Is white tattoo ink possible to remove?

Question

My tattoo has a lot of white ink and colour, is it possible to remove? Or will the white be left behind? Help!!!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

White ink can be a challenge to remove, but tattoos should be removed with q switched or pico lasers. It will take a series of treatments. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Kory Kitagawa, MD · Answer

You’re correct in assuming that it can be quite difficult to remove white tattoo ink. Generally, when exposed to the energy of a laser, the white ink oxidizes and darkens to a grayish tan. Although that may be dismaying, it’s not a bad sign. Once it’s darker, it’s easier to remove. However, the oxidation process does mean that you’ll need more treatments than with colors that were originally dark. A board-certified dermatologist who’s an expert with PicoWay can help you, but please verify his or her expertise in removing light-colored tattoo inks.

Isobel Walker, MBBS · Answer

Depends. If your white ink has oxides, lasers can turn this black. We then use a laser in the correct wavelength to remove the oxidised tattoo. I also use microneedling to remove or break up white tattoos- this process is called 'trans epidermal exfoliation'. Solutions possible in expert hands. Dr Isobel Walker. Brisbane. Australia.

Is white tattoo ink possible to remove?

Answers (3)

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