How does grey ink affect the removal of a tattoo? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I have now found out that my tattoo artist used gray ink and this may contain white ink. How does this affect the removal of the tattoo? Is this possible or is there a risk that the ink will oxidize and leave dark stains that can no longer be removed? If complete removal is not possible, would a cover-up still be possible? I am now afraid that I will end up going ahead with the treatment and it will end up looking worse than before. I have Skin Type 2, 28 years old and very active.

Anna Avaliani, MD · Answer

Thank you for the photo. Our practice has treated white ink and we were able to remove it. Even when it dis oxidize at first, it went from white to gray to gone. Just needed an extra treatment session.If you are worried about it looking worse , it will likely not happen and if you are considering cover up, then it is always much better to lighten up the tattoo as much as possible so that the tattoo artist can cover it with something else besides big black circle. The gold standard in tattoo removal is PicoSure laser for all ink colors. You may want to start with 4 sessions to see how much improvement you can achieve and then decide if you wan to continue the removal process or consult with a tattoo artist for a new tattoo art.Hope this helps.
Best, Dr.Anna Avaliani, NYC

Ryan Welter, MD · Answer

Gray ink with white components can be more complex to remove, as white ink sometimes oxidizes and darkens with treatment. However, we can test small areas using different laser types and settings to see how your tattoo responds. Ultimately, successful removal depends on the ink’s contrast with your skin—darker pigments, regardless of the ink type, are more likely to absorb the laser’s heat effectively. Starting with test patches can help us determine the best approach for fading or full removal, and if needed, prepare the area for a potential cover-up.

How does grey ink affect the removal of a tattoo? (Photo)

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How does grey ink affect the removal of a tattoo? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.