Is such scarred tattoo removable? (photos)

Question

Got this tattoo 5 years ago and too depressed about it. It's raised, and itches sometimes. Can such tattoo be removed? I am skin 4-5 person which makes my life more difficult. Any genuine advice would be greatly appreciated.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Tattoo removal is possible, but the contoured scar may not improve with the laser, leaving a textural difference in the skin. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Richard Rosol, MD · Answer

Your tattoo may be raised from scarring, oversaturation of ink, active immune/inflammatory processes within the tattoo (as suggested by the itch), or any combination of these things. None of these should discourage you from attempting removal; but be aware that, if your tattoo is oversaturated, as I suspect it is, it will require a good many more than the typical number of treatments to remove.  Try to find a provider who will package the treatment course with some sort of pre-payment discount, and then stay faithful to the treatment schedule.  I treat many similar tattoos, and I'm accustomed to giving frequent pep talks to keep patients moving forward.  It's worth it!  Good luck!

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

Yes,
you are most certainly a candidate for laser tattoo removal. The change in skin texture may not improve to
the same degree, as the color will lighten. And it’s possible that the texture doesn’t change or improve at
all. But the dark pigment in the tattoo
will respond to laser. In short,
complete resolution of the tattoo may not be possible but significant
improvement can still be had.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

The color ink suggests that it should respond to removal with Q switched or picosecond lasers. However, the scarring will probably remain or at least worsen with any intervention. You can deal with the scar after laser removal with other laser tecniques or interventions by a scar removal expert. You and the physician should have very realistic expectations regarding treatment for this tattoo.

Is such scarred tattoo removable? (photos)

Answers (4)

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