Can a tattoo over stretch mark be removed? What's the best laser and wait time for it? (photo)

Hello and thank you for your question!
You should first wait for the tattoo to completely heal before seeking treatment for removal.  Based on the appearance of the stretch marks in your picture, the removal will have no adverse effects. It is definitely possible to remove this tattoo. 
Our practice uses and recommends Enlighten™, as it is the most advanced laser tattoo removal system in the market.  This laser uses two different pulse speeds, Picosecond and Nanosecond, which allows our medical providers to tailor the treatment to each individual. It also uses two wavelengths in order to more effectively remove different colored ink from a single tattoo.  EnlightenTM uses the most advanced technology. Therefore, it creates optimal results in fewer treatments than older variations of laser tattoo removal, such as Q-Switched technology.  In addition, EnlightenTM is safe for all skin tones.  
If this is something you would be interested in, research trained professionals in your area that use EnlightenTM and set up a consultation to determine if you will be a good fit and to discuss a treatment plan for your specific case.
Hope this helps!

It is not a problem over stretch marks, because the stretch mark has no pigment target. Using a Q switched laser, tattoo removal is done in series of treatments at 4 week intervals to allow the body's immune cells to remove the pigment. Using the Describe PFD patch we can cut the number of treatments down, because we can give equivalent of 2-3 treatments at the same time.
We usually expect 10 or more treatments, but occasionally this can be less. Both picosecond and nanoseconds lasers are now available. Picoseconds lasers tend to be faster, but the alexandrite wave length can lighten the skin. Our practice uses the Medlight 6 nanosecond laser, and gives nice results.

Tattoos can be removed with laser tattoo removal. Tattoos should be removed with q switched or pico lasers. Using a PFD patch in tandem with a laser will get you more removal quickly as compared to tattoo removal without it. It will take a series of treatments, but it's difficult to determine how many treatments you'll need. You'll want to wait until it's completely healed (about 4-6 weeks). I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. 
Best, Dr. Emer

Thanks for your question and posting a picture.  Removing ink over stretch marks is not a problem.  Tattoo regret is very common.  Almost every tattoo can be completely removed with enough time and treatments.  It's usually only white ink is hard to remove.  The most important factor is patience.  You have to give your body time to absorb the ink.  For laser tattoo removal you have two routes:The older nanosecond or Q-Switch lasers that came out about 20 years ago.  The majority of former Q-Switch patients we see have significant hypopigmentation (ghosting) around and under their tattoo.  The Q-Switch lasers have trouble differentiating between the melanin in your skin and ink.  The technology uses heat to burn the pigment out of your skin.  In addition, we have seen patients with raised scars as if they have been branded.  Both of these condition are typically irreversible.  Picosecond laser came out about 5 years ago.  Every laser manufacturer has a different marketing hook to make you choose their laser.  At the end of the day, it's about the technology and experience of the clinician.  All PicoSecond lasers (like the Enlighten, PicoWay & PicoSure) fire 1000 times faster per second, using a pressure wave rather than heat to shear the ink molecules apart.  The hype of extra wavelengths does not make that much of a difference.  The 755 nm will get rid of most of the ink colors.  For red and pink ink, you would need to make sure they have 532 nm.  After using the PicoSure for 3 and half years, we have only seen pinpoint hypopigmentation in a very small number of patients usually of darker skin tones.  We cannot say it is impossible to get burned with a Picosecond laser, but it is highly unlikely.  We tell every PicoSure tattoo patient to expect at least 6 treatments, but don’t be surprised if it takes 10 to 12.  Patience is the key for our patients.  We typically see our tattoo removal patients every 8 to 12 weeks initially.  We eventually encourage them to wait up to 6 months as the tattoos seem to continue to fade while they wait.Treatment prices vary by market. The cost for picosecond treatments will be higher, but you should need less than half the treatments compared to a nanosecond laser.  The patch is only used with the older nanosecond lasers.  Best of luck.

Hello,
thank you for your question and for including a photo.  The way a laser
rids the skin of unwanted ink is, it shatters the ink into tiny particles and
the 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 device.  I really does not matter if there is stretch marks under the tattoo, the principal is the same.  You will definitely need to wait until the new ink is completely healed. Usually 6-8 weeks.
You
can click on the weblink below and put in your zip code to “find a provider” of
this technology in your area.