What are my options for removing a half sleeve tattoo? (Phoot)

Question

I am not sure what all options I have. I don't really care about scarring that much because there are creams and such for that. I just want my tattoo removed and FAST . It's not what I asked for and I was soooo disappointed with it I cried ... I really really want it gone . By summer :( if possible ...

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office specializes in tattoo removal treatments and your tattoo can be lightened or reduced with laser treatments. You may consider tattoo lightening as opposed to tattoo removal. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You should wait 3-6 months after having a tattoo to get removal to prevent allergic reactions and granuloma formation post laser treatments.  Pico lasers are the best option for you long term, but this will not go away quick.  This will take many treatments over the course of a few years for this to be removed.  Not to mention a financial cost that isn't cheap.  You should worry about complications such as discoloration or scarring so you want to see an expert in tattoo removal.  I am currently using a device that removes tattoos more quickly in a few treatments but would take a significant time if the tattoo is very large (which yours is).  Best, Dr. Emer.

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

Tattoo
removal by any method is unfortunately time consuming. For a tattoo of that size a picosecond laser
may be your best choice. Expect to need
at least several treatments to see significant improvement.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

You should care about potential for scarring and that is why excision is not a good option for you.Your best option is to wait 3 months for it to heal before you rush into laser tattoo removal.You have a multi colored ink tattoo and these are the most challenging. fortunately for you, you chose not to get pastels and white ink. The red ink need a picosecond laser like PicoWay.The green ink seems to do well with a picosecond laser like PicoSure.Black ink can be handled by most lasers, either nanosecond or picosecond types.Alexandrite TriVantage is a good laser system to start with or a PicoSure laser.This will be an expensive effort and will need 8-12 treatments.

Susan Goodlerner, MD (retired) · Answer

The Picosure laser is the most effective for tattoo removal. It is not available everywhere . If there is a university medical center, check with their department of dermatology to see if they do it or have a referral.Older lasers would take 10-20 treatments to eradicate a tattoo, the Pico laser can cut that in half.Best suggestion - don't get more unless with temporary henna. Tattoos are quick to go on and expensive and time consuming to take off

What are my options for removing a half sleeve tattoo? (Phoot)

Answers (5)