It is quite possible that your tattoo will appear to have been removed completely, although usually some small amounts of ink remain, even if they are not readily visible to the casual observer. Of course, this is not the case with every patient or with every tattoo. Some ink colors (lighter, brighter, and flesh-toned colors) and skin types (darker and thicker skin types) make complete removal less likely. Location of the tattoo is also important in determining how well your tattoo responds to treatment.
The tattoos most likely to achieve total resolution (at least to the naked eye):
- black tattoos
- tattoos in highly vascular areas in close proximity to the heart
- amateur tattoos
- older tattoos
Return to laser tattoo removal frequently asked questions.
Sources:
Interview with Will Kirby, DO, FACOS - Los Angeles, CA - conducted on November 19, 2008
Laser Treatment of Tattoos; Eric F. Bernstein; Clinics in Dermatology, Volume 24, Issue 1, January-February 2006, Pages 43-55
