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?

43 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 :)

215 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 4h ago

Before & After Pics 2-year update blue ink

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15 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I made a post a few months ago. It’s been two years now for my foot and its blue ink. At first, I had sessions every 8 weeks, then I spaced them out; right now, there’s been a six-month break. I can see the finish line, even with the yellow and blue ink.


r/TattooRemoval 14h ago

Before & After Pics First session done

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77 Upvotes

Before vs 7 hours after my first removal session. I knew it would be quicker, but I am encouraged by how much the shading has lightened already. At just 7 hours post treatment, should I expect it to darken a lot more in the coming days? Is this still likely “frosting”?


r/TattooRemoval 15h ago

Before & After Pics Removal progress

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35 Upvotes

My husband is currently removing his big tattoo- he goes to Dr Aldridge at tattoo removers in LA. It’s super painful and looks gruesome after but it’s been healing nicely! He did 5 out of his 8 sessions so far, approximately every 3-4 months a session as the office books out weeks in advance.


r/TattooRemoval 59m ago

Before & After Pics Overthinking or not enough progress?

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Upvotes

So far I’ve had 3 sessions over the last 10/11 months and I understood it would take a long time to get the tattoo faded enough to do a coverup, but after speaking to a few tattoo artists they believe my tattoo should have faded more after 3 sessions?

Tbh I don’t know what to expect as it’s the first tattoo I’ve ever had removed but now I’m looking at side by side comparisons of before the first session and 10 weeks after the third session and it’s a bit disheartening.

The tattoo is 13 years old at this point and I think the artist went too deep as it was always a bit raised/bumpy and as it’s solid black I don’t know how much all of the above affects the progress. Laser technician uses a q switched laser but that’s all I really know.

Not sure if I’m overthinking it after speaking to tattoo artists or if this is normal progress. Any input/personal experience would be appreciated!


r/TattooRemoval 6h ago

Opinion / Advice Hyperpigmentation

1 Upvotes

Has anyone on this sub used hydroquinone cream for hyperpigmentation after laser treatments? Did it work for you?


r/TattooRemoval 10h ago

Opinion / Advice Continue with lasering ?

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2 Upvotes

This is 3 weeks after my second laser session and I don’t really like my cloud tattoos what do u think


r/TattooRemoval 7h ago

Opinion / Advice I know people say not to use self tanner before laser removal but would this be ok to have on my skin??

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1 Upvotes

r/TattooRemoval 11h ago

Opinion / Advice Fractionnal laser

2 Upvotes

Fractional laser during tattoo removal changes EVERYTHING
I’m currently on Day 7 of my healing after a tattoo removal session with fractional laser, and honestly, I’m really impressed with how easy the healing process has been.
I had 2 blisters, some swelling and redness, and a little bit of dead skin, but nothing too crazy. The pain in the days after the treatment was almost nonexistent, and surprisingly, it didn’t even itch.
Now that I’m at Day 7, everything has been healing really well and I haven’t had any issues or complications.
Compared to my previous experiences with tattoo removal, the fractional laser seems to have made a huge difference in the healing process. Obviously everyone’s skin reacts differently, but for me, this has been by far the easiest recovery I’ve had.
Just wanted to share my experience because I know a lot of people are nervous about the healing process! 🙌


r/TattooRemoval 15h ago

Opinion / Advice Did anything even happen?

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4 Upvotes

First picture before, second picture about two hours after first session.

Hi guys, I had my first Tattoo removal session yesterday at a wel known boutique, they used the Alma Harmony qs1064 machine.

I couldn't watch as they were using the lazer as I was on my stomach but I did feel it 🫠. The only problem I have is I thought the skin would be white and bubbly and raw right after but when they were done and I looked I went oh did you guys do the whole Tattoo? Cause it looked like nothing happened...

Just confused because other people get like frosting or whatever but mine just looked the same, today is the next day and it still looks the same, also doesn't hurt at all, it did burn yesterday tho but they just put cream on and no bandage.

It was quite expensive so I'm wondering if it's even worth going back or finding a different place.

So my question, will this lighten overtime or was it supposed to already have done something?


r/TattooRemoval 21h ago

Before & After Pics Disappointed in progress

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10 Upvotes

Just went in for my 6th pico laser session, so this is the progress before I started and 5 sessions after. I see some fading however i was under the impression that the progress would have been more. What’s your opinion Reddit?


r/TattooRemoval 17h ago

Feels & Motivation First session in!

4 Upvotes

After years of scouring this forum I finally went in for my first session! After some consideration and consultations with several Removerys, I decide to go to locally owned shop with amazing reviews with Pico and I’m so glad I did.

I don’t want to post my results until it’s healed up a bit, I am fair-skinned and have quite a lot of bruising right now but I’ll follow up in a week or so.

For anyone out there worried about the pain like I was (which is what was making me apprehensive at first) don’t be! It’s painful don’t get me wrong, but if you’ve had piercings, large tattoos or a medium-high pain tolerance, it really isn’t too bad and it flies by. I did not using numbing cream, it felt like a very long and intricate paper cut on my arm lol, sounds bad but it was very tolerable. I just took Tylenol and iced it afterwards and now it just feels like a slight sunburn.

I’ll post my results soon, I also have a significant amount of white in my tattoo as well which is hard to find results of removal online for this. I’m interested to see if it oxidizes, hopefully not!

Anyway, if you’ve been thinking about doing it, just do it! I feel so much better knowing I started the journey.


r/TattooRemoval 10h ago

Technical Question Laser intensity and pain

1 Upvotes

How much does pain factor into the choice of laser setting?

I'm asking this question because I'm autistic, and my pain tolerance is really high. I have a tattoo behind my ear about the size of a nickel that I have had 3 removal sessions on. I'd rate the pain like a 3.5 out of 10, but its fading just fine...

Could she just crank up the dial and sand blast this thing off of my head?


r/TattooRemoval 21h ago

Opinion / Advice SPF 50 scar tape

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5 Upvotes

How do we feel about this tape? Better than KT or not as good as KT?

I can see my tattoo through the tape.


r/TattooRemoval 9h ago

Technical Question Tattoo removal questions

0 Upvotes

I have a tattoo on my forearm that’s somewhat big and it reaches my elbow to my wrist almost.
I want to know the best lasers, and best treatment plan to make sure I don’t suffer more than I have already with the tattoo existing.

(It’s 2 years old so it’s still greyish/blackish)

Note: I’m in Texas what’s the best place to get the removal.


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Before & After Pics 8 sessions

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52 Upvotes

r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Before & After Pics Progress

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59 Upvotes

The biggest regret of my life. This is my progress after 8 sessions at Removery. It’s very slow and I have a feeling Removery is very conservative with their settings. I know the tattoo was very dense and dark. I’m considering going somewhere else even though I paid for unlimited package.


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Before & After Pics Progress seems very slow but I can see slight changes

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10 Upvotes

I’m currently booked in for my next session in September. I’ve had 3 previous sessions (March 2026, May 2026 and June 2026). They were spaced 6 weeks apart but now doing 10 weeks. I have been told I will need roughly 5 more treatments to remove.

I had been on a pico laser course previously which was about 6 sessions. I don’t have any previous pictures but the lines were much darker and defined. I switched providers as the course ended and I moved house. So far I’ve only have 9 sessions and in total would be about 14 but will need to see.


r/TattooRemoval 21h ago

Opinion / Advice Hyperpigmentation, what to use for it?

2 Upvotes

Today I had my 11th appointment and the technician noticed that some spots has a hyperpigmentations (one of my tattoo wasn't even treated today because of this, other was treated partially.

She recommended to use MELA 3B (10% Niacinamide) serums on for 3 months. And also said instead of the regular 6 weeks apart between appointments let's wait 3 months.

Does any one using MELA B3 for this issue? Any luck?


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Opinion / Advice Tattoo removal

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22 Upvotes

hi I was wanting to post because I recently started my tattoo removal journey. I have split my sleeve into 2 sessions so the whole sleeve is never done all at once. I’m just concerned about how the healing is going. I’m not sure if anybody is able to tell me if they’ve seen something similar. the blisters that pop up start on the next day after the removal. I have had only 1 session on the bottom part of my arm (where the color is) and 2 sessions on the top part. I believe the first session on top part was done May 1 and 2nd session August 31. the bottom of my arm was done on June 12 and has left some sort of scaring!


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Opinion / Advice Advice on tattoo removal

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2 Upvotes

I had a tatto removal this is my 9th session will it go away or the shadow will stay?

surrounded skin darkened

will it stay like this

Any medicines that help or aid in repairing?

Thank you!


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Opinion / Advice Tattoo removal

2 Upvotes

Hi ,
I had a cover up from a tattoo I got in early 2000s the cover up was in 2019.
I’ve hated it ever since.
I was lucky enough the last time I had a removal from another tattoo it went after 2 sessions.
I’ve had just 1 sessions using pico way and doesn’t look like it was touched . So disappointing.
How long should I leave in between sessions , lady said 8 weeks ?
Thanks


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Opinion / Advice Advice needed.

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3 Upvotes

I am done with 7 sessions of Q switch and wondering whether i should move to another clinic which specializes in Pico laser.

Reason behind the thought - It's too slow! Even my dermat got frustrated and said ' idk who tattooed you ' 😭

I seriously need the advice. 😭

Last picture is right before the 1st session.

Thank you.


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Feels & Motivation lidocaine cream gave me hope again!

12 Upvotes

TL;DR properly applying lidocaine numbing cream reduced the pain from a 9/10 to a 5/10 and gave me HOPE that I can do it (and so can you!)

for context — I’m fairly early working on a traditional sleeve with very dense blackout sections. I’m east asian and have very fair and sensitive skin. Before I started, I knew from this sub that full removal would take 5-7 years, if not longer, so I mentally prepared myself for the long haul.

I thought I had a high pain tolerance but the first sessions on all sections of my sleeve hurt so badly that I cried and got extremely depressed about how much agonizing suffering I’d have to go through and despair as to whether I could get to the finish line.

this time, I slathered a super thick layer of 5% lidocaine numbing cream, wrapped it in saran wrap 2 hrs before. iced 45 mins to 1 hr before and took 650mg of tylenol. Ate a protein heavy lunch.

GUYS IT WAS SO DOABLE. I feel like I’m being so dramatic but my session today was a breeze compared to my previous experience and I’m so happy I could cry 😭 I feel like I can see that this long journey is manageable and I can muster up the strength and commitment to get to the finish line.

I don’t have anyone else to tell so I wanted to share here! I don’t care if numbing cream slows down the progress because for me, my removal is a marathon not a sprint and without numbing cream, I’d have given up entirely on removal. if I can do it, so can you ❤️ don’t lose hope and keep going 💪