New tattoo, instant regret. How easily can this be removed? (Photo)

Question

I got a tattoo of a plain black fleur-de-lis on my left wrist. It was a stupid decision even though I planned on it and wanted it. It just isn't me. How easily can I have it removed, and how much will I need to save? How long will it take as well? I'm in St. Louis, MO.

Adaeze Okeke, MD · Answer

So sorry that you don't like your new tattoo. Don't worry you're not the first and won't be the last. Your best option is laser tattoo removal, depending on where you live your cost will vary. Most clinics offer a discount for buying a package of treatments. It  you can you should as you will need anywhere from 6-10 treatments. Please read the attached blog on our website about processing your tattoo regret. Good luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This can be removed with laser tattoo removal. It will take a series of treatments. You'll want to wait until it's completely healed before removal (about 4-6 weeks). Cost will vary, but see a laser tattoo removal expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Kory Kitagawa, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, it's much easier to get a tattoo than it is to remove one. You need to wait a couple of months before proceeding to removal, because your skin first needs to heal. Luckily, fresh tattoos are often less challenging to remove because the pigment hasn't settled deeply into the skin. Nevertheless, it is still a long process and will take at least 5 sessions of laser removal. PicoWay is the best laser I've found for removing a variety of tattoo colors. The laser actually shatters the pigment so that the body can break it down and eliminate it. Black ink is the easiest to remove. A board-certified dermatologist who is an expert at tattoo removal will be able to tell you more about the timeline you can expect when you go for an in-person consultation.

Glenn Messina, MD · Answer

This looks like a small tattoo on the wrist solid ink load. I would expect about 10 sessions. I would expect the removal process to take about a year to complete also you must wait about a month before starting a removal process. 
Cost varies so I can't give an estimate.

New tattoo, instant regret. How easily can this be removed? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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