Tattoo removal of a full sleeve: is it possible? (Photos)

Question

Since 2015 I have been working on a sleeve tattoo. Most of it is finished but for about a year now i have been thinking of looking into laser removal. I have found my skin does not hold ink well, and thus my tattoo fades fast. I have already gone in for one touch up and the ink still looks like a grey wash. Is it possible for me to have my whole sleeve removed? If I choose to start the process how many sessions should it take? Will my arm ever look 100% tattoo free? Will there be scaring?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to laser tattoo removal. Yes, it is possible for a sleeve to be removed. From your photos, your tattoo appears to be very light without a lot of saturated ink, which makes you a great candidate. Scarring is always a possibility with laser treatments and is never guaranteed, but can most definitely be avoided with a knowledgeable provider and proper post care on the patients part. 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.

Kory Kitagawa, MD · Answer

Your full-sleeve tattoo can be removed with the PicoWay laser. It will take at least 5 to 8 sessions and up to a year or more. PicoWay is a gentle laser and does not cause scarring. A board-certified dermatologist who is expert in tattoo removal will be able to help you.

Evan B. Shapiro, MD · Answer

Laser Tattoo Removal of your whole sleeve is possible! Black ink is the easiest color to remove.  The areas that are more saturated will likely require more sessions than the lighter areas. The more sessions you have the closer your arm will come to looking tattoo free. You can take a look at our realself page for some before and after pictures. Scarring is always a possible side effect but fortunately it rarely occurs. The duration of treatment depends on a variety of factors. We recommend consulting with a tattoo removal specialist near you who can give you an estimate as to the duration of treatment.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This is a difficult tattoo to remove. You have a darker skin type that is at risk for hyperpigmentation. I don't think you would ever be 100% tattoo free. In it's favor is that the ink is black, which is the easiest ink to remove. I would use a 1064 nano and picosecond laser. It will take 10 treatments or more. It will be very expensive as well, about 300 or more per treatment.

Robert Pettis, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and for sharing your photos.  
Removing an entire sleeve tattoo is completely achievable, it will just require time and patience.  
In our practice, we use the PicoSure tattoo removal laser, which literally shatters the ink into microscopic particles which are then eliminated naturally by your body over a period of time.  Treatments should be spaced at least 8 weeks apart per area, to allow your body time to eliminate the treated ink.  
I recommend that you seek out a consultation with a clinician that has experience with larger areas such as yours. Most clinicians will offer a free consultation.  The consultation should include a treatment plan which outlines how many treatments are likely needed, what the timeline would be, what the strategy will be for removal, and you should feel comfortable with the clinician as this will be a relationship that lasts awhile.  For example, the clinician may recommend segmenting areas of the sleeve-basically, dividing it into sections-and work on a different area at each appointment.  This is sometimes preferred for larger areas, as you typically don't want to laser for extended periods of time in a single session, out of concern for patient comfort.  That doesn't mean that you would need to wait 8 weeks between each segment appointment, just between repeated treatments of the same areas.  Overall, I would estimate that it would take 4-6 complete treatments to achieve the results you are looking for, you may see results sooner in the lighter areas, some of the denser ink may take longer.  Time and patience are really the keys! 
If you decide to pursue removal, it may be beneficial to others for you to post photos of your progress.  All the best to you!

Lisa Vuich, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. This can be done but, at least initially, you will not be able to treat the entire arm all at once. It will need to be done in sections because there is swelling that accompanies tattoo removal. The arm has tissue compartments, and if you were to swell circumferentially, it could cause a medical emergency called compartment syndrome. Any professional tattoo can take 6 or more sessions for removal, sometimes even double digits. To reduce the number of sessions to as few as possible, be sure to go to a center with multiple wavelengths and more than one laser at their disposal. Some of the best are the Cutera Enlighten and the Astanza Trinity. Scarring is always possible with laser but there should be low risk of this with the best equipment in experienced hands.

Best,
Lisa Vuich, MD

Best,
Lisa Vuich, MD

Lauren Chavez, MD · Answer

If it's all black ink, it should be removed relatively "easily". It's best to have 1/2 or less removed at a time (if you get the entire sleeve done at one sitting, the swelling can be painful and even dangerous.) If there is WHITE ink (often done as highlights), it could discolor after treatment, so, make sure to let them know, when you go get it removed :)

Brian Citro, MD · Answer

Thanks for posting pictures. The tattoo can be removed with laser treatment, but no one can say exactly how many treatments it will take or how long. Also, you may have some residual ghosting where the tattoo was but this is usually not a problem. The ink is black which is the easiest color to remove, but several factors are involved when it comes to removal: How much ink is present, what type of ink was used, color of the ink, your skin tone, and the type of laser. I recommend finding a professional who is using a Pico laser. Best of luck.

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