I have scarring from Tatt2Away. Can I smooth it out to allow for coverup or will laser remove the tattoo?

Thank you for your question in regards to tattoo removal. Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell from your photos exactly how you scarred, leaving it open to multiple treatments options to determine which would be best for you to achieve your desired results. Possible options include; laser, micro-needling, or steroid injections. If you are looking to have your tattoo covered up regardless, it is always suggested to have a few laser treatments done to lighten the current tattoo, leaving it easier for a tattoo artist to cover it. 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.

Hi Guia.  Very sorry to hear about your situation and it's unfortunate that treatments like this are even allowed as the risk for scarring is profound.  It looks like some form of acid was used but in addition to dissolving the ink, it also dissolves the skin's tissue, which in turn caused the scarring.  It's difficult to say without touching or seeing the scars in person if they can be fixed.  Steroids can be used if they are raised, bumpy or hard and if textural improvement is desired, we may off fractional resurfacing.  At this point, if getting the tattoo off is of primary importance, then we may recommend getting q-switched laser treatments to remove the tattoo and then considering scar revision after that process is complete.

Tattoos are best removed with lasers.  The latest technology incorporates both nano and pico technology to break up the pigment.  In our office we use the PiOQ4 by Lumenis witch incorporates this newest technology.  This is a good option for removing the tattoo or lightening it enough for a cover up tattoo.  As far as the scarring that would best be treated with an erbium or CO2 laser.  Sometimes with scar revision it is necessary to combine modalities  such as steroid injections, PRP or microneedling to get the best results.  You should consult with and experienced practitioner who can best advise you.

Lasers are clearly the best way to remove tattoos, and the newer combination Pico/Nano lasers are what to look for. I have the new and powerful Pico Plus and it works very well. Hypopigmentation can't be improved but scarring can with resurfacing lasers such as Fraxel, Erbium, or CO2. It really depends on what you want to have done. A cover up might not match the other colors and might stand out more. Removing the entire tattoo with lasers can sometimes lead to ghosting or seeing remnants of the prior tattoo. Hope this helps.

Hello, thank you for your question. Sorry to hear that you have had this kind of results from a non-laser method.  It''s a good thing that they just did a test area!  The way a laser rids the skin of unwanted ink is, it shatters the ink into tiny particles and the body absorbs those particles.  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.It appears that the areas treated have hypopigmented. (lightened)  The PicoWay laser can definitely resolve the remaining ink in order to do a cover up tattoo if you wish.  The scarring can also be covered by new ink.  The problem with the scarring is that it is void of color, there is no target for the laser.  By resolving the ink surrounding the scarring it may make the scarring look less noticeable.
You can click on the weblink below and put in your zip code to “find a provider” of this technology in your area.

Good Luck!