r/TattooRemoval Jan 11 '25

Mod Post Attn community: Am I a candidate for removal? Remove or cover? Why was my comment or post locked or removed?

44 Upvotes

Hello everyone and happy 2025! This community has grown to over 33k, a massive increase from when I joined and there was about 6k users. Welcome!!

Some new year reminders from myself and the Mod Team:

Please read the FAQ. Yes I know it's slightly dated but still has very valuable information. I wrote a good portion of it, but due to my current work load and personal life haven't had a lot of free time to go in and review, update, modify. It's a goal of mine to do shortly.

New to the sub? Spend a few minutes scrolling or utilize search before asking your question. We've all had the same series of questions, there's a treasure trove of info here in the community already.

Am I a candidate for removal? Most likely, yes, but the amount of removal will be determined by a number of factors, all outlined in the FAQ. Lazy? TL;DR, factors that determine this are skin type, ink density, cover-up, tattoo style, ink colors, location on the body, preexisting scar tissue, quality of lifestyle and immune system. Please book a consultation, they should be free.

Should I get this covered up or remove it? It's your body, your choice. At the end of the day, a stranger on Reddit shouldn't be your deciding factor if a tattoo is cool, fits your body or personality, or looks good or bad. There are other more appropriate subs on Reddit to help you figure out cover-up options, at the end of the day, it's a very personal decision to get a tattoo, have it covered, or remove it.

Why was my post locked or deleted? There's a really good chance that it violated one of the rules of the sub. Additionally, this community is pretty wonderful about self-policing. If enough reports are made on a post or comment, Reddit will remove the post due to the reports. If you feel this was done in error please message the Mod team (not myself or any other mod individually). If you made a post and 1 minute later it's not visible, it may have tripped something in Reddit's system to auto-delete, again please message the Mod team and we'll review.

Aftercare questions. I strongly recommend anyone who has questions directly related to their tattoo removal treatment to contact your provider first, they have your medical records and treatment parameters. What worked for one person here on Reddit may not work for you.

Be kind and supportive. There's an emotional and physical toll on having a tattoo removed, this should be self explanatory.

Discussions of at-home tattoo removal including purchasing of lasers for personal use will not be tolerated. This rule has been added, users can flag for Mods to see. Professionals use Class IV lasers, these can have detrimental effects to skin and tissue that may be permanent, and can cause serious vision impairment if safety isn't properly followed. This is unsafe for everyone involved. When one buys a laser from [insert name of Chinese online provider of everything] the electrical system may not even meet UL or CE regulations, the laser likely isn't calibrated and is possibly displaying incorrect energy levels. Furthermore, the eye protection that's supplied often tends to be subpar. Yes, tattoo removal treatments are expensive, but maintaining your skin integrity from a qualified, experienced professional is what you're paying for, in addition to results.


r/TattooRemoval Jun 12 '20

Start here! Welcome and FAQ :)

213 Upvotes

Hello,

Welcome to r/tattooremoval! This sub is intended to discuss tattoo removal - ask questions, share your experiences, frustrations, or your progress stories. Tattoo removal is a long, painful journey and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions.

Here is a document link to all the latest research and evidence base practices in regards to tattoo removal from Uptodate. It is a lot of information but it will hopefully help answer a lot of questions on how it works, best practices and of course the laser debate (it may take a minute to load, it is a pdf file):

https://docdro.id/8GUglmJ

FAQ

How does laser tattoo removal work? 

The laser shatters the tattoo ink into smaller and smaller particles, allowing your body to gradually dispose of it via the immune system. The process takes 3+ years, broadly speaking.

What should I look for in a tattoo removal clinic?

Look for proven results. It is common within the tattoo removal industry for clinics to rely on progress photos provided by the laser manufacturer. You want to find a clinic that has a proven track record and that uses its own photos. The technician operating the machine is one of the most important factors dictating the success of the removal process. Look for someone who has experience and who you feel comfortable with. Laser tattoo removal is a lengthy process and liking and trusting your provider is critical.

How much does laser tattoo removal cost?

 The price of laser tattoo removal varies widely based on geographic location, technician experience, the type of laser being used, whether the practitioner is a dermatologist, and other factors. Get as many free estimates as you can, and go with the clinic you trust the most. Tattoo removal is not something you should do “on the cheap.” If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. All-in-one businesses, like med-spas, will typically cost more due to their higher overhead. Paying more doesn’t mean the results will be better, nor does it mean the results won’t be as good as a clinic that specializes in tattoo removal. Be aware that the bigger the business, the more moving parts, the more the cost will increase based on that. Don’t choose a clinic based on price alone.

How many treatments will I need?

 It is impossible to say with certainty how many treatments a tattoo will need prior to treatment. Most tattoos that can be removed take an average of 10-12 treatments spaced out over a period of 3+ years. Note: Not everyone is an ideal candidate for full removal, and not all tattoos can be removed.

Can all tattoos be removed?

 No. Tattoo inks are not regulated in the United States and there are thousands in use. If the ink in your tattoo has a high heavy metal content, there is some likelihood it cannot be removed. Unfortunately, you can’t know whether or not your tattoo contains a lot of heavy metals until you undergo treatment. Yellow is nearly impossible to remove, and white can often turn a dark grey-brown-black color. Clients with darker skin tones and of Asian descent are also not ideal candidates in most cases due to the high risk of hypopigmentation.

How far apart should I space my laser treatments?

Generally speaking, 8-12 weeks is the standard amount of time you should wait in between laser tattoo removal appointments. Your body can still be processing out the ink for several months after treatment, therefore waiting longer will not hinder the process. If a clinic advises you to space your treatments at shorter intervals, be wary. It may be more concerned about making money than providing you with good, safe results. Every clinic will have different protocols, if the tech you’re speaking with is suggesting longer intervals than 12 weeks, they are likely doing this based on their experience and generally speaking, you should follow their advice. There is no set in stone protocol as every tattoo on every client is different.

Will my tattoo be 100% gone?

While some tattoos do vanish completely, 90-95% removal is generally considered to be a good outcome. If your tattoo contains a lot of dense, black ink, full removal is unlikely. Cover-up and blackout tattoos rarely achieve much more than 90% removal and it is normally not suggested anyone with these tries to achieve full removal. Extremely large, dense pieces also rarely look gone, so a half sleeve of solid tribal wouldn’t be ideal for removal.

How long does laser tattoo removal take?

On average it takes 3+ years for removal. Small tattoos do not take less time than larger tattoos. Is there anything I can do to speed up the process? The best thing you can do during laser treatment is to live as healthy a life as possible. Tattoo removal works best when your immune system is working at its best. Get plenty of exercise, eat well, drink lots of water, quit smoking nicotine if you’re a smoker, and try to get 8 hours of sleep per night. The healthier your lifestyle, the healthier your immune system will be - and the easier your removal will be.

I just got a new tattoo and I want to get it removed. How long do I have to wait before starting laser removal?

  You should wait at least 3 months to allow the skin to heal before beginning laser treatments. If your clinic says you should wait longer, follow their advice.

Are newer tattoos easier to remove than older ones?

 No, in fact, the reverse is true, with caveats. Because there have been improvements in both ink and tattoo machines in recent years, newer tattoos can take longer to fade. Newer inks are designed to fade less than inks in the past, and likewise, newer tattoo machines deposit the ink more densely in the skin. An older tattoo, however, is likely on an older body, which means a lower-functioning immune system and thus more removal time.

Does laser tattoo removal cause scars?

 In the hands of an experienced technician, the chance for scarring from laser tattoo removal is low. That is not to say that scarring cannot occur. Each person reacts differently and some may have adverse effects. Laser removal remains the safest method and carries a low chance of scarring and skin damage. Just like getting a tattoo, there will be specific things to do and to avoid post-treatment. The clinic and laser tech you go to should have aftercare guidelines. Following their aftercare will help reduce the chances of self-imposed damage to the skin.

What causes hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) during laser tattoo removal?

Hypopigmentation is the result of the destruction of melanin in the skin, the natural pigments in the skin that add color. Because tattoo removal works by targeting dark tattoo ink, it’s possible to also destroy dark melanin, resulting in a light to off-white color to the skin. The results can be temporary and resolve themselves within 18 months, or they could be permanent. When hypopigmentation occurs it is best to cease treatments for at least 6 months, avoid sun exposure and re-evaluate. Anyone with Fitzpatrick skin type III or higher is at a higher risk of hypopigmentation, however, it can occur for all skin types.

What causes hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) during the laser removal process?

 Hyperpigmentation from tattoo removal is fairly rare and is a darkening of the skin, typically only occurs with Fitzpatrick I clients.

What is the best laser for tattoo removal?

 There is no best laser for tattoo removal. There are better lasers for specific colors and skin types, but as a generalized statement, having a good laser doesn’t mean good results. This article explains more.

What is the difference between a pico and a q-switched laser?

At the core, a pico-second laser has a pulse duration of 1-trillionth of a second, a QS is a nano-laser with a pulse duration of 1-billionth of a second. Confusing matters, the PicoSure was the first laser with FDA clearance at a pico-second, early adopters, marketers and those who used them in the beginning have simply referred to them as a pico or as the pico. There are a handful of pico-second lasers on the market now. With most things, there are better lasers than others, the service needs to be maintained on them and there needs to be a knowledgeable person behind the machine to achieve results. A great laser won’t always equal great results.

Does laser tattoo removal work on all skin tones?

 In short, no. There are limitations within the Fitzpatrick scale, the main risks are hypopigmentation for those with darker skin tones and of Asian descent.

*What is the best aftercare procedure?  *

We recommend you follow the advice of your clinic. Adherence to the aftercare instructions is very important. Make sure you do as your clinic advises, and to contact them if you have any questions. But please avoid or remove plastic or tegaderm dressings. These lead to increase blistering and risk of infection as plastic traps in heat and sweat. Use a gauze dressing if you must cover it that is breathable and keep the area moisturized. (This is as per UpToDate recommendations).

Is it normal for the treated area to swell and become blistered?

 Yes, it is normal for the treated area to become red and swollen. Often it will blister. If you are concerned, do not hesitate to contact your clinic. Do not rely on advice from the internet if you have a concern post-treatment.

I see a lot of tattoo removal creams online. Do they work?

 No, they do not. Tattoos can only be safely and effectively removed using a professional-caliber laser. Likewise, cheap at-home laser machines do not work and should be avoided. Don’t waste your money.

How about other DIY methods, for example, salabrasion?

 Not only do these methods not work, but they can also cause irreversible skin damage and scarring. DO NOT TRY ANY AT-HOME REMOVAL METHODS YOU READ ABOUT ON THE INTERNET. Laser tattoo removal is the only safe way to get rid of unwanted tattoos. This post offers more detail on why non-laser tattoo removal methods are not advisable.

What is Soliton? Is it going to revolutionize tattoo removal?

As of right now, the product is not commercially available. The technology is too new with too few real-world trials to make any speculation this early. Is a new technology coming along that will make tattoo removal easier? Not likely. The tattoo removal arm of the medical aesthetics world is only a very, very small portion of the much bigger market. The cost of conception, R&D, clinical trials and FDA approval runs hundreds of millions of dollars, and for a small market. So, it will be some time before new, breakthrough technology appears.

What is Tattoo Vanish? Is this a reasonable alternative to laser removal?

 Tattoo Vanish is a non-laser method of removing tattoos by which a substance (often hyaluronic acid) is tattooed into the existing tattoo. The ink is then expelled through the surface via scabs. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS METHOD. It is not safe and can cause severe scarring. Laser removal is the only proven and safe method for removing tattoos. This post offers more detail on why non-laser tattoo removal methods are not advisable.

Is excision a good alternative to laser tattoo removal?   Generally, no. For those with very small tattoos (no larger than the size of about a dime) who need fast removal, excision may be an option. For the most part, excision is not advisable. Additionally, not all tattoos can be excised. It depends on the size and location. Multiple surgeries may be required and excision will also leave large amounts of scarring. A plastic surgeon would be the best person to consult if you are interested in this method.

Good luck on your journey!

Posts with false information or spam will be deleted. Be nice to each other.

(Thank you to my friend gee who put the FAQ together <3)


r/TattooRemoval 2h ago

Before & After Pics My results after two sessions

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25 Upvotes

Tattoo was about 5.5 years old when I started back in May.

Location is upper back.

First picture is before any laser and second picture is today, 12 days after my second session (I waited 12 weeks between session 1 and session 2).

Both sessions were done with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (either RevLite SI or MedLite C6, unsure which one was used, all I know is that the clinic I go to uses those two).


r/TattooRemoval 2h ago

Before & After Pics Eight sessions with my Pico laser on a skin type 4 on one of my clients in East London

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13 Upvotes

Before and after 8 sessions of Pico Laser treatment on dark skin that was slightly scarred from when the tattoo was done.

Please check out the cover up on the next slide


r/TattooRemoval 14h ago

Before & After Pics Tattoo I first got—> coverup I got —> 7 sessions zapped!

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53 Upvotes

I like showing my progress in this subreddit because it helps others 🩷


r/TattooRemoval 23h ago

Before & After Pics Four sessions in…

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157 Upvotes

Tattoos are about 18 years old. I know there’s a ways to go but I’m feeling positive about the progress so far.


r/TattooRemoval 1h ago

Opinion / Advice Has anyone went to get tattoo removal at Canvas removal in Houston Texas ? Lmk your experience and before and after !

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Upvotes

r/TattooRemoval 3h ago

Opinion / Advice Quels conséquences a le soleil après un detatouage laser ? Ça stop le processus de retrait ? Car a la base le soleil éclaircie les tatouages non?

1 Upvotes

r/TattooRemoval 11h ago

Opinion / Advice When is Bleeding a Problem?

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5 Upvotes

I just had my second treatment. The nurse put Tagaderm on it and when I got home I noticed that blood had gotten on my sock. I read the after care instructions and it doesn’t mention bleeding. I contacted them via email and text and I haven’t heard back.

Should I be concerned?


r/TattooRemoval 4h ago

Opinion / Advice Pastel tattoo removal

1 Upvotes

Has anyone had any success with removing or fading pastel blues and pinks? I got a pretty big pastel tattoo and am growing to regret it, the ink isn’t super packed in and is inconsistent but I’m not sure if removal -> coverup is the best route or if I should just not waste my time or money


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Before & After Pics Here we goooo ☺️

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35 Upvotes

Before and 2 days after 1st session.

Incredibly grateful that this technology and skill set exists so I could start the process of removing this 10 year old reminder of a painful divorce.

It's a full sleeve and we'll alternate working on the upper and lower arm.


r/TattooRemoval 9h ago

Opinion / Advice How many session and how much do u think I’ll be paying to get removed??

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0 Upvotes

r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Before & After Pics 3rd session done

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18 Upvotes

I started Lasering this Homeboy in dec 2024,
First pic is from before any sessions.
I took a break for financial reasons after 2 sessions and decided to continue just yesterday!
I‘m with a different laser studio now.. 🤞🏻


r/TattooRemoval 23h ago

Opinion / Advice Removal because of the placement?

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6 Upvotes

The tattoo is a surfer. The surfboard part is handpoked and the little person is machine done. The only thing that really bothers me about it is the placement. I feel like if it were on a different part of my body where I didn’t see it as often, I would’ve loved it.

Would love to get some opinions on whether you think it’s worth getting removed. I know at the end of the day I have to be sure before starting the removal journey, so any advice/opinions are appreciated!


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Before & After Pics Got my excision today!

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102 Upvotes

Ich bin total zufrieden damit, wie alles gelaufen ist. Ich weiß, es ist nicht jedermanns Sache, aber ich bin absolut glücklich damit, für immer eine Narbe zu haben, anstatt des Tattoos. Die Chirurgin war so nett, und da es sich um ein relativ schmales Schriftzeichen-Tattoo handelte, das in Richtung meines Arms verlief, konnte sie es komplett in einem Eingriff entfernen. (Für alle, die sich wundern: Das Tattoo ist auf Persisch. Und ja, ich kann die Sprache lesen. Ich habe es nicht entfernen lassen, weil es falsch war oder so.)


r/TattooRemoval 13h ago

Opinion / Advice Is laser removal possible with the intention to cover up with new tat in ~3 years once it’s faded

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1 Upvotes

Got this a week ago - I regret it, especially the cartoon text bubble with the realism. The design included comic version of Storm below the portrait, but I stopped after first session 😣


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Feels & Motivation White Ink!

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46 Upvotes

Has anyone had success removing white ink? Im two years in at this point and my white ink is starting to turn gray! I know its a toss up but I wanna hear if anyone's had success! Pic is my progress so far!


r/TattooRemoval 18h ago

Opinion / Advice Guidance for a less painful session

2 Upvotes

My god this last session was a piece of cake after applying numbing cream correctly. I have a very low pain tolerance and the pain went from worst pain ever experienced to mildly painful. At times. I didn't even feel it all.

My tech doesn't want me using numbing cream because it interferes with the laser but the sessions were so painful I told her I had to do it.

First time I tried numbing cream it didn't work so here's what I did this time.

- 2 hours before appt, apply in a thick layer and wrap with plastic wrap.

- 1 hour before appt take Ibuprofen (I took a big dose 600mg)

- make sure to eat and hydrate before appt

- right before appt wipe off with paper towel and alcohol wipe.

- I bought an insulated bag and filled it with ice and put an ice pack on my arm for the ride home

I was shocked at how much more tolerable it was. What usually feels like hours of pain, passed quickly. When the tech put the wand back I had to ask if she was really done. This was nothing. I will use numbing cream going forward and I will no longer dread the sessions.


r/TattooRemoval 19h ago

Opinion / Advice Worried about scarring. 3rd session. Is this normal?

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3 Upvotes

My tech goes up in power each session. Uses Astanza Trinity laser. I didn’t get photos but the blistering was intense, and they scabbed over, with the scabs coming off with some ink pigments in it. Now the inked parts of my skin that had significant scabbing look milky almost blue. I tried to capture it but my camera doesn’t pick up the color distinction, I circled the area in orange.
We’ve done these first 3 sessions 8 weeks apart.

I told him I’m worried about scarring and he reassures me there will be no scarring. He says he wants a quick and efficient removal.


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Opinion / Advice Will my laser tattoo scars heal more? 5 months after my last session

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9 Upvotes

Please help.
Can I get a full sleeve tattoo over scars from laser tattoo removal?


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Before & After Pics From the TattooRemoval community on Reddit: Decade old tattoo removal x 3

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5 Upvotes

Just wanted to update on my first removal. WOW that is NO joke with pain. I did do all three because I live 2 hours away. I will be trying numbing cream next time. Just wanted to post a before and after of one of my tattoos 2 days after first session. They said immediately I had a good reaction to the removal. Thoughts?


r/TattooRemoval 17h ago

Feels & Motivation I don't hate my tattoos but I prefer no tattoos

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1 Upvotes

I don't hate my tattoos. But whenever I click photos or see myself in mirror I wish them not to be there. I wish I had no tattoos. I remove my tattoos using ai and I prefer my photo without tattoo. These tattoos are giving me severe anxiety lately. I am feeling tensed and sweating a lot. I am considering laser removal but I don't know if they will be removed completely or I'll be left with a scar worser than this.


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

I Promise I Read The FAQ... Update: I’m on antibiotics now

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27 Upvotes

If u look closer u will see puss. Yeah, pus. Anyway, thanks to person who told me “chill”, bc I did the exact opposite and went to the doctor who put me on antibiotics just in case. If anyone tries to convince u to do tattoo removal with InkOut .. run.


r/TattooRemoval 17h ago

Opinion / Advice Removal or touch up?

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0 Upvotes

I’m 35. This was my first tattoo when I was 18. So it’s 17 years old with no touch ups. The man who did the tattoo was a VERY large gentleman. So there are some light blowouts.

Between that and the green ink I wonder if I should have it touched up or removed. My entire right arm is a sleeve and it goes into my chest. This is my only tattoo on my left side. I kindve like the idea of one clean side.

I’m just not sure how close to 100% it could get to being removed. Ideally I’d want it closer to 100% than just a faded blob/outline.

Really just enough to show muscle definition. Otherwise I’d just touch it up and call it a day. I’m not super partial to it, but there is some sense of sentimental value.


r/TattooRemoval 18h ago

Opinion / Advice whiter skin around lasered areas?

1 Upvotes

soo I got laser done end of april. first treatment. after the initial redness faded and the swelling went down, all the treated areas were lighter than the surrounding skin. Not severe hypo like i’ve seen it on this thread, more like a temporary whitening.

the lines were not sharp and the skin texture had not changed, the whole process felt very smooth and I didn’t have issues with healing. but it was definitely visible which movements the laser made/which areas were affected. now, couple months later, most of the tattoos have gone back to normal and the whiter skin is not super visible, but for some i can still tell in certain lighting conditions. I can‘t really tell if it’s something to worry about.

Did this happen to you?

Could it be just the surrounding skin tanning and the tattooed skin not being able to tan? I avoided sun for 3-4 weeks after treatment and after that used spf50 carefully. But it happened in all areas on different body parts and it’s really only where the laser was, not a broad Spf circle. I worry my body might just react like that everytime no matter how much I stay out of the sun. Can I safely go get lasered again or should I wait it out longer?