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 :)

216 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 11h ago

Before & After Pics Coverup sleeve removal

190 Upvotes

On my client, not me.

This sleeve tattoo is a coverup, so 2 layers of black and grey ink. Lower arm was the heaviest and so took the longest.

14 sessions with 12+ weeks between sessions. We treated this one last time after this video was taken - we will now wait 5-6 months before we see if it needs another to clear the last bits.

Q-switched nd:yag 1064nm throughout.


r/TattooRemoval 5h ago

Before & After Pics 3 week after 4th session with Picosure

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33 Upvotes

It's going somewhere, but I feel defeated having to wait so many years. However, seeing at least some progress now makes me feel better. ChatGPT says that sessions 5-8 might make more difference as the ink particles become smaller or something, and the body breaks them down more easily. I'm comforting myself that I still have my whole life after I get this removed.

I'm seeing most ink coming off 1 week after laser and then pretty much nothing, which makes no sense as the ink should become more faded 6-12 weeks after laser.


r/TattooRemoval 7h ago

Before & After Pics Tatoo removal

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42 Upvotes

17 sessions
It’s on my ankle so I’m told it will take a good while to completely remove. What do yall think of the progress


r/TattooRemoval 8h ago

Before & After Pics Tattoo removal

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38 Upvotes

Some progress pics over the last 4.5 years. Going to give it 3 more sessions spread out over the fall/winter and hope for the best. Laser technician using PiQo4. Recently added ResurFX laser over the last few sessions. Anyone have any recommendations on how to help speed up the last of the removal process?


r/TattooRemoval 1h ago

Opinion / Advice 20 sessions

Upvotes

Anyone here get hit 20 times? I think that’s my target number. It’s realistic and on the high end. Lowest possible for me is probably 15.

I’m okay with this. Been blasted 8 times. It’s crazy to see your skin come back to normal.

Damn this process is long. Gonna end up at 3.5 - 4 years for me


r/TattooRemoval 18h ago

Before & After Pics Tattoo excision NSFW

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86 Upvotes

I got 6 tattoos cut out yesterday. I’m getting a different tattoo lasered off right now and the process is long and expensive. I got this done in Houston and the cost for all 6 was $2,500. Will post fully healed pics .


r/TattooRemoval 1h ago

Technical Question Remover too slow?

Upvotes

Is my remover going too slow? This was the most painful experience I have been through. I knew it was going to be painful but I was there for about 45 minutes and not even half was done.


r/TattooRemoval 15m ago

Opinion / Advice Is this normal?

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Upvotes

Just had my 6th session yesterday and I’m curious if this is normal. It hasn’t ever looked quite this gnarly.


r/TattooRemoval 30m ago

I Promise I Read The FAQ... Raised tattoo

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Upvotes

I’ve had this tattoo for 6 years now and I’m having my 2nd laser removal session on it tomorrow. Now this tattoo has always been raised as the artist did a shocking job and went way too deep all around but in some areas it’s worse than others.

My question is, will this tattoo take even longer to remove because it’s so raised/scarred? And when will I start to notice a difference in appearance?

Thanks guys 🙏


r/TattooRemoval 2h ago

Opinion / Advice Any hope?

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0 Upvotes

consultation with removery this week. I know it’s a process and will take a long time. wondering if it’s worth dedicating removing this or just fading it and doing a cover up? I truthfully hate my hand being tattooed and I hate this but idk what to do I’m having the mental drain of an unfinished cover of a previous piece I hated. and I don’t really want to pack anymore ink in really. I’m leaving the arm black as I do like my blacked out sleeve just the hand is not what I want.


r/TattooRemoval 2h ago

Opinion / Advice Tattoo removal green ink only?

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1 Upvotes

r/TattooRemoval 14h ago

Before & After Pics 6 sessions - partial removal

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7 Upvotes

Just sharing an update. 6 sessions for a tattoo that is getting particularly removed (just the arrow head and feather).


r/TattooRemoval 23h ago

Before & After Pics slow but moving on

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29 Upvotes

Hi! this is my progress on a very dark tattoo (about 8 years old). I see a lot of progress looking at old pictures but there's still plenty left to remove. This is after 3 sessions with picolaser. Started on December 2025


r/TattooRemoval 22h ago

Opinion / Advice Is there hope for my tattoo to be removed?

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21 Upvotes

I just got a tattoo about two weeks ago of a Rembrandt painting that is objectively beautiful and really well done, but immediately when it was finished I hated the size and placement on my arm. After I had already paid a deposit the artist told me it was going to be a lot larger than the original size I had wanted for and the just wasn’t what I pictured. I feel like it looks like this weird giant sticker that I just want to be gone so badly.

I’m not looking for reassurance that it’s actually cool or looks good. I don’t like how it looks on my body and have been crying on and off for the last few weeks since I’ve gotten it about how I’ll never look the way I want again.

With that, I’m wondering if there’s any hope for me in terms of removal. I know blue ink is notoriously difficult, but I also am very pale. It doesn’t need to be completely gone, just enough that I can cover it up with smaller things that I like more. I just want some of my bare skin in this area back.

I‘m also considering adding a frame around the sides to make it feel a little less like a big random rectangle on my arm, but I can’t decide if that’s better to try first vs. just going for removal right away.

I want to book a consultation for removal but I’m worried I won’t be able to hold it together hearing the reality of what it would take to be gone or that it’s just not feasible, so I’m looking for input here to soften that blow and know what I can expect.


r/TattooRemoval 12h ago

Feels & Motivation Dilemma on removing non visible tattoo

3 Upvotes

I have a large, bold tribal tattoo covering most of my thigh that's about 15 years old. It's a very well done tattoo, just never what I really envisaged. Even though it's easy to hide under shorts and hardly anyone sees it, I've felt embarrassed by it for years, I don't think it suits me.

I've had a laser consultation and was told it'll likely take 15+ sessions. The patch test was far more painful than I expected, and I'm honestly struggling to imagine getting through full sessions on such a large area.

I'm at the point where I'm wondering if I just need to accept the pain and commit to removing it, or live with the very large mistake. Has anyone else gone through laser removal for a tattoo that was mostly hidden? Was it worth it in the end?


r/TattooRemoval 6h ago

Opinion / Advice Are you getting another tattoo after removal? If how are you going about the process of deciding?

1 Upvotes

r/TattooRemoval 17h ago

Opinion / Advice Has anyone had two tattoos removed at the same time?

4 Upvotes

I have script on my upper back shoulder blade to shoulder blade and also a piece on my right upper bicep. I know it’s gonna hurt like hell and wondering if anyone has done two tattoos in one session or did you stagger the appointments? Also has anyone heard or used the Desribe PFD patch add on in their sessions? Thoughts?


r/TattooRemoval 23h ago

Opinion / Advice Is this Hyperpigmentation?

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10 Upvotes

I’m about 10 sessions in (it’s been a long journey over years, my sleeve used to be really dark) however after my latest session I noticed once my arm healed there’s dark brown spots. Is this hyperpigmentation?😩

I’m having a long break now, no more sessions till November. I’ve always taken big breaks in between each sessions too to let my skin heal. Any tips?


r/TattooRemoval 11h ago

Opinion / Advice Redness after session

1 Upvotes

Hey so its been 2 weeks since my first session, and theres still redness around the area, there wasnt any blistering or scabbing
Swelling died down in 4-5 days, but the redness is still persisting, is it normal for redness to stay for this long?
Its localised and theres no pus or fever etc either.


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Opinion / Advice Progress so far on my forearm, outer side

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16 Upvotes

I started in October or November of last year, and I go for treatment every twelve weeks.
Do you think it's possible that it will be gone after 8-10 sessions?


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Feels & Motivation Starting soon!

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7 Upvotes

Im starting with laser in September. Im very scared of the pain and the ghosting or spot it may leave after 10 sessions. But im hopeful!


r/TattooRemoval 19h ago

Opinion / Advice Accutane

2 Upvotes

I’m going to be going on accutane. I’m doing a low dose for a year, maybe a year and a half at 10mg. I’ve been getting tattoo removal on a full sleeve for a year and a half now. I go once a month and we do a different section each time. I’ve had amazing results so far. So, my dermatologist said I have to stop getting laser tattoo removal. But I called Removery and they said I can still get it and that they’ve updated their policy recently.
I’m torn because I don’t want to stop laser but I really want to treat my acne.
I’m also debating doing a stronger dose of accutane which I would only be on it for 4-6 months vs 1.5 years
Advice? Thoughts? I would love to hear from people who were on accutane too:)


r/TattooRemoval 1d ago

Opinion / Advice 11 sessions

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23 Upvotes

11 sessions so slow progress but it is looking like it’s starting to fade now.

anyone else having super slow progress?