Should my laser tattoo removal take over 20 sessions?

Question

I have been getting laser tattoo removal on two areas (left hip area and lower back) for almost 2 years. I have had a total of around 20 sessions. (I've lost count at some point.) The tattoos are definitely faded, but seems like they still have a long way to go. Everything else I've read says it should take between 5-15 sessions. Since these 2 tats were done at 2 different times by 2 different artists, it seems unusual they would BOTH be taking so long. Help?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It sounds like you need a laser expert to evaluate your tattoo to ensure that the remaining tattoo pigment is treatable by laser.  Somes other devices like the micropen TR are needed to get the last of the pigment.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office specializes in tattoo removal with laser or excision. If you feel that you have reached a plateau in your improvement, you may consider opting for a different laser for tattoo removal. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Santa Monica

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Katy.  While we have never had to perform 20 sessions to get through a tattoo removal process, it's certainly possible that you need this many based on the quality of work and the depth, density and color of the inks.  Alternatively, it may be possible that the person performing the treatments is not doing it well or that the technology being (Yag, Alex, Ruby) used does not match the colors you are treating.  If there is another practitioner in the area, perhaps you should get a second opinion.  Good luck.For examples of Los Angeles laser tattoo removal before and after pictures, click the link below.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your
question – and while 20 sessions may seem excessive, on occasion this is what
it takes. The time needed to remove tattoos depends on who put the tattoo
there, the inks used, the colors used, and the depth of the ink. The time to
remove it depends on the skill of the provider, which we hope is a board-certified
dermatologist or plastic surgeon, and the laser(s) they are using. There is
more than one type of tattoo laser and on occasion we need to use more than one
laser on one person. We normally use Q-Switched lasers – the 532-1064 nm is the
most popular but there is also a ruby version that we will use when needed. And
there are the new Pico lasers which may work faster for some tattoos. So if you
are not seeing the results you are after, it may be time to find another
provider.

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

Successful tattoo removal depends on color, composition and depth of the ink, location on the body, type of laser being used, knowledge and skill of the doctor using the laser, scarring from the tattoo application, the activity of the body's immune systems and other factors.  Make sure you are seeing a skilled and experience laser doctor with more than one kind of laser and many years experience who understands all of the options.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Factors that come into play in regards to success of removal include color, ink density, area. If they were done professionally with traditional inks, then your chances of complete removal are better. If there are reds, oranges, yellows, these require special lasers. Blues and greens may also require different lasers. Of course, the experience of the laser technologist is also very important.

Should my laser tattoo removal take over 20 sessions?

Answers (6)

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