Should I get my tattoo removed now or wait until better technology hits the market?

Question

Hello and thanks in advance for your answer. I realized that tattoos are not for me no matter how beautiful or meaningful the tattoo is. Ive been looking at the picosecond lasers for a couple a days now and honestly am not convinced. You can almost always tell the tattoo was there after all the treatments. I understand thats the best technology out there but i found out that a femtosecond laser is in the works as well as the BLTR cream in development by Alec Falkenham. Any thoughts? thank you

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Laser companies are always working on newer technologies, however there is no time table for when they will be commercially available. I believe you may not be interpreting the post tattoo photos correctly. Most doctors will not have pictures of complete tattoo removal because it typically takes 2-3 months after treatment to for the tattoo to clear. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to discuss your concerns and to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Kory Kitagawa, MD · Answer

You can wait for technology to evolve, or you can get started now with the very effective PicoWay laser. Tattoos are not “erased.” The ink has to be shattered with the laser and broken into minute particles so that the body can absorb and eliminate them. This is a gradual process that takes months to accomplish. Therefore, even after your final tattoo treatment, you'll still probably see a slight shadow of the tattoo. Three months later, however, it should be gone. A board-certified dermatologist will be able to evaluate your tattoo to determine how many treatments you will need and how long it will be before the tattoo can no longer be seen.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Laser companies are always working on newer technologies, however there is no time table for when they will be commercially available. I believe you may not be interpreting the post tattoo photos correctly. Most doctors will not have pictures of complete tattoo removal because it typically takes 2-3 months after treatment to for the tattoo to clear. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to discuss your concerns and to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Kristin J. Tarbet, MD, FACS · Answer

Technology is always improving but in my opinion the PICO technology is the best that is out there at this time.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  While the laser companies are always working on the next big thing, there is absolutely no time table for when they will be commercially available in the USA.  We get everything last after FDA clearance.You may not be interpreting post tattoo removal pictures correctly.  In our office, we never have pictures of a tattoo that has completely cleared because it is usually 2-3 months after their last treatment.  Unless the patient is coming in for something else, we never have pictures of a tattoo that is completely gone.  Best of luck.

Should I get my tattoo removed now or wait until better technology hits the market?

Answers (6)