Can laser tattoo removal be performed on a tattoo with stretch marks? (Photos)

Question

I got a tattoo roughly 10 years ago. However, after having my son was born the tattoo formed stretch marks. It’s the only place I have them and I wondered if I could still get laser removal?

Eric Seiger, DO · Answer

Yes it can be! In fact, the heat of the laser used can somewhat improve the appearance of your stretchmarks, tightening the skin some.

Phuong Q. Tien, MD · Answer

Old tattoo faded over time (couple of decades or so) due the immune system constantly breaking down the ink's pigments and metabolized them through the liver.  For those who wants to expedite the removal process in months instead of years, tattoos can be removed with either 1st generation (Q-Switched) or 2nd generation (Pico) laser technology. If tattoo is new, you'll want to wait until it's completely healed (around 2-3 months) before laser treatment. 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.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and for including photos.  The answer is yes!  The way a laser rids the skin of unwanted ink is, it shatters the ink into tiny particles and your body absorbs those particles.  The latest technology in laser tattoo removal is the pico-second technology.  The PicoWay Laser (Candela/Syneron) uses photoacoustic
impact/pressure waves rather than photothermal/heat.  This process has less heat, therefore it is
more comfortable and the chances of hyperpigmentation are less.  The Pico-second pulse shatters the ink into
even smaller particles, allowing the body to more easily absorb the ink.  This type of technology can usually remove unwanted ink in about half as many treatments as the traditional Q-switch device.  On a positive note, the heat of the laser can also actually do some skin tightening and actually improve the stretch marks.  You can click on the weblink below and put in your zip code to "find a provider" of this technology in your area.

Can laser tattoo removal be performed on a tattoo with stretch marks? (Photos)

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Can laser tattoo removal be performed on a tattoo with stretch marks? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.