Laser tattoo removal every 3-4 weeks. Is this safe?

Question

I have a question. My doctor said I could have my laser sessions every 3-4 weeks and i would be done by December, note that its May right now. That's only 6-7 months, Is this safe?

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

I appreciate your question. Three to four weeks between laser tattoo removal treatments is not very much time. We usually allow for six to eight weeks between sessions to ensure the skin fully heals and the ink that is shattered during the treatment has time to be eliminated by the body. When you schedule treatments too close together, you run a much greater risk of skin and tissue damage, which could lead to scarring. I encourage you to work with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with extensive experience in laser tattoo removal and a state-of-the-art device like the Picoway laser to ensure a safe and effective process. Good luck to you.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to tattoo removal. It is not recommended to have treatments that close together. It is not enough time for the ink particles to start breaking down and can put you at higher risk for blistering, scarring and pigmentation issues. 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.

Stephen E. Small, DO · Answer

Thank you very much for your question and the answer is NO. Treatments at 3-4-week intervals is too soon for the body to properly heal and for the body to eliminate the previously treated ink. Having another treatment too soon puts you at risk for complications and permanent scarring. I would suggest looking for a new board-certified provider for further treatment.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, but what is the rush?  Are you under some sort of deadline to get it done by December (wedding, military enlistment)?  Every office will have their own treatment protocols.  This however is completely opposite of what we would recommend.First, what type of laser technology do they offer?  If it is the older nanosecond/q-switch, you are probably going to need 10-20 treatments.  You are at extreme risk of hypopigmentation and burn scars.  In our office with our protocol and a PicoSure, we can generally remove a tattoo with 6-10 treatments over 18-30 months.  We never have scarring caused by the laser and only occasionally have pinpoint hypopigmentation (usually on darker skin types).Do you understand how laser tattoo removal treatments work?  The lasers only break up the ink into smaller pieces and then your body's filtration systems have to break it down and eliminate it.  Your can't rush the process.  It also depends on where the tattoo is on your body.  Tattoos closer to center mass eliminate quicker.  Tattoos on hands and feet take a long time.Look for an office with a picosecond laser with many years of experience.  It takes some time to dial in your protocols to what will actually work without causing harm to the underlying skin.  Do not believe the marketing hype about a picosecond laser's bells and whistles on the latest release.  Just go with experience.  I hope this helps.

Sachit Shah, MD · Answer

I usually wait 8 to 12 weeks between treatments. I find there is a lot of healing that takes place during that time and I find that a substantial amount of ink disappears during that time. Usually requiring less number of treatments. 
Best Wishes

Jennifer Mundt, NMD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question as this is such an important topic. The straight up answer is NO! 3-4 weeks in between treatments does not allow enough time for the shattered ink to go away. You will most likely be visually healed on the outside and think it is ok to move forward, but that has little to do with how the ink actually clears. The moment the laser hits the ink it shatters it into small pieces which then just sit inside your skin. Over time, randomly, your immune and detox systems send cells to the area to clear the ink. It does not happen quickly, it happens slowly over time. The time in between that is safer is 8-12 weeks. I have tried going early and I more often than not saw scar tissue and trapped in ink that I could not get out. DO NOT GO TOO SOON IN BETWEEN TREATMENTS! You will regret it in the long run with scar tissue and trapped in ink. Good luck!

Laser tattoo removal every 3-4 weeks. Is this safe?

Answers (6)

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