Why some tattoos fade and turn brown after laser removal? Is it normal at the final stages? (photo)

Question

I'm using enlighten cutera and I can see no signs of black ink anymore, but my tattoo is getting Light brown. Is it normal? Are those particles going to leave?

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It looks like from your photos you are having a great outcome. Yes, it is normal for a black tattoo to fade to brown. This can happen due to the ink used or your skin type. If you have any other concerns please contact your treating physician. Best of Luck!

Lauren Chavez, MD · Answer

Usually, it's completely normal for a black tattoo to fade to a brown. It looks, in your photos, like you're having a great outcome! IF you had white/light ink in the tattoo, brown can also be caused from this light ink becoming darker. This doesn't APPEAR to be the case, with you, but, something that's good to be aware of (just in case!)

Wayne Wertheim, MD · Answer

this can be a common occurrence  when removing ink. sometimes it is related to the ink, sometimes to your skin type.. I think from the photos you could use 1 or 2 more sessions. also with the enlighten have them use the 532 wavelengths. we have found that useful to remove the brown. it is generally accepted that the color is due to hemosiderin staining. a pigment that is release after bruising or skin trauma. it usually will resolve with time in many cases. good luck

Richard Rosol, MD · Answer

Looking good, there! In experienced hands the Enlighen is an excellent laser.
This brown-out behavior is typical of iron oxide inks. It can also be a sign of sparse, deep ink. Either way, I usually recommend good, long treatment intervals (10-12 weeks or longer) when I see this. 
Good luck!

Why some tattoos fade and turn brown after laser removal? Is it normal at the final stages? (photo)

Answers (4)

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