Is it normal that the ink is not fading anymore after 5 treatments? Can you plateau? Is the laser not a high enough temperature?

Question

Is it normal that the ink is not fading anymore after 5 treatments - can you plateau ? Does it means that the technician is not using the laser to a higher temperature to make more money?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to tattoo removal. As the ink begins to break down with each treatment, it is important for the technician to increase the settings of the laser to achieve proper results. It can seem a bit discouraging during this process since the tattoo can appear to not have a drastic break down of the ink as the first few treatments did, although it is still breaking down. 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.

Sachit Shah, MD · Answer

It would have been nice to see your picture at the beginning. I often find that the ink does not reduce in a nice slope downwards. I do always increase the settings as time time proceeds.
Hope that helps

Jennifer Mundt, NMD · Answer

Hello and thank you for attaching a photo. I have really good news! Your ink on the boy and horse is gone. If not completely then 95% or more. I think what you have left is hyperpigmentation. When the laser hits your ink and turns you red your skin heals brown underneath (called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Now you will need to let it heal on its own, use a lightening agent to help clear the hyperpigmentation or use the PicoWay Resolve to clear off the hyperpigmentation. Good luck! You are now in the last stage of your tattoo removal.

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  As the ink gets lighter it is important to change your laser settings to reflect this. As the ink gets lighter it becomes more difficult to remove and the changes you see may not be as dramatic as your initial treatments.  Oftentimes you must wait longer between treatments to allow more pigment to come to the surface.  You should discuss your concerns with your provider who can best advise you.

Is it normal that the ink is not fading anymore after 5 treatments? Can you plateau? Is the laser not a high enough temperature?

Answers (4)

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