Will IRC tattoo removal get rid of oxidized cosmetic ink?

I have been using IRC for tattoo removal for about twenty years. Unlike lasers, IRC (infrared coagulator) tattoo removal is colorblind, meaning that all colors may be treated with this modality. IRC essentially vaporizes the tattoo pigments. Sometimes referred to as the "poor man's tattoo removal," because treatments are relatively inexpensive compared to lasers.  IRC is effective for obliterating tattoos, but the likelihood of scar formation occurring can be significant, especially when treating larger tattoos, and this must possibility must figure into the decision making in advance of treatment and made clear to the patient. However, it has been my experience that for most people a small scar that  improves with time is vastly preferable to continuing to display an "I Will Love Lucy Forever" tattoo when you are now engaged to Sally. 

Dear andrebarborsa,

Thank you for your clinical
post. Cosmetic tattooing for cutaneous
pigment irregularities on some areas of the body particularly the face, body
scars or depigmenting diseases [ph] is usually unsuccessful. Unfortunately, the ink used can sometimes
oxidize to a black or grey colour and other techniques such as IRC or infrared
coagulation while successful at damaging the pigment ink and removing it can
often lead to hypopigmentation and scarring.

Thus, there is no perfect
answer. However, some of the modern
picosecond base lasers such as the PicoSure and PicoWay can be excellent for
this problem. A small test spot is
always necessary to ensure the oxidization process is not made worse and that
hypopigmentation or pigmentation abnormalities do not ensue. Once a couple of test spots have been
successfully performed one can then move more gradually into treating the areas
of concern. There are other ways to
blend in pigment and textural irregularities other than cosmetic tattooing and
once the tattoo is reduced you may proceed with these.

I hope this information is of some
assistance and best of luck.

To find out more, please visit the
link below.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto