How soon after getting a tattoo can I start the removal process? (photo)

Question

I got a gnarly tattoo a few a days ago and already regret it. It's on my ribcage and I am already looking to start the removal process. The tattoo isn't shaded, but it is just line work. How many sessions would this require to mostly lighten up?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. It is important to wait for the tattoo to fully heal before the removal process, so about 8 weeks. Here are my tips on tattoo removal. Good luck! Tattoo removal, if not done correctly, can result in either scarring or ghosting.  Here are some tips:
Find a reputable office with a Pico laser. It produces faster results with less scarring than a nano alone.  Tattoo removal shops are not as reputable as a Doctor. Many of these shops close as quickly as they open, leaving you out of luck on pre-paid packages.Stay out of the sun— sunlight can be harmful to healing in after any laser procedureAvoid infections- This means keep your tattoo area clean (i.e. don’t garden right after a tattoo removal on your arm, etc), don’t pick scabs or blisters if they occur.  Follow our post procedure instructions.  Avoid swimming for 48 hours as water can infect the treated areas.Allow healing between treatment sessions- typically 4-8 weeks.Be healthy- while the tattoo laser breaks up the tattoo particles, your body will actually eliminate the particles. Being healthy will help achieve this process faster and allow for consistent healing. Drink lots of water, get adequate sleep, and eat vitamin enriched foods.In our practice we utilize the currently most powerful Pico laser on the market called the PiQo4 by Lumenis.  The main advantage of a stronger tattoo laser (combining nano and pico wavelengths at greater power) is faster breakup of the tattoo.  The science of tattoo removal is complex but essentially the greater power will photo acoustically break up tattoo particles in smaller pieces. 
Best, 
Anil Shah

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to tattoo removal. It is suggested to wait until your new tattoo is completely healed before starting the laser tattoo removal process. Typically this is about a 8-12 week healing process. 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.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You'll want to allow it to completely heal (about 4-6 weeks). Tattoos should be removed with q switched or pico lasers.  It will take a series of treatments, but it's difficult to determine how many sessions you'll need. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is recommended to wait at least 4-6 weeks after a new tattoo before having it removed as this allows time for your body to heal. It typically takes 6-10 sessions to remove a tattoo and the average cost to remove a small size tattoo is $100-$250 per session. Please remember 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!

Michelle Ellern, DO · Answer

I would wait until the skin is healed around a month or a little more prior to starting the process. It is hard to say how long it will take to remove/fade, but with fine lines it may only need a few sessions.  It can take up to 3 months for the ink to fade after a session. Good luck with your tattoo removal.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photo. I recommend waiting at least a month before starting the removal process. Please make sure you get a in person consultation from a board-certified dermatologist.

Wayne Wertheim, MD · Answer

we generally advise waiting at least 6-8 weeks before getting a laser treatment. Also note that some of the new pieces tend to be stubborn and may require more treatments than a mature piece

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question, and for including a photo.  In our facility we ask that the patient wait at least 4-6 weeks for the tattoo to completely heal before starting treatments.  The way a laser rids the skin of unwanted ink is, it shatters the ink into tiny particles and your body absorbs those particles. The latest technology in laser tattoo removal is the pico-second technology. The PicoWay Laser (Candela/Syneron) uses photoacoustic
impact/pressure waves rather than photothermal/heat.  This process has less heat, therefore it is
more comfortable and the chances of hyperpigmentation are less.  The Pico-second pulse shatters the ink into
even smaller particles, allowing the body to more easily absorb the ink.  This type of device can usually remove unwanted ink in about half as many treatments as the traditional Q-switch devices.  Your tattoo looks pretty simple, with it just being line art and being only black and red.  There are 2 different wavelengths necessary to target both the red and the black ink.  You will want to be sure that the facility you use has the 1064nm wavelength for black and the 532nm wavelength for red.  You can click on the weblink below and put in your zip code to "find a provider" in your area of the PicoWay technology.Good Luck!

Roy G. Geronemus, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question,  we ask our patients to wait a period of six weeks before removing.

How soon after getting a tattoo can I start the removal process? (photo)

Answers (9)

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