I have a tattoo on my pubis and I want it removed. Is it safe? (photo)

Question

I have a tattoo on my pubis and I want it removed - is it safe ? How can you or the technician kniw if the tattoo is deep ?

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

Your tattoo will need to be assessed by a qualified laser technician to determine how many treatments you'll require. We currently use the Pico Way System and on  average, most tattoo removals can be achieved quite successfully with 3 to 6  treatments, 8 weeks apart. It is quite safe to have a tattoo removed from the pubis area. The only concern might be due to any hair in the area that will be removed along with the pigment. Patients can shave the area before treatment to avoid burns. All the best,

Misbah Khan MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

I perform surgeries for tattoos. Im not sure how big this is? laser-assisted tattoo removal is another alternative which u can try and see how much lightening you get. if it works out thats great.

Phuong Q. Tien, MD · Answer

Tattoos can be removed with either with 1st generation (Q-Switched or Nano) or 2nd generation (Pico) laser technology. The number of treatment is depending on various factors (lighten for cover up vs complete removal, laser technology, physician's experience, tattoo size, ink saturation, colors, overall health, skin type, tattoo location, etc.. We have utilized both Nano/PICO technology and PICO is costlier, but removes tattoo much more efficiency with less discomfort. We recommend seeking laser tattoo removal treatment from a reputable professional healthcare provider in your area who is specialized in tattoos removal with both Nano/Pico technology.

Kristin J. Tarbet, MD, FACS · Answer

Most tattoos are able to be removed via laser, but i would recommend seeing your doctor or a laser specialist for them to review the tattoo and give you an estimate as to how long they believe it will take to remove

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Tattoo regret is very common.  Almost every tattoo can be completely removed with enough time and treatments.  The most important factor in laser tattoo removal is patience.  Wait at least 2-3 months between treatments.  You have to give your body time to absorb the ink.  For laser tattoo removal you have two routes.  We are constantly asked to repair the damage caused by q-switch lasers.  Some damage is permanent.  Make sure you know all of the facts before you start.The older nanosecond or Q-Switch lasers that came out about 20 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 typically irreversible.  Picosecond laser came out about 5 years ago.  Every laser manufacturer has a different marketing hook to make you choose their laser.  At the end of the day, it's about the technology and experience of the clinician.  All PicoSecond lasers (like the Enlighten, PicoWay & PicoSure) fire 1000 times faster per second, using a pressure wave rather than heat to shear the ink molecules apart.  The hype of extra wavelengths does not make that much of a difference.  The 755 nm will get rid of most of the ink colors.  For red and pink ink, you would need to make sure they have 532 nm.  After using the PicoSure for 3 and half 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 8 to 12 weeks initially.  We eventually encourage them to wait up to 6 months as the tattoos seem to continue to fade while they wait.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.  The patch is only used with the older nanosecond lasers.  Best of luck

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