. What do you suggest?

Hello and thank you for your question!
Our practice uses and recommends Enlighten™, as it is the most advanced laser tattoo removal system in the market.  This laser uses two different pulse speeds, Picosecond and Nanosecond, which allows our medical providers to tailor the treatment to each individual. Since EnlightenTM uses the most advanced technology, it creates optimal results in fewer treatments than older variations of laser tattoo removal, such as Q-Switched technology.  In addition, EnlightenTM is safe for all skin tones.
The number  of treatments required depends on the amount of ink used, how deep the ink is, and size of the tattoo.  We typically see complete removal within 6-9 treatments and it is best to wait 10-12 weeks between each treatment, in order to provide the body with adequate time to break down and dispose of the ink particles. I would recommend dividing the back into two treatment areas, and to do each area 2 weeks apart due to the large treatment area.

If this is something you would be interested in, research trained professionals in your area that use EnlightenTM and set up a consultation to determine if you will be a good fit and to discuss a treatment plan for your specific case.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for your questions and photo.  You could start working on the removal of the tattoo with a laser now, you don't have to wait 10 years, but it is true, older tattoos respond better to laser removal.  You will want to seek out a board certified dermatology office that offers professional tattoo removal and they may also be able to numb or anesthetize a part of the back at a time with injected lidocaine to help with the pain.  It will take quite a number of sessions, and prices vary, depending on where you live, the skill of the physician and experience level, and what kind of laser they will be using (Pico lasers are very expensive to buy, so removal is likely to be a lot more expensive that traditional Nd:yag q-switched lasers which are nanosecond rather than picosecond speed).  We have had great success with years of treating tattoos with a regular Q-switched laser and I haven't see much advantage to the Pico, other than it costing a whole lot more.  See an expert and best of luck!

The best way to remove this would be using a laser.  Using a 1064 laser with pico technology would be the best option. With a tattoo this large it would be best to do it in sections. Using a desire patch will decrease the number of treatments needed and will speed up the process. You will need to wait  2 months between each session so it will take some time to fully remove this.

Hello and thank you for providing a photo. Laser would be your best option and the most important thing when it comes to a laser on your skin is the wavelength used. The wavelength needed is the 1064nm. It does not pick up on the melanin in your skin as much, so the removal will look much better when you get done. Also, try to find a newer generation of laser called picosecond (like the PicoWay). Each treatment with a PicoWay will clear double the ink as a q-switched laser will clear. The laser's job is to break up you ink into tiny pieces. Then, your detox immune system will grab the ink and clear it away. This takes time, so in between each treatment you should wait at least 2 months, but sometimes on a large tattoo you should wait longer due to the volume of ink you have giving it more time to clear all the broken up ink. Some tattoo removal places will have a doctor or nurse on staff in which case you can hopefully do numbing. After each treatment will be very hot, please use aloe vera and ice packs to cool it down (maybe for 2-3 days after). Good luck!