Can I get radiation treatment tattoo markers removed?

Question

I have 2 dots, about 1/16 of an inch each,1 on my chest and 1 on my side. How hard and how expensive would it be to remove them?

Wayne Wertheim, MD · Answer

Absolutely! As long as your oncologist has cleared you to have them removed, meaning the markers are no longer needed they can be readily removed with good laser technology. Many laser centers, such as ours, are happy to treat these at no charge

Robert C. Langdon, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. Tattoos used to guide radiation therapy are relatively easy to remove with laser treatments. These tattoos are generally very small and are composed of black (graphite) ink, which readily absorbs laser energy and is thus highly responsive to treatment. Because there is very little ink present in these tattoos they tend to clear after only a few treatments and should not be too expensive to get rid of.
The most effective lasers for tattoo removal are picosecond lasers such as the PicoSure (Cynosure) and PiQo4 (Lumenis). Picosecond lasers produce a stronger “shock wave” effect, which disrupts the tattoo ink particles more efffectively.

Amy J. Holland, MD · Answer

Hi,
Yes, this is a time to celebrate and as long as your doc says you are clear to be rid of these and no more rad treatments required, then we remove them free! 
If there is a charge, I would expect it to be very minimal.
It will hurt a bit but it is so small very few pulses are needed as with our picolaser the Enlighten 3 it would be lightening fast and easy and often gone in 1 treatment.
Hope this helps,
Dr. Amy

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for you question.  Congratulation on completing your cancer treatment.  These tattoos are usually quite easy to remove.  We remove cancer survivor's radiation tattoos for free.  We think it is a pretty standard practice.  Your actual time in front of the laser will be only 10-30 seconds.  Most offices would have a hard time justifying anything more than a nominal charge.  They would more than likely celebrate your victory over cancer and do it complimentary.  Best of luck.

Evan Sorokin, MD · Answer

I have had many ladies come in to me after breast cancer radiation desiring removal of these marks.  They may be small, but are a constant reminder of the cancer and can easily be removed.  Cost should not be very high since they are very small tattoos.  Seek an in person consultation in your area for best advice.  Good luck!

Brian Citro, MD · Answer

Tattoo markers for radiation treatment are relatively easy to remove since they are not made with the same ink as professional tattoos and they usually consist of a single injection at each location. With a Pico Laser or even a Q-switch laser, usually 2 to 3 treatments and the tattoos are gone. I would seek out a professional in your area.

Can I get radiation treatment tattoo markers removed?

Answers (6)

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