Can I have Laser tattoo removal on dark skin with some scarring history? (photos)

Question

Hi! I'm looking to get the below tattoo removed from my shoulder. I have some scarring related to thermal burns, deep scratches and laser hair removal with a candela yag machine (minimal "temporary" hyperpigmentation). The clinic I've enquires with uses a Q-Switch Quanta Laser, and have advised me to do some research and thinking about the treatment option. Opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Phillip Bekhor, MBBS, FACD · Answer

With your skin tone you would respond well (and safely) to a Q-switched YAG laser on the 1064nm wavelenth. The Revlite SI is the latest in the original range of qsy lasers and very safe on pigmented skin. The new Picosecond lasers are not suitable for darker skin tones and really have little advantage on black ink. Look for a medical clinic (preferably a dermatologist) with extensive experience in laser tattoo removal. It can be a complex procedure. It's important to tell your practitioner about your history of pigmenting skin injuries. Remember too, that you cannot have any laser treatment if you have a suntan.Good luck!

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

For a black tattoo on darker skin, the safest laser in my opinion would be a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser using a wavelength of 1064 nm.  The Quanta laser should offer three different laser wavelengths (532 nm, 694 nm, and 1064 nm).  There is a risk of hyperpigmentation (darker skin) and hypopigmentation (lighter skin).  I would recommend starting with lower energy and protecting it from the sun.

Can I have Laser tattoo removal on dark skin with some scarring history? (photos)

Answers (2)

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