I regret my large colorful tattoo on my chest. Can it be removed?

Question

I had a tattoo but I am regretting it so much I am in constant mental pain and physical pain. I can't focus, I can't keep a conversation without thinking about it, I haven't eaten in days, I don't feel joy or excitement, I feel anxious and nauseated. So many good things are in my life now, but I can't feel anything about any of that. I would like to know what I can expect for removal. It is a 20x20 cm colorful (orange, yellow, blue/purple, white/highlights, black) tattoo. Please help me!

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Sadly, it is a lot easier to get a tattoo than remove one. Brightly colored, dense tattoos take time. I would definitely advise you to find a practitioner who uses the PicoSure device and schedule a consultation.  The PicoSure laser is currently the best on the market working 3x faster than all other lasers. It's also ideal for all skin types and tattoo colors.  
My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Jared Mallalieu, DO · Answer

Thanks for posting your question. Bright, densely saturated tattoos can be very difficult to get rid of regardless of the device. I would expect over 12 treatments. I know you will be in a hurry to do the treatments but make sure you wait a good 6-8 weeks in between treatments to allow full healing of the skin. This will reduce the complications. Good luck, Dr. M

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, sorry to hear that you regret your tattoo so much that it is effecting your life.  Laser tattoo removal is a series of treatments, the laser shatters the ink into tiny particles so that your body can absorb the ink.  Depending on the device being used, it can be as few as 6-10 treatments, or as many as 10-20 treatments.  The latest technology 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. It is impossible to guarantee 100% ink reduction.  You should check in your area to see if there is a facility with the pico-second technology, this will usually decrease the total number of treatments necessary by half.Good Luck!

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

White ink does not respond but the rest can be treated with laser. Traditional q switch laser requires 12 or more sessions and will not be able to treat all the colors you have .This a 2 year process. Picosure laser requires far fewer sessions 4 or more and can be achieved in about 8 months. No one however can guaranty that every drop of ink will be removed and it may leave shadow of the tattoo. So before you commit to a8 or more month process at a cost of 4000 or more make sure this is the right decision.

I regret my large colorful tattoo on my chest. Can it be removed?

Answers (4)

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