Any suggestions for black tribal tattoo removal!? (photos)

Question

The day I got my tattoo I've regretted it its on my right shoulder and about 7 inches long across my shoulder. I really need it gone, I've been depressed and really anxious and just don't want to do anything. It makes me feel awful.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This can be removed with lasers in a series of treatments. The PicoWay Laser would be a good choice. Please see an expert for a formal consultation. Best, Dr. Emer

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This needs a 1064 laser, either Q Switched or Pico. It is very thick ink so it will require 8 or more treatments. There are several pico lasers out there but make sure it has the 1064 wavelength.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and
photo. Unsure of the date the tattoo was done but it still looks fresh. You
should wait until the tattoo has completely healed before removing it; up to 6
months at times to avoid scarring. The PicoSure laser is approved
for use on nearly every tattoo ink color and pigment color. It’s always best to
have an in-person consultation with a board certified dermatologist to
determine number of treatments.. Hope this helps. Best, Dr. Katz

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Tattoo regret is very common.  We have our patients wait 6-8 weeks after getting their tattoo to allow the skin to completely heal.  Q-Switch or nanosecond lasers came out about 20 years ago.  Picosecond laser came out about 3 years ago.  The majority of former Q-Switch patients we see have significant hypopigmentation (ghosting) around and under their tattoo.  The Q-Switch lasers have trouble differentiating between the melanin in your skin and ink.  The technology uses heat to burn the pigment out of your skin.  In addition, we have seen patients with raised scars as if they have been branded.  Both of these condition are irreversible.  Picosecond lasers (like the PicoWay & PicoSure) fire 1000 times faster, using a pressure wave rather than heat to shear the ink molecules apart.  After using the PicoSure for almost 2 years, we have only seen pinpoint hypopigmentation in a very small number of patients usually of darker skin tones.  We cannot say it is impossible to get burned with a Picosecond laser, but it is highly unlikely.  We tell every PicoSure tattoo patient to expect at least 6 treatments, but don’t be surprised if it takes 10 to 12.  Patience is the key for our patients.  We typically see our tattoo removal patients every 6 to 8 weeks initially.  If they have more time than money, we encourage them to come every 6 months as the tattoos seem to continue to fade while they wait.We recommend waiting 6 weeks until your tattoo is healed and then finding an experienced physician in your area.  Treatment prices vary by market.  The cost for picosecond treatments will be higher, but you should need less than half the treatments compared to a nanosecond laser.

Any suggestions for black tribal tattoo removal!? (photos)

Answers (4)

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