Are new tattoos harder or easier to remove? How long do I have to wait?

Question

I have recently gotten a tattoo about 2 weeks ago and want it removed. I have heard conflicting answers about the time frame for this. One is that I have to wait about 6 weeks for the area to heal before I can start. The other is that it actually could be beneficial to act quickly before the ink sets in, or something along those lines. Is there any truth to this? Are new tattoos generally easier or harder to remove? Thanks very much!

Daniel J. Ritacca, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, I would recommend my patients to wait minimum 8-10 weeks before beginning any treatment this will give the body time to heal properly.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is recommended to wait at least 4-6 weeks after a new tattoo before having it removed as this allows time for your body to heal. It typically takes 6-9 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart to see 70-90% removal of a tattoo with Picosure. Please remember the further the tattoo is from the heart the more time it will take to remove. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

If your tattoo is less than four
weeks old it may be advisable to wait until it fully heals before beginning
PicoSure Laser treatments for removal. The
purpose of allowing the site to heal is to ensure that the skin is healthy
enough for treatment. We think of
tattoo placement as an injury to the skin and we will occasionally see scarring
as a result of the tattoo needles cutting too deeply.  Newer tattoos that are less than a year old may
be more susceptible to PicoSure Laser treatments because the ink has not yet migrated
to deeper tissues.  In my practice, we use the PicoSure Laser to ensure our
patients have the best aesthetic result possible, regardless of tattoo age.  The laser is less damaging than traditional
Q-switched lasers and clears tattoos more completely in fewer treatments.

Stuart H. Bentkover, MD (retired) · Answer

Most practitioners recommend waiting 8-12 weeks to let the inflammation of the initial procedure quiet down.  The laser penetrates into the dermis, where the pigment is located.  Removal depends more on the depth of the pigment, the colors used and the density of the pigment.

Are new tattoos harder or easier to remove? How long do I have to wait?

Answers (4)

Answer: Waiting is good

Answer: Waiting is good

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Everything you need to know about PicoSure

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

Are new tattoos harder or easier to remove? How long do I have to wait?

Answers (4)

Answer: Waiting is good

Answer: Waiting is good

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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.