I have a black tribal tattoo that was done poorly. I want it done ASAP. Options? (photo)

I would consult with an expert. Keep in mind that tattoo removal takes a series of treatments. See an expert for treatment options. Best, Dr. Emer

Tattoo removal, if not done correctly, can result in either scarring or ghosting.  Here are some tips:
Find a reputable office with a Pico laser. It produces faster results with less scarring than a nano alone.  Tattoo removal shops are not as reputable as a Doctor. Many of these shops close as quickly as they open, leaving you out of luck on pre-paid packages.Stay out of the sun— sunlight can be harmful to healing in after any laser procedureAvoid infections- This means keep your tattoo area clean (i.e. don’t garden right after a tattoo removal on your arm, etc), don’t pick scabs or blisters if they occur.  Follow our post procedure instructions.  Avoid swimming for 48 hours as water can infect the treated areas.Allow healing between treatment sessions- typically 4-8 weeks.Be healthy- while the tattoo laser breaks up the tattoo particles, your body will actually eliminate the particles. Being healthy will help achieve this process faster and allow for consistent healing. Drink lots of water, get adequate sleep, and eat vitamin enriched foods.In our practice we utilize the currently most powerful Pico laser on the market called the PiQo4 by Lumenis.  The main advantage of a stronger tattoo laser (combining nano and pico wavelengths at greater power) is faster breakup of the tattoo.  The science of tattoo removal is complex but essentially the greater power will photo acoustically break up tattoo particles in smaller pieces.
Best,Anil Shah

Thank you for your question. I use the Picosure laser in my practice. Picosure has a short pulse duration that exceeds photothermal action and results in an intense photomechanical impact. This adds up to faster results and fewer treatments when compared to other tattoo removal methods. It works best on darker inks such as black and blue. The number of sessions required to remove a tattoo can range from 6-10 sessions. The amount of sessions depends on the size, color and placement of the tattoo. The further the tattoo is from the heart the more time it will take to remove. I hope this information helps!

Lasers work very well for removing black tattoos. It's important to note that removing a tattoo with laser takes time and requires patience. There are a lot of factors in determining how soon it will be "Gone". Most tattoos can be removed in 6-15 treatments that are typically anywhere from 6wk to 6 months apart.

Pico lasers are the most advanced technology. I utilize the PiQo4 which has 4 Pico wavelengths and the Picosure for a total of 5 Pico wavelengths. Certain colors respond best to certain wavelengths. The amount of treatments can vary based on several factors such as the location of your tattoo, your skin tone, how sharp the ink is, and how quickly your body eliminates the ink. I believe that tattoos are removed faster and safer with Pico lasers and there is less risk of scarring. I think it is important not only to seek the best technology but an experienced laser tattoo removal provider

This should be treatable with most tattoo lasers because it is black. It will take about 8 treatments with a QS laser, probably fewer with one of the Pico lasers. A Picosure laser doesn't have the right wavelength for this though. Complete removal isn't always possible.

The good news is that laser works best for black tattoos.  Most black tattoos respond well and can be greatly faded or eliminated with laser treatment.  However, it does take multiple treatment sessions for best results, spaced out about every six weeks.  See an experienced laser doctor for an in person consultation.Regards,Dr. Ort

Thanks for posting your photo. Be careful about choosing the cheap option for tattoo removal. Our office sees so many clients who used either an acid peel or even a laser performed by a tattoo artist! The results can be devastating. Laser treatment can cause scarring if not done properly. If you're serious about getting a tattoo removed, find an experienced provider who can show you a collection of before and after photos. Good luck, Dr. M

Hi Logan,

I'm sorry about your experience with the bargain tattoo.  We use Pico Lasers which hit the pigment better than traditional Nano Lasers.  Also, a new PFD patch can be applied to the tattoo to enhace the effect of the laser.  So you can essentially do the equivalent of 3-4 treatments in one sitting.  Normally, we can only do 1 pass at a time and let the skin heal over 4-6 weeks then perform another treatment.  With the PFD patch, we can do 3-4 passes in one session.  Essentially, you can reduce the process to a fraction of the time.  

In summary, find a state of the art Pico Laser provider who is willing to use a PFD patch.  Best of luck!