Not sure what do to about this tattoo? (Photos)

Question

This tattoo was my 4th and done with a lot of thought and research put in to it....but at the end of the day it's not what I originally had in mind. First of all, it's larger then I originally wanted and the shading outside of the outline is darker and wider then I had hoped for. This tattoo is now a week old and still peeling. What can I do? Is there anyway to lighten up the shading outside of the turtle? Uhhh help!

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to tattoo removal. Yes, it is possible to lighten the entire tattoo or just around the edges. To be sure what is best for you, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps.

Joel Schlessinger, MD · Answer

The best part about laser treatments is that they are now available for tattoos exactly like this.  Luckily, it appears that your tattoo is black and therefore is able to be treated with most lasers out there with good results.  Good luck!

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can have only the shading lightened with laser tattoo removal. In my office I use the PicoSure laser. PicoSure has a short pulse duration that exceeds photothermal action and results in an intense photomechanical impact. This adds up to faster results and fewer treatments when compared to other tattoo removal methods. It works best on darker inks such as black and blue. The number of sessions required to lighten or remove a tattoo can range from 6-10 sessions. The amount of sessions depends on the size, color and placement of the tattoo. The further the tattoo is from the heart the more time it will take to remove. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Daniel J. Ritacca, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes it is possible to just remove a portion or the tattoo such as the shading. Pico lasers are the most advanced technology. I utilize the PiQo4 laser which has 4 Pico wavelengths including the 1064 wavelength for black pigment. Tattoos are removed faster and safer with Pico lasers and there is less risk of scarring. It is important not only to seek the best technology but an experienced laser tattoo removal provider. I have been practicing laser tattoo removal for almost 20 years. Best wishes

Kristin J. Tarbet, MD, FACS · Answer

You can have the shading lightened, no question. I would recommend finding a reputable provider for treatment with laser.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can have only the shading lightened with laser tattoo removal. In my office I use the PicoSure laser. PicoSure has a short pulse duration that exceeds photothermal action and results in an intense photomechanical impact. This adds up to faster results and fewer treatments when compared to other tattoo removal methods. It works best on darker inks such as black and blue. The number of sessions required to lighten or remove a tattoo can range from 6-10 sessions. The amount of sessions depends on the size, color and placement of the tattoo. The further the tattoo is from the heart the more time it will take to remove. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

The shaded part that you don't like can be removed with the Alex-Trivantage Laser.  It is a great laser to remove this black shaded part that you don't like.  I would wait two months before beginning the laser removal process.  Please consult an expert.  Best, Dr. Green

Marilyn Pelias, MD · Answer

The good news is that the area that is bothering you the most is the easiest to correct.  Allow the area to heal for a few weeks, then seek the advise of an experienced Cosmetic Surgeon who performs Laser Tattoo removal.  The shading can be removed or lightened.

Anne Marie McNeill, MD, PhD · Answer

It's only a week old... the pigment will likely fade a bit if it's just that shading that bothers you.That said, if you really want the shading much  lighter, laser could do this.  An advantage of laser is we can just treat the parts that you want removed/ lightened.Most commonly I'm removing a whole tattoo.  But fine-tuning can also be done!

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

I recommend waiting around 2 months before seeking laser removal or lightening of the areas you dislike. We recommend this period for the tattoo to settle and for you to heal. The newer the tattoo often the more sessions it will take to remove. That being said, we use the Picoway which uses Pico technology which is faster and less painful at removing tattoos than previous q switch or nano lasers. Yes we can aim the laser at the shaded area around the laser to lighten just this or remove the whole laser. Your skin looks light with a dark tattoo. This does very well for tattoo removal. I would recommend the Picoway 1064 laser to remove this tattoo.

Not sure what do to about this tattoo? (Photos)

Answers (11)

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