African American Tattoo Removal any recommendations? (Photos)

Question

I have been actively looking to get three large tattoos removed. I have been browsing and attending consults however, I am unable to find a Dr. who has previously worked on African American skin. I need help. Recommendations please

Adaeze Okeke, MD · Answer

Tattoo removal does work on African American skin but it can be more difficult. Our skin is more prone to scarring and hyper and hypo pigmentation. Look for an experienced provider who can show you before and after pictures and make sure they are using only Q-switched lasers. Please read my blog about this topic. Good luck!

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to laser tattoo removal. Laser tattoo removal can be achieved on darker skin types when using the proper laser 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

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

Jeffrey Gosin, MD, FACS · Answer

The safest wavelength of laser for dark skin is 1064nm.  That should work well on the dark ink in your tattoo.  To adequately treat the colors, shorter wavelengths may be needed.  They can cause some lightening of dark skin. However in certain situations they can be used safely, as long as all of the potential effects are discussed in advance and you are ok with them.  The Enlighten Laser (Cutera) would be a good choice for your tattoo.  It has all of the wavelengths of energy required to treat the colors in your tattoo, including picosecond 1064nm, the best option for the dark ink.  You should have a consultation and discuss the process, and possible side effects, in person with your provider.

Amy J. Holland, MD · Answer

Hi,
Love our Enlighten which has Picosecond technology and love it for AA skin. With Picosecond technology much less risks of hypopigmentation...way back when and only q switched Lasers, we did get some hypopigmentation and sometimes over time pigment came back in..but now with a Picosecond technology, I would not recommend Q switch at all. Have great experience with darker skin patients, and Picosecond all the way.
Hope this helps,
Dr.Amy

Michael S. Mall, MD · Answer

Thank you for the photos.  I recommend you consult with a physician who uses the Pico technology. 
Best

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  I could not DISAGREE more with the advice of using a q-switch laser on African-American skin for tattoo removal.  The method of action of q-switch/nanosecond lasers is heat.  It burns the ink and often the melanin out of the skin.  Darker skin types are infinitely more susceptible to hypopigmentation from this older technology.Every laser manufacturer has a different marketing hook to make you choose their laser.  At the end of the day, it's about the technology and experience of the clinician.  All PicoSecond lasers (like the Enlighten, PicoWay & PicoSure) fire 1000 times faster, using a pressure wave rather than heat to shear the ink molecules apart.  After using the PicoSure for almost 3 years, we have only seen pinpoint hypopigmentation in a very small number of patients usually of darker skin tones.  We cannot say it is impossible to get burned with a Picosecond laser, but it is highly unlikely.  We tell every PicoSure tattoo patient to expect at least 6 treatments, but don’t be surprised if it takes 10 to 12.  Patience is the key for our patients.  We typically see our tattoo removal patients every 8 to 12 weeks initially.  If they have more time than money, we encourage them to come every 6 months as the tattoos seem to continue to fade while they wait.Treatment prices vary by market. The cost for picosecond treatments will be higher, but you should need less than half the treatments compared to a nanosecond laser.

David S. Rosenberg, MD · Answer

I have performed tattoo removal on AA skin and many other people of color using the PicoSure laser and I've been very happy with the results.  The PicoSure has the lowest incidence of complications/problems.  We offer very competitive pricing so give us a call! Good luck :)  DSR

African American Tattoo Removal any recommendations? (Photos)

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