I have a very small Chinese character on back of my neck. I went here in suburb of New Orleans to get removed- see no difference

Question

I have a very small Chinese character on back of my neck. I went here in suburb of New Orleans to begin the process of the tattoo removal and they have the Picosure machine. Although I had a few blisters afterwards, I see no difference. Not even fading, the girl who did the procedure said for my first time she had to do it on a four setting. I am not sure that I should not see any improvement. This was three weeks ago. I feel by now, some of the particles of ink should have faded.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Although PicoSure is far better than anything else on the market, it is not a magic wand. It breaks up the ink in your tattoo so that your body can reabsorb it, but it will take more than one session. It will probably take about 4 treatments depending on the size and intricacy of your tattoo. Hope this helps. Best, Dr. Sheila Nazarian @drsheilanazarian

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Although the PicoLaser is a great advance of all the technological improvements I've seen in tattoo removal in more than twenty years of practice in dermatologic surgery, it is not magic.  It takes usually more than one treatment to start to see improvement. Don't forget that the laser shatters the ink particles of a tattoo into smaller particles so the immune cells can "gobble up" the tiny pieces and carry them away through the immune system. This takes time to occur and is not instantaneous.The number of treatments to create the same improvement as older technology can be cut in half for many patients by using the PicoSure, but it is not one or two treatments.The information provided in Dr. Shelton's
answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended
to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should
not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified
health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical
needs.

Marilyn Pelias, MD · Answer

In addition to using the right laser for tattoo removal, it is important to make sure that the Doctor doing or overseeing the treatment has experience with tattoo removal and the laser that he or she is using.  I see patients frequently that have had complications of "laser" treatments performed by people with almost no training or experience.  Some of these providers do not have any medical background.  After three weeks you should be seeing some fading, but the fading will continue for up to 8 weeks.  I hope that this helps.

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

The laser will require four or more sessions and the settings can be increased on subsequent sessions. If it is very small the area can be excised or cut out which will leave a small scar.

I have a very small Chinese character on back of my neck. I went here in suburb of New Orleans to get removed- see no difference

Answers (4)

Answer: Tattoo on neck

Answer: Tattoo on neck

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I have a very small Chinese character on back of my neck. I went here in suburb of New Orleans to get removed- see no difference

Answers (4)

Answer: Tattoo on neck

Answer: Tattoo on neck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about PicoSure

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