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Can You Get a Small Tattoo Surgically Removed at a Local Hospital?

Isaiahlizardo25Feb 1, 2013
Trying to reenlist in the army but the process of trying to remove my tattoo seems very long by laser.

Answers (2)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Syed O. Ali, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Answered on Feb 5, 2013
Answer
Dr. Omar Ibrahimi, MD, PhD
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
Answered on Feb 5, 2013
Answer

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Omar Ibrahimi, MD, PhD

This is a great question which has not been very well studied. Ultimately, based on hard data, I can't give you an exact answer. There are proponents who argue that a longer interval allows the body to undergo more macrophage clearing of the tattoo ink particles. However, tattoo removal is a...

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Omar Ibrahimi, MD, PhD

Sounds like you are having some side effects from laser tattoo removal. These can happen whether it is a single treatment or with an R20 style treatment. It really depends on the clinical experience and knowledge of the person operating the laser to minimize these side effects. As the post below...

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Richard Fitzpatrick, MD (in memoriam)

The tattoo ink is gradually ingested by cells that wall it off and hold it in place. This process takes about a month to be completed , so treatment during that first month may be more effective as the pigment is freely dispersed in the skin and more susceptable to laser fragmentation. Doing 4...

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