How many sessions will my tattoo take to be completely lasered off? (Photos)

Question

I got this tattoo on May 17 to cover up a script on my collarbone. But after getting it i regretted it because it didn’t suit me. Felt depressed. I even got anxiety. I went 3 days without eating. I finally had the guts to finally get it lasered off. Everything is outline except one of the flower is shaded. Its not shaded that dark, right? How many sessions will this tattoo be completely gone? My appointment is on July 21st. Since this tattoo is pretty new, will it be easier to remove?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, this can be removed with laser tattoo removal. It will take a series of treatments. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. If it's new, you'll want to wait until it's completely healed (around 4-6 weeks) Best, Dr. Emer

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

Even when using the PicoWay laser — which is my favorite for removing tattoos — it takes between five and eight sessions or more to completely fade away a tattoo. It’s true that fresh ink can sometimes resolve faster because it hasn’t settled as deeply into the skin, but it’s still a long process. Don’t forget, you need to leave about two months between each removal session, too. Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist who uses PicoWay will get you the best results.

Kristin J. Tarbet, MD, FACS · Answer

Trying to figure out an estimated number of treatments it takes to remove a laser via laser can be very difficult. It really depends on how long it takes your body to break up the ink and how long it takes your lymphatic system to remove the broken up ink. I have seen many tattoos that, by looking, i thought would take maybe 3-5 treatments but ended up taking close to 8. I would speak with your doctor or laser specialist and see what type of laser they are using and see what time frame they feel you would be looking at

Phuong Q. Tien, MD · Answer

Tattoos can be removed with either with 1st generation (Q-Switched or Nano) or 2nd generation (Pico) laser technology. Laser removes tattoo by shattered up ink pigments from the skin, releasing it into the bloodstream to be flushed out by the immune system through the liver. Rinse and repeat this "laser breaks down, immune system flushes out" cycle every 8-10 weeks until tattoo removal goal is accomplished. If tattoo is new, you'll want to wait until it's completely healed (around 2-3 months) before laser treatment. The number of treatment is depending on various factors (lighten for cover up vs complete removal, laser technology, physician's experience, tattoo size, ink saturation, colors, overall health, skin type, tattoo location, etc.. We have utilized both Nano/PICO technology and PICO is costlier; but removes tattoo much more efficiency with less discomfort. We recommend seeking laser tattoo removal treatment from a reputable professional healthcare provider in your area who is specialized in tattoos removal with both Nano/Pico technology.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and for including photos.  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 device.  Your tattoo is fairly large in size, but not real dense in ink.  I believe that it should respond well to this type of treatment.  With the PicoWay technology I might guess that it may take between 6-10 treatments to clear the ink.  You must have patience, we only treat once each 8 weeks or longer, it takes time for your body to absorb the ink.  The longer between treatments usually means fewer treatments.  You can click on the weblink below and put in your zip code to "find a provider" of this technology in your area. Good Luck!

Tianna Tsitsis, MD · Answer

Depending on the type of laser being used, it may take 6-20 treatments to completely remove your tattoo.  It is good that it is closer to your heart (as opposed to being on your finger), seemingly one color and is not a cover up of another tattoo.  I'd recommend seeing before and after pictures from the provider's office you choose.  Good luck.

How many sessions will my tattoo take to be completely lasered off? (Photos)

Answers (6)

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