What is the best way to remove this solid black fresh tattoo? (Photos)

Question

I got this tattoo today and it wasn't what I wanted. It's bigger than I wanted and I honestly just hate it. It is just a solid black about 40mm high X 30mm wide. Would love some suggestions!

Carol White, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!

Sorry to say,  you will need to wait at least 6 months for the ink to get down into the dermis layer of your skin.  This is where the laser can work to push the ink down into your lymphatic system for removal.

Dr. White

Evan B. Shapiro, MD · Answer

Black ink is the easiest ink to remove. The best way to remove a tattoo is using a Q-Switched laser.

Warren B. Seiler III, MD · Answer

Hi and great question.  Solid black tattoos versus those with other colors are the most successfully treated by laser tattoo removal.  Newer tattoos are sometimes harder to treat than those that are many years old as some newer tattoo techniques involve deeper/denser placement of the ink and even pigment stabilizers added to the ink to make them stronger and last longer.  That being said, this tattoo should be able to be treated.  
Your best option is treatment with a Q-switch ND:YAG laser and a trained/experienced practitioner to perform it.  It will target the dark pigment in your tattoo best.  Successful removal will take multiple visits, 6-12 treatments on average.  I tell all patients that we can never promise 100% removal so you should be aware of this before you invest your time and money with treatments, although black tattoos have the best chance of being completely (or near completely) removed.  You may just be happy with  a lighter tattoo that you can then cover with something else in the future.  Please take into consideration who does the removal.  Make sure you are being treated by a trained physician or by an expertly experienced practitioner in a practice were a trained physician is directly involved in your care and always in the office.  Remember this is a laser device and the risk of burns and scars are always possible.  Hope this helps and you have a successful treatment!

Jessica H. Kim, MD, FAAD · Answer

1064nm wavenlength would work best - either the older nanosecond or the newer picosecond technology.  The newer picosecond technology results in more efficient treatment so number of treatment sessions needed is cut in half compared to nanosecond lasers.  There are several picosecond lasers available.  Consult with an experienced and board-certified cosmetic physician.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and for including photos.  Laser removal of unwanted ink can be very successful.  You will definitely need to wait until the tattoo is completely healed, 4-6 weeks.  The latest technology in laser tattoo removal is the pico-second technology. The PicoWay Laser (Candela/Syneron) uses photoacoustic
impact/pressure waves rather than photothermal/heat.  This process has less heat, therefore it is
more comfortable and the chances of hyperpigmentation are less.  The Pico-second pulse shatters the ink into
even smaller particles, allowing the body to more easily absorb the ink.  This type of device can usually remove unwanted ink in about half as many treatments as the traditional Q-switch devices.  You can click on the web link below and put in your zip code to find a provider in your area of this device.Good Luck!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

It is best treated with a 1064 nano and picosecond laser. It will take about 6-8 treatments. Wait about 6 weeks between treatments. I prefer the Piqo4 laser for this.

James Silberzweig, MD · Answer

Consider laser tattoo removal. Wait for your skin to completely heal - at least 8 weeks before your first laser session. Find a provider with a laser that can handle black ink. Our practice uses a Cutera enlighten III with 1064 nm wavelength.

Brian Citro, MD · Answer

Thanks for posting the photos. Black tattoos are the easiest to remove and yours wound not be a problem. I recommend you find a practitioner using a pico laser (Enlighten, PiQo4, Picoway). An older Q-switch laser may work as well but the treatments will take longer and there's a greater risk of skin injury.  If you can't find a pico laser near you then your best bet is to try Sydney. The drive will be worth it. Best of luck.

What is the best way to remove this solid black fresh tattoo? (Photos)

Answers (8)

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