I got a small black word tattoo on my forearm a few days ago. When can I get it removed and will picosure take it off?

Question

How soon can I begin laser treatments? The tattoo is exactly two inches long and it is very thin. I've read really great things about picosure and I was wondering if the laser treatments will be effective since the tattoo is so new? Will it leave a horrible scar? Please help! I am going crazy with regret!

Emil A. Tanghetti, MD · Answer

You can begin treatment with the PicoSure laser once your tattoo has healed, which generally takes about a month. You will want to check with your provider as to when your particular tattoo is ready to be treated. The good news is that the PicoSure is extremely effective at removing black ink. The PicoSure laser treats tattoos much quicker than older technologies. At our practice we are seeing the number of treatments needed to clear tattoos cut in half with the PicoSure. Ultimately the number of treatments vary but with professional tattoos it will take a couple more treatments than with amateaur tattoos. 
	Scarring is based on a number of things. Scarring depends on 
the amount of ink, how deeply it's applied and what you do to care for it afterwards. All of those are equally important. 
	Scarring is also prevented by using the appropriate fluence (or amount 
of laser power used to remove the tattoo). This is why you must look for an experienced PicoSure provider (or any laser provider for that matter) Scarring is unusual with tattoo removal -- but can occur
 if you overdo the energy used to treat the tattoo or if the patient does not appropriately 
care for the tattoo removal site after treatment.

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

It is generally wise to wait
about 4 weeks from the time the tattoo was applied before beginning PicoSure
Laser treatments. This allows the area
to completely heal and ensures the skin is healthy enough to receive
treatment.  In my practice, we utilize the PicoSure Laser exclusively for tattoo removal and our
patients are very pleased with the clinical results. The PicoSure Laser differs from older
Q-switched lasers in that it does not solely rely on photothermal heating.  Instead, the PicoSure technology produces a strong
pressure wave that more effectively breaks up tattoo ink
while minimizing the risk of scarring.

Sean A. Simon, MD · Answer

as soon as the skin heals from the tattoo, we can start the removal process, usually 4-6 weeks.  I utilize the Picosure in my practice and it definitely works!  A tattoo like you got should respond very well and quickly.  I would have to assess your skin time but 3-4 treatments should completely remove it with minimal to no side effects.Good luck

I got a small black word tattoo on my forearm a few days ago. When can I get it removed and will picosure take it off?

Answers (3)

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