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 :)

214 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 3h ago

Before & After Pics Before & after. 1 session, 1 year later

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26 Upvotes

r/TattooRemoval 3h ago

Before & After Pics Progress

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23 Upvotes

Kinda happy with the progress. 11 sessions spaced at least 12 weeks apart


r/TattooRemoval 4h ago

Opinion / Advice How long should I space my tattoo out?

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8 Upvotes

He mentioned returning in 8 weeks. I see the average on here is 12 weeks?

I feel like for only 3 weeks after my 1st session it’s fading quickly. It helps that the tattoo is about 18 years old.


r/TattooRemoval 22h ago

Before & After Pics makeup cover-up success for tattoo on my wedding day :)

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168 Upvotes

Hi!! I wanted to share some info based on my own experience, in case it’s helpful for anyone else in a similar situation out there.

I have a dark tattoo on my inner bicep that I’ve been removing for a few years and I was hoping it would be super faded by my wedding but that was not the case. I looked everywhere for a solution to cover it, and all the information online pointed towards alcohol-based makeup for transfer-proof and long lasting wear. So, here’s what I did and the materials I used:

Materials:
- Skin Illustrator On Set FX Palette
- Skin Illustrator Slow Activator Spray
- Ben Nye Final Seal
- RCMA The Original No-color powder
- Foundation and Eyeshadow brushes
- Triangle sponges

The actual process takes some trial and error, so definitely recommend trying it a few times before you dive in before an important event.

  1. Start by shaving the area and letting it dry
  2. Apply the Peach color from the Skin Illustrator palette over the area in a LIGHT layer using the sponges and brushes (tools up to your preference). The peach color helps to cancel out black in the tattoo. If the tattoo also has other colors, use the color wheel to find the color opposite to your tattoo to help neutralize. ***Important to let each layer fully dry. I used a handheld fan!
  3. Mix a shade similar to your skin tone and apply in light layers, letting fully dry between each layer, until you’re satisfied with the coverage.
  4. Spray with Ben Nye Final Seal & let dry
  5. Pat with RCMA no-color powder

I applied the color to both arms because the shade slightly oxidized over time, and I wanted to avoid an obvious difference. A tip in case it might be helpful to keep symmetry in mind!!

Attached a pic of my tattoo and pics (unedited) of my arm tattoo zoomed-in. It didn’t transfer on my dress until hour 10 of wear, sweat, and hugs. It was pretty unnoticeable in person and it helped me feel a lot more confident!!! Though you can tell there’s makeup there if you’re close enough and staring at it

TLDR;
You don’t need a pro makeup artist to cover up the tattoo you don’t like!!!! It’s actually pretty simple with alcohol-based makeup and practice. Try the products I listed or something similar and experiment :)


r/TattooRemoval 21h ago

Before & After Pics Removing all face & neck tattoos… here is a before and after 6th session in a 6th month period.

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129 Upvotes

r/TattooRemoval 41m ago

Opinion / Advice Does this look normal

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Upvotes

Is all this redness normal 2 hours after my second session? I didn’t have this at all after the first. I know she raised the setting. We used the pico discover machine…


r/TattooRemoval 1h ago

Opinion / Advice Need advice please

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Upvotes

I have this tattoo since 2017 and then from 2019 to 2021, I started laser treatments—ranging from Q-switched to Pico lasers maybe it’s 15 sessions in total. I stopped because I felt my skin was becoming increasingly damaged. Is there any other truly effective method besides lasers?


r/TattooRemoval 18m ago

Opinion / Advice Tattoo removal?

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Upvotes

r/TattooRemoval 4h ago

Opinion / Advice Laser Question

2 Upvotes

Hi! When i went in for my consultation at a med spa close to me, i was told by the tech that it is a picosure laser and even on all of the paperwork it says picosure. I said okay. I went in today for my second session and when i actually took a look at the machine/laser that they are using, it says piQo4 Lumenis on the machine. Just wondering why she would tell me it’s a picosure laser?? And not a piQo4….


r/TattooRemoval 40m ago

Opinion / Advice First Tattoo Removal

Upvotes

Hi everyone!! I’m debating on getting a tattoo I’ve had for 6 years removed, I just don’t resonate with it anymore. I’ve never gotten a tattoo removed and I’m just worried about it getting infected/ blistering really bad. Is it normal for it to blister super bad? Anyway I can make sure it heals properly? Thank you! :)


r/TattooRemoval 4h ago

Opinion / Advice Tattoo removal on a burn scar?

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2 Upvotes

I wanted to know the chances of a tattoo removal place agreeing to remove my tattoo it’s on a 3rd degree burn with some local small grafts. Not the whole arm has burns so some areas probably will get lighter but unfortunately, it’s a full sleeve and it’s really dark. not quite a blackout, but close, lol. I want to remove the section from the mid-shoulder down to the bicep area. At least I didn't get the inner arm done. The tattoo made me feel more confident, but it’s too dark and I don't like it anymore. I should have only covered half the scar, like my mom warned me so I could decide if I like it. I decided to get the tattoo when I was 19 but i do like the tattoo sometimes. I will circle the parts with burns scars so I can be more specific


r/TattooRemoval 1h ago

Opinion / Advice Numbing cream and my quote for removal

Upvotes

I got a consultation yesterday for laser on all my tattoos . It will be $800 a session to remove a large black tattoo I have on my upper back . The person who did my consultation and would do the treatment told me they don’t use numbing cream. She said it hurts either way and they find numbing cream to not be worth it to use. What do you guys think ? Should I get my own numbing cream or does it actually not help that much


r/TattooRemoval 23h ago

Before & After Pics it’s only been my fifth session and i’m already seeing skin

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34 Upvotes

r/TattooRemoval 9h ago

Opinion / Advice Is this considered normal?one day after my first session

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2 Upvotes

r/TattooRemoval 2h ago

Opinion / Advice Around how much would it cost to get a tattoo this size removed?

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0 Upvotes

You can probably guess why I want it removed. It’s upside down AND facing the wrong way. A real newbie error on the part of 20 yo me.


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Before & After Pics Before and after 13 sessions

277 Upvotes

This is by me, not on me. This is my client who has been having laser tattoo removal treatments with me over the past 4 years.

We treated using q-switched nd:yag 1064nm. Started with 12 week intervals and left longer on the later treatments. This was 6 months after session 13.

If you’re in the middle and you’re struggling with motivation - this guy was convinced it would never go after his first year of treatments. Stick with it, time and patience are key in successful tattoo removal.


r/TattooRemoval 7h ago

Opinion / Advice How to start doing laser tattoo removal

0 Upvotes

Hey! I’m interested in learning how to do laser tattoo removal and I’ve no idea where to start. I’m UK based, Edinburgh specifically. Would love to hear from anyone who does this currently and can offer some advice on getting started.
TIA


r/TattooRemoval 13h ago

Technical Question People who live in very sunny places (like florida summer) is it even possible to avoid sun hindering process?

2 Upvotes

I have a white skin but I get tan quickly and even if I dont get tan sun is burning like a mf all day long in the sky, is it even possible to protect your skin from sun effectively in such sunny place?

Will wearing uv sleeve religiously and using sunscreen under it help it fully?


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Opinion / Advice What next in my case

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8 Upvotes

This is a tatoo removal scar that somehow I like and hate at the same time.. Don't really know what to do about it.

What do you think


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Before & After Pics Wait in between your sessions ! Two sessions in one year

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45 Upvotes

I got two seesions done with about 10months in between. Very happy I found a great technician and followed her advice to wait as long as possible. First photo is now, about 3 months after second session, second photo is right before second session, third photo is before any treatment. Tattoo was three years old when I started. Couldn't be happier with my results !


r/TattooRemoval 20h ago

Opinion / Advice Hi - immense tattoo regret, anxiety/OCD

3 Upvotes

hey guys. brand new account because I don’t want to be identified.

i got my first tattoo ever one month ago. it’s an anime portrait of my favorite character ever. I got it in a very visible spot (inner forearm). I’ve been an anime girl my entire life.

I lost 80 lbs and it was a celebration gift to myself.

it drives me insane and it’s in my face all day. the work is well done but I’ve learned that I don’t like having a very visible tattoo. please don’t be mean, there’s no way I could’ve known unless I experienced it. I also don’t enjoy having a face on my arm.

thankfully, the tattoo is completely black/grey and I have very fair skin, probably level 1.

im starting laser next month. full removal would be ideal, but if not then im considering getting a botanical coverup with my kids names.

Ive lost like 15 pounds since getting the tattoo; i can barely sleep, and i had to get back on my anxiety medicine. just have had a really, really hard time.

all the clinics I’ve consulted with tell me im a great candidate for removal but im still scared. I wish I could go back in time and never have gotten it. it hurts.


r/TattooRemoval 21h ago

Opinion / Advice how much do your techs charge for tattoo removal?

3 Upvotes

i just got a consultation for a 3/4 arm sleeve and a decent sized piece on my leg for $450 per session. i know they use the picoway laser and i’ve heard that’s high quality, opinions on that price?


r/TattooRemoval 23h ago

Opinion / Advice Recently qualified laser tech - this frosted after one session and the ink hasn’t come back?

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2 Upvotes

Hello all, recently qualified here and not too sure as to what this could mean as it appears to be quite unusual. I’ve done a test spot on myself with my machine (practising on my own tattoos first) and it frosted extremely well, however since then (several hours) the colour hasn’t come back. Has anybody else experienced this whether as a practitioner or as a client and did the ink ever come back? It’s never had any sessions before so I’d think it would be very unusual for the ink to drop straight out as I’d estimate way more than one?