Should I consider saline injections for tattoo removal when lasers have failed? (photo)

Question

I have religiously had tattoo removal sessions every 6-8 weeks on my calf for 3 and a half years, over 20 sessions, and the results have plateaued. I've used 3 companies and 4 different types of lasers, including PicoSure. I'd rather just get a cover up by a well known and experienced artist at this point, but I'd like to fade the tattoo to the maximum possible level. Should I consider saline at this point to try and break up any further particles? Any doctors in Los Angeles do this procedure?

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Ash, it seems strange that you would have failed to make more progress given the color of the tattoo and density of the ink.  Other than under-treating the tattoo with low energy, we are not sure what else would have caused the poor results.  Although Picosure is a good laser for some colors, it is not the most highly absorbed wavelength for dark ink like dark blue and black.  That would be the q-switched Nd:Yg (1064).  If you have not done that many treatments with this type of laser or you have but think the energy used may not have been high enough, then perhaps it time to seek out another provider.To see tattoo removal results for our Los Angeles patients, click on the link below.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Have you used the Piqo4 or the PicoWay? Did they do R20 methods or multiple wavelengths at once?  did they combine with fractional laser?  I suggest you see an expert in lasers who does combinations.  Excision is not an option in my opinion here.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

Saline injections will not have an effect. The non response to many laser systems is die probably to very deep ink. This tattoo is too big for excison. Another option is a fractionated erbium Asher which punches holes in the skin and can be followed immediately by a tattoo laser such as q switched yag.

Should I consider saline injections for tattoo removal when lasers have failed? (photo)

Answers (3)

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