Can red tattoo shading be removed in less treatments? (Photos)

Question

Ever since I first new what tattoos were I had always wanted a tiger on the side of my body and about two months ago I finally decided to get it done in red ink! I guess my tattoo artist didn't understand when I said I just wanted a tiger outline in red ink and decided to shade in the tattoo with a very bright red ink and now I'm unhappy with it. Can shading be removed in less treatments ? Or cheaper ? I'm going to add A picture of the idea I had wanted and what I got.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to laser tattoo removal. Shaded areas of tattoos, regardless of the color will typically take less treatments due to the shallow depth of the ink. With that being said though, the darker lines/areas around the shading can be difficult to completely avoid, which will require a touch up treatment from a tattoo artist, unless you prefer to remove the tattoo completely. To be sure what is best for you, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Bianca.  The shading of your tattoo can be removed, but it's not likely to cost you less than removing the whole thing.  In addition, when removing the shading, the other tattoo lines will be removed as well so if you wanted it to remain without the shading it would have to be filled in again.  To see examples of laser tattoo removal in our Torrance, CA office, click on the link below.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, this can be removed with laser tattoo removal. Tattoos should be removed with q switched or pico lasers. It's difficult to give you an estimate, but it will take a series of treatments for removal. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Kory Kitagawa, MD · Answer

Darker colors are easier to remove than light tattoo colors, but the removal process is still gradual. The PicoWay laser would be the best choice to remove the shading from your tattoo, as its wavelength can be adjusted based on hue. You need to wait a couple of months after you had your tattoo before you begin the removal process. It will take at least 5 to 8 treatments to fade away the red shading. A board-certified dermatologist who is an expert at tattoo removal will help you get the tiger outline you want.

Jared Mallalieu, DO · Answer

Thanks for posting! This tattoo can be removed using a 532nm wavelength laser. It would be difficult to remove only the shading while leaving the outline. You would likely need to redo the outline after removing the shading. Best, Dr. M

Lauren Chavez, MD · Answer

The number of treatments would somewhat depend on whether you want the ink LIGHTENED, vs. completely removed. Just a few treatments would, likely, lighten it, significantly, and, hopefully, bother you less? However, to completely remove the red, it wouldn't likely take fewer treatments or cost less than if it were all black. If he added any white/light colors, it could get darker (grayish), so, make sure you know what he used ("just" red vs. a mixture.) Hope that helps :)

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and for including photos.  Tattoo ink, regardless of color is removed with the same process.  The question that you need to be asking is, does the facility that you picked have a 532nm wavelength available.  This is the wavelength that best treats red ink. 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 device can usually remove unwanted ink in about half as many treatments as the traditional Q-switch devices.  You can click on the weblink below and put in your zip code to "find a provider" in your area.Good Luck!

Ramtin Massoudi, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi Bianca 
The latest laser picosecond laser can get rid of the Red shading. You have to cover the boarders before doing the laser, otherwise you might lose the boarder lines.
Thank you
Ramtin Massoudi, MD

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