Laser Tattoo Removal On Dark Or Black Skin
February 5, 2016 By PTR
Tattoos have become an accepted part of society and an increasingly popular fashion accessory, but soon after getting a permanent piece of art drawn on your body, you may come to regret the decision. You can always return to the tattoo artist and get a cover-up, but advancements in technology mean that laser tattoo removal is now a viable option.
However, those with dark or black skin might be wondering whether laser tattoo removal actually works for them. Some believe that tattoos on dark and black skin are harder to remove, while others have heard it will leave more visible scars. But, as extensive research has found, laser tattoo removal on darker-skinned patients works for the vast majority of people. Furthermore, cases of skin lightening and permanent scarring are rare too.
Even so, it is understandable to have certain questions and queries about tattoo removal on dark or black skin which are answered here
Start With A Free Tattoo Removal Consultation
The best way to learn about how tattoo removal works or what tattoo removal will cost is to speak with a laser specialist at a tattoo removal location near you.
The specialist will review the size of your tattoo, explain how tattoo removal works and review pricing and payment options.
Removery is able to accommodate and safely treat all skin types. If you have questions about laser tattoo removal, please dont hesitate to contact our technicians. Removery aims to make tattoo removal affordable for everyone our tattoo removal prices are competitive, financing options are available.
Connect with us to start your removal journey
Tattoo Removal For Dark Skin We Have 2 Clinics In London By Bank & Oxford Street Free Consultations
- Removal of unwanted tattoos, fewer treatments & better clearance
- One of only 2 clinics in the Europe using the PicoSure & PicoWay lasers.
- Suitable for all skin types on black ink
- Treats most ink colours on light skin types
- Tattoo needs to be a minimum of 3 months old to start removing
- Doctor and nurse led clinic.
- Open until 8 pm weekdays and weekends till 5 pm
- Clinics in London: Bank, Fenchurch Street & Tottenham Court Road
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Tattoo Removal On Dark Skin Is Safe
To put it plainly, tattoo removal is safe for people of color. However, it does have its challenges. Removery and most other reputable laser companies use the Fitzpatrick scale to measure the amount of melanin in a persons skin.
The higher amounts of melanin in the skin means that heat is absorbed faster and spreads through the surface faster.
Weve all worn a dark-colored shirt on a hot, sunny summer day it feels much heavier and much hotter than wearing something in a light color.
Likewise, melanins high energy absorption leads to the skin taking in too much energy from the laser, resulting in skin discoloration.
This means that laser tattoo removal on dark skin requires a different protocol than that used for clients with lighter skin.
Answer: Which Laser Is Best To Remove Tattoo In Dark Skin Picoway Laser Is Best To Remove Tattoos On Dark Skins
The PicoWay laser is a highly effective way to remove tattoos from all skin types. Its wavelength can be adjusted so that it does not affect darker skin at all, but only targets the tattoo pigment. A board-certified dermatologist who is an expert in removing tattoos from darker skin is the one who should help you.
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Can The Picosure Laser Treat Dark Or Black Skin
Not all laser removal treatments are the same and a lot will depend on the patient or tattoo in question. Owing to the fact that melanin pigment absorbs ultraviolet radiation, this can be a problem when it comes to choosing the right wavelength for tattoo removal. Whats more, tattoos with variations in colour might be resistant to certain wavelengths of light just like bacteria sometimes repel antibiotics.
PicoSure has been heralded as the fastest tattoo removal treatment in the world and can achieve better clearance in 75 per cent less time. This laser delivers ultra short pulse bursts of energy to the tattoo in trillionths of a second. However, there is a higher risk of hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation with PicoSure on darker skin tones. As such, it is not recommended for those that want healthy and natural looking skin after treatment has taken place.
Alternatively, RevLite Laser tattoo removal is more appropriate for those with darker skin. This laser is capable of delivering a 1064 nm wavelength, which is near-infrared light and poorly absorbed by melanin, making this the only laser suitable for darker skin. It is the safest wavelength to use on darker skin tissue due to the low melanin absorption and low haemoglobin absorption. RevLite is particularly effective with dark blue, black and red tattoos, but other colours also respond well too.
Andrea Catton
Our Proven Approach To Dark Skin Tattoo Removal
Clean Slate Laser has the technology and experience needed to treat all skin types. We use a variety of different lasers and wavelengths that enable us to treat a variety of skin types and ink colors without damaging the surrounding pigment. We use a medical analysis tool known as a Fitzpatrick Scale to identify your skin type and sensitivity to light. If we are unsure of how your skin will react to a specific wavelength, we will laser a tiny free test spotto see how your skin reacts before lasering your entire tattoo. Our experience based, but conservative approach to tattoo removal has helped us to remove countless tattoos from darker skinned clients without scarring or hypo-pigmentation.
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Risk Of Tattoo Removal Hypopigmentation
Ineffective laser treatment on black and brown skin increases the likelihood of the skin developing hypopigmentation, or loss of color. Most cases will not be permanent and will go away after a while.
However, a very small percentage of cases of hypopigmentation are more permanent and leave behind a light-colored outline of the original tattoo, almost like a ghost of tattoos past.
Permanent cases of hypopigmentation are more likely to occur when laser tattoo removal procedures are performed by a careless or inexperienced individual. If you have fair skin, chances are the hypopigmentation will not be as noticeable, or maybe easy to cover up. If you have darker skin, concealing the ghost tattoo will be much harder.
But wait! There is some good news.
Newest innovations in laser tattoo removal technology, such as the PicoWay®, help ensure a safe, quick, and effective tattoo removal process.
However, it is important to remember that each tattoo is different, and will respond differently to treatment. Thus, you should always pick a reputable tattoo removal specialist who has experience working with darker skin tones to perform the procedure.
When working with a reliable specialist things like hypopigmentation, scarring and infections are much less likely to occur, and the healing period in between treatments takes far less time than with other tattoo removal technologies.
My Journey With Laser Removal
I went to a laser tattoo removal consultant three weeks after getting the tree tattoo. We did a few tests to see how well I would deal with the pain, and it was okay!
Some of the barbed wire tattoo is already in the process of going bye-bye. As for the tree, I’d never be able to pay for that to be removed. I am planning on adding light, interesting colors to brighten it so that it doesn’t look so black and fierce.
I will continue the creams on the tree, but as for the barbed wire, it’s going to be lasered.
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Predisposed To Skin Conditions
Tattooing can initiate or cause flare-ups of skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, lichen planus or sarcoidosis. You might already be genetically predisposed to these disorders.The puncturing of skin during tattooing and introduction of the ink can act as a stimulus. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon. Some people develop skin conditions within days of getting inked, while for others it shows up after several years.
Book A Free Consultation With Our Tattoo Removal Specialists
Its important to proactively work to ensure the best results in your tattoo removal by making sure you fully understand the aftercare guidelines and following them exactly. Book a free consultation with Removery to speak with an experienced technician about how to achieve your tattoo removal goal.
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Your Skin Is Entitled To The Ideal Treatment
It was not until the late 1980s that Q-switched lasers came to be commercially functional with the very first marketed laser coming from Derma-lase Restricted, Glasgow. The invention of a new sort of gadget made it possible to eliminate tattoos in much more reliable ways as well as caused lots of skin doctors creating personal methods for eliminating them as well. If done correctly, one American short article published by Massachusetts General Hospital explains exactly how this modern technology can be used on different patients safely without harming their skin or triggering scarring
Tattoo Removal Before And After Brown Skin
During dermabrasion, the tattooed area is commonly chilled up until numb. Then the tattooed skin is fined sand to deeper degrees with a high-speed rotary tool that has an rough wheel or brush. This enables the tattoo ink to seep out of the skin. Tattoo Removal Before And After Brown Skin
Lightening The Ink Too Much
Black is the only color thats safe to remove completely on darker skinand its not usually necessary to fully remove other colors. The best and safest solution is typically to lighten them to the point where they become unnoticeable.
The 1064 wavelength, which is the safest wavelength to use on darker skin, can remove black from any skin type. With other colors, the technician needs to tread more cautiously. Lets say you have a darker skin type with a red tattoo. You have to use a different wavelength to remove red, which is a 532 wavelength, says Chelsea. That wavelength is very attracted to melanin. The technician could use a 1064 wavelength to reduce the red rather than using the 532 to fully remove the red ink when doing tattoo removal on an African American clients skin. By doing so, the technician can avoid causing tattoo removal hypopigmentation by destroying melanocytes.
Most of the time, once youve reduced the black from that red on their skin tone, you cant see any remnant of the organic red, says Carmen. A technician may know its still there based on experience, but anyone else wouldnt know that. That goes for all colors on darker skin types, adds Chelsea. Its not just red its any color aside from black.
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What Happens When Tattoo Ink Is Injected Into Skin
The tattoo artists tool pricks your skin about a hundred times in a second. This helps to lodge the pigments deep into your dermis, the layer of skin below the epidermis . This ensures the permanence of the tattoo on your skin.
The dermis has a lot of blood vessels and nerves. As soon as the ink is injected into the skin, cells of the immune system known as the macrophages come into action and engulf the pigments. Most of the pigments stay put in the tattooed region trapped between the skin cells and the immune cells.
But research has shown that some pigments may be carried to the lymph nodes and get deposited there. In some experimental studies, the pigments of tattoo ink have been shown to enter the bloodstream and even reach the liver.
Even though there is no conclusive evidence of carcinogenic effects of tattoo inks, many of them do contain residues of heavy metals such as cobalt, nickel or chromium which may pose health hazards in the long run.
About Delete Tattoo Removal & Medical Salon
Voted Best Tattoo Removal of Phoenix and opened in 2010, Delete Tattoo Removal and Medical Salon incorporates the latest in state-of-the-art laser technology and a trained team of certified medical physicians and qualified laser technicians housed in a sleek comfortable environment. Delete provides both men and women a safe, convenient, and affordable solution for tattoo removal. Offering fixed price packages based on tattoo size and design complexity, payment plans and financing options are available.
To learn more about our salon, call or email us at or visit and
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Answer: Yes It Is Possible To Laser Remove A Tattoo From Brown Skin
Thank you for your question. Yes it is possible to laser remove a tattoo from brown skin. As you have mentioned there is a higher risk with darker skin for hypo-pigmentation and ghosting. However there are precautions that can be taken to help prevent them. In my office I use the PicoSure laser. PicoSure has a short pulse duration that exceeds photothermal action and results in an intense photomechanical impact. This adds up to faster results and fewer treatments when compared to other tattoo removal methods. It works best on darker inks such as black and blue. The number of sessions required to lighten or remove a tattoo can range from 6-10 sessions. The amount of sessions depends on the size, color and placement of the tattoo. The further the tattoo is from the heart the more time it will take to remove. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!
Skin Related Side Effects
Heres why its so crucial to choose a technician/clinic with vast experience in treating all skin types.
Heres the deal:
If certain protocols arent followed during treatment, your skin and melanin could be harmed in the process.
The two most common temporary skin related side effects are hypopigmentation and hyperpigmetation.
Hyperpigmentation is defined as the darkening of skin. This is a result of excess melanin formation.
This side effect is most commonly experienced in medium skin toned patients. The effects will heal over time.
Hypopigmentation after tattoo removal is defined as the temporary lightening of skin.
This effect is more typical on dark skin types and is a result of a reduction in melanin.
Hypo can take longer to heal, but is temporary and can be reversed by following your aftercare instructions properly.
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2: BEIGE
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3: LIGHT BROWN
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4: MEDIUM BROWN
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5: DARK BROWN
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6: VERY DARK BROWN
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Choose The Right Laser Specialist
Take care to visit a trained laser specialist that has the right experience in working with all types of skin colors. There are several innovations in laser tattoo removal that can ensure a quick, safe, and effective tattoo removal. However, you should understand that every tattoo is unique and will respond differently to laser removal.
This makes it necessary to pick an experienced tattoo removal expert who understands the complexities involved in removing tattoos on darker skin tones. Scarring, pigmentation, and infections are less likely when the treatment is performed by a reliable specialist. Healing period in between two sessions will also take less time.
You should be able to avoid most negative effects of laser tattoo removal by employing safer and newer techniques with proper aftercare. Its a sound idea to always remember that no two tattoos are similar. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and nearby areas for laser tattoo removal procedures.
Safe Alternative Ways To Get Rid Of Your Tattoo
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How To Find A Dermatologist In Your Area
If you need a dermatologist, you can find one who practices in the United States, Canada, Mexico, or another part of the world at Find a dermatologist.
ImagesImages 1-3: Used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
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J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010 62:501-6.
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JAAD Case Reports 2015 1:395-8.
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J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003 48:301-2.
ReferencesAmerican Academy of Dermatology. Dermatologist warns consumers about complications linked to newer tattoo inks. News release issued March 1, 2013. Last accessed July 20, 2018.
Bjerre RD, Ulrich NH, et al. Adverse reactions to tattoos in the general population of Denmark. J Am Acad Dermatol. , doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.03.038.
Brady BG, Gold H, et al. Self-reported adverse tattoo reactions: a New York City Central Park study. Contact Dermatitis. 2015 73:91-9.
Cobb HK, Shinohara MM, et al. Systemic contact dermatitis to a surgical implant presenting as red decorative tattoo reaction. JAAD Case Reports. 2017 3:348-50.
Deinlein T, Arzberger E, et al. A dangerous fruit of Belladonna. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016 75:e93-e94.
Drage LA, Ecker PM, et al. An outbreak of Mycobacterium chelonae infections in tattoos. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010 62:501-6.
Gamba CS, Smith FL, et al. Tattoo reactions in an HIV patient: Autoeczematization and progressive allergic reaction to red ink after antiretroviral therapy initiation. JAAD Case Reports. 2015 1:395-8.
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology
How To Get Rid Of Tattoo Rash
Depending on the severity and underlying cause of the tattoo rash, you can choose from the following treatment options:
- Applying cold compression to the irritated area may help reduce the redness and swelling if your breakouts are not so severe.
- Applying an unscented moisturizing cream or lotion after consulting your tattoo artist can help relieve extreme itching in case of allergic reactions.
- If moisturisers do not help with the rashes, you can opt for an over-the-counter steroid cream for topical application, to help soothe the inflammation.
- You can try non- prescription antihistamine drugs, which will help reduce flare-ups.
- If your doctor confirms an infection in the tattoo region, you will need to take necessary antibiotics or antiviral drugs for the time period advised by your doctor.
- If you have extreme discomfort or signs of systemic infections such as difficulty in breathing, dizziness or stomach pain, you should immediately see a doctor.
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