Although most colors will respond at least somewhat to the laser, there are certainly some colors that are very difficult to remove and that may not reach full resolution. The hardest colors to remove are colors that are close to the patient’s skin color, or that are colors highly present in skin. These colors include browns, yellows, oranges, pinks, whites, and purples. This is one of the reasons it is more difficult to remove cosmetic tattoos (permanent makeup).
Other colors that can be difficult to remove (and in some cases cannot be removed at all) are the more exotic bright colors, pastels, and especially fluorescents.
Return to laser tattoo removal frequently asked questions.
Sources:
Interview with Will Kirby, DO, FACOS - Los Angeles, CA - conducted on November 19, 2008
Multiple Color Changes Following Laser Therapy of Cosmetic Tattoos; Jimenez G, Weiss E, Spencer JM; Dermatol Surg. 2002;28:17717-17719
