Do I have a realistic chance at getting complete removal thigh tattoo?

Question

This is my only professional tattoo and it is 3 years old. I have had 1 previous treatment of picosure. I want to remove it but scared of the scarring looking worse than the tattoo. Thinking about using enlighten by cutera. Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Jeffrey Gosin, MD, FACS · Answer

With the correct laser, yes you stand a change of either complete, or near complete removal.  The yellow will be difficult.  However, if everything else is removed, the small amount of remaining yellow should not be terribly noticeable compared to what is currently there.  Having said that, you should understand that the process will take multiple treatments.  The exact number is impossible to predict, but I would expect it to be between 5-10 with picosecond laser of multiple wavelengths.  I good laser option for that tattoo would be the Enlighten laser.  It has the proper wavelengths for the dark ink and the red ink.  As I said, yellow is difficult with any laser, but Enlighten will likely provide results on the yellow as well.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, this can be removed with laser tattoo removal. Keep in mind it will take a series of treatments. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Daniel J. Ritacca, MD · Answer

Pico lasers are the most advanced technology. I utilize the PiQo4 laser which has 4 Pico wavelengths. Certain colors respond best to certain wavelengths. The amount of treatments can vary based on several factors such as the location of your tattoo, your skin tone, how sharp the ink is, and how quickly your body eliminates the ink. Even with advanced lasers and multiple wavelengths complete removal is not always possible. I believe that tattoos are removed faster and safer with Pico lasers and there is less risk of scarring. I think it is important not only to seek the best technology but an experienced laser tattoo removal provider.

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

This tattoo can be completely removed, but it requires the best high tech lasers.  We use 2 pico lasers, the Picosure, PrimaPico, Coherent VersaPulse, Ruby and QX-Max Lasers with 755nm and 1064nm, 532nm, 650, 694 and 585 nm ,wavelenghts to treat difficult colored tattoos.  Sometimes is is necessary to make small fractional holes in the tattoo with a high-energy focused Erbium Laser (Fotona SP Dynamis) to create channels out of which the ink can be ejected with the Pico and Q-swtiched lasers.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and for including a photo. Laser tattoo removal is a series of treatments. Your body also plays a part in the removal process. It is impossible to guarantee complete removal of any tattoo. The latest technology in laser tattoo removal is the pico-second pulse. 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.  The PicoWay laser has both the 1064nm and 532nm wavelengths that are both very successful in the removal of black and red ink.  The yellow may be a bit more of a challenge to target.  Aftercare by the patient is also very important in the healing process to minimize/eliminate scarring. The pico technology can usually remove a tattoo in about half as many treatments as the traditional Q-switch devices.  Best to consult with a board certified dermatologist for safest results.Good Luck!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

You won't have complete removal with the Picosure because it is the wrong wavelength for most of your tattoo. I would consider the Enlighten or Piqo4 for this laser. The Piqo4 has more power and more wavelengths. The red requires a 532 laser which both have. The yellow and green will be only treated with the Piqo4. The Picosure is the best for greens. Using the R0 protocols will remove the tattoo more quickly too.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  We get this same question in our office at least once a day.  You have 2 routes for laser tattoo removal.Q-Switch or nanosecond lasers came out about 20 years ago.  Picosecond laser came out about 3 years ago.  The majority of former Q-Switch patients we see have significant hypopigmentation (ghosting) around and under their tattoo.  The Q-Switch lasers have trouble differentiating between the melanin in your skin and ink.  The technology uses heat to burn the pigment out of your skin.  In addition, we have seen patients with raised scars as if they have been branded.  Both of these condition are irreversible.  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 2 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.Based on our experience, we definitely recommend a picosecond laser with 532 nm wavelength for the red ink.  For PicoSure, this wavelength is an upgrade over the original models and was added specifically for treating some red inks.  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.

Roy G. Geronemus, MD · Answer

There is no guarantee nor warranty as to the result, however, our patient satisfaction rate is extremely high.  Treatment of unwanted tattoos is very popular at our Center.  All procedures are performed by the physician.

Do I have a realistic chance at getting complete removal thigh tattoo?

Answers (8)

More Tattoo Removal Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (8)

More Tattoo Removal Questions

I want to get a tattoo removed on my neck and I have a plastic surgery appt scheduled for January 11.

Will Emla numbing cream reduce the fading after getting laser treatments? (photo)

Instant tattoo regret! How long do I have to wait before I can get it removed and what ways and how long and how much? (photo)

At what point when getting tattoos does the ink go into the lymph nodes? Does is stay there indefinitely? What harm can it do?

Can Picosure remove tattoo on hand and wrist? (photo)

In laser eyebrow tattoo removal - how long will the white hair fade? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS