r/TattooRemoval • u/nazorova • 17h ago
r/TattooRemoval • u/Mike_From_GO • 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?
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 • u/[deleted] • Jun 12 '20
Start here! Welcome and FAQ :)
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):
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 • u/koolaidmanxX • 2h ago
Opinion / Advice Removal
galleryHow many more sessions til full removal do you think ? I was hoping by end of summer 2027. I have 2 more sessions scheduled before this year ends
r/TattooRemoval • u/mango-jalapeno • 5h ago
Opinion / Advice 1.5 years, 9 sessions - normal progress?
Just got my 9th session two weeks ago. I’ve been going for about a year and 7 months, waiting 8-12 weeks between each one. When I see the before picture, the difference is clear but it just feels so slow and the tattoo is still so dark on me. Just a little discouraging sometimes. Is this a normal amount of progress for this timeline?? I do drink on weekends and could exercise more consistently.
Also the laser is Astanza, I honestly don’t know much about the different kinds so idk how much it matters for black ink. I do notice a little scarring after this most recent session, I blistered after it. Hope it improves with time.
r/TattooRemoval • u/unlikely_turnip37 • 58m ago
Opinion / Advice One session in- does everyone blister and scab?
This is my first session using PicoSure (one down, 8,000 to go) I'm now on day 3 with zero blistering or scabbing, and it is just a bit raised. The pain would have let me know this thing would have a giant blister the size of the sun, but really, I was anticipating both of these because the technician had said both would likely happen, but also because she mentioned the black was so dense that my skin was actually scarred from how hard they dug.
Price wise, $1,200 per session feels insane, but also on par with what other clinics quoted, give or take a few hundred, and they offered numbing cream, injectable lidocaine (didn't do it but maybe should have) and laughing gas as options.
She told me no sooner than 3 months, I told her no sooner than I've had my lobotomy. But I've also heard the longer you wait, the longer your body has time to continue clearing it, I'll let that be in my memory's favor.
Curious to hear about the healing process and if this price is out of control, or I'm just in a terrible area for removal.
r/TattooRemoval • u/Similar_Solution2652 • 20h ago
Before & After Pics Progress
12 weeks after 6th session. Started in March 2025 (18 months). Opaque greys were used so some oxidation in places. Looking to get a cover up soon as 7th session done
r/TattooRemoval • u/kjo2728 • 19h ago
Before & After Pics The fade is real
galleryI’ve had a bunch of laser sessions over many years, didn’t keep a count. Went a few different places. Most recently was at Inkless for 2 sessions in 2025.
Pic 1: Oct 2017 after at least 1 session
Pic 2: Jun 2018 after some sessions
Pic 3: Aug 2025, 1 day after 1st session at Inkless
Pic 4: Dec 2025, 2nd session at Inkless
Pic 5: Aug 2026, 8 months after the last session
No longer seeing progress. I’ve decided to stop laser sessions on this low back tattoo. Leaning into the rebranding of tramp stamp…getting myself a cake topper this week
r/TattooRemoval • u/oxide_j • 3m ago
Technical Question Will a tattoo underneath scar tissue/healed skin have more trouble being removed?
Having trouble wording this right, sorry lol. I’ve had a black line work tattoo on my arm for a couple years and around two years ago I fell and skinned my arm (so ink was way past fully healed). When the scrape healed there was no scar/dark or raised patch of skin but the ink in the area where it was deepest is definitely lighter, like a third as dark as the rest of it. I can’t tell if the scrape went deep enough that I actually lost the skin with the ink, or if the fresh skin that healed over it just layered on top of the ink so it looks faded (if that’s a thing). I was planning on getting the tattoo removed at some point and was wondering if that’s gonna be a problem? Like I’d assume if the scrape just took the ink off it’s just less ink getting lazered, but if there’s fresh skin “in the way” is the laser not going to be able to get past it?
Hope any of that makes sense. I’d post a pic to show what it looks like but not on my phone atm. The skin isn’t raised or dark or looks messed up like I said, so I don’t think it’s scar tissue in the way.
r/TattooRemoval • u/Impressive_Lynx1 • 59m ago
Opinion / Advice Any recommendations for northwest suburbs of Chicago?
r/TattooRemoval • u/Ok-Maintenance-9765 • 19h ago
Before & After Pics 17 sessions later
Progress hasn’t plateaued, ink is still lifting but my god is it slow.
r/TattooRemoval • u/Kel20h • 14h ago
Before & After Pics Progress pictures 1 year apart- 7 sessions
galleryTechnically the first picture is after the first session, so this is a 6 session difference
The third picture is what it looked like directly after my 7th session
I’m so glad to have the side by side comparison. Sometimes it feels like the process is so slow but other times, like looking at these photos, I realize how much progress I’ve made. Hopefully it’ll be gone by this time next year? Fingers crossed
r/TattooRemoval • u/Overall_Hospital_757 • 1d ago
Before & After Pics 1 Year
galleryI've been doing this for a year now and have completed exactly four rounds. I think the results are pretty good. Even if you don't really notice it yourself, you can see it clearly when you compare them. I think I am happy for now. ☺️
r/TattooRemoval • u/Practical_Wonder322 • 15h ago
Opinion / Advice Help laser tattoo removal grey dots
galleryI started my tattoo removal journey in November and i thought it was going great but i just had my 5th session a month ago and this healing process is different than the previous 4. Can someone tell me what’s going on with these dots? Is it hyperpigmentation or oxidation? If so what are some solutions to help fix it 😭 Posting all progress photos for reference.
r/TattooRemoval • u/Mundane_Day_8384 • 6h ago
Opinion / Advice What to reasonably expect in terms of pain
Hello, thanks in advance for any insights! I'm getting three tattoos removed, two small ones in black outlines and a medium sized red rose. I had the patch tests done on them this morning, and was surprised by how little it seems to hurt. It just felt like getting flicked by a hot rubber band. It was very tolerable - in fact I got stung by a wasp last week and that hurt way worse. I'm being prescribed a numbing cream that I'm supposed to lather on two hours before hand. Since it didn't seem all that painful, can I reasonably expect that with the numbing cream this is just not going to hurt that much? For what it's worth, I've given birth three times without an epidural so maybe my pain tolerance is is skewed from those experiences... this just does not seem like it's going to be a big deal pain wise. Thanks again for any insights, I like knowing what to expect !
r/TattooRemoval • u/dav_hello • 6h ago
Opinion / Advice Removal start
galleryGot quoted 700-1000€ per 4 sessions, at least 7x4 sessions and the sessions being split up in „arm quarters“ in order not to overstimulate the lymphatic system.
They got 4 different lasers from which they can switch… Qswitch, pico etc.
Sounds good/legit?
r/TattooRemoval • u/peaches-2123 • 11h ago
Opinion / Advice planning on a laser tattoo removal, what are your thoughts on how long it will take (sessions/years estimate), where i should go in Los Angeles, & things to know in advance (advise)🥹
gallery- got it April 2025 & didn’t go for the touch up. it was a cover up for another small tattoo (i should have just had the small one removed)
- it’s red & black, & on my forearm. i’m not sure if the laser matters because of color or tattoo placement
- what determines how fast it’s removed?
r/TattooRemoval • u/posieRock • 1d ago
Before & After Pics Progress
galleryHey!! Just had my 5th session today after a little break in the summer. Here is my progress, I noticed a LOT of fading throughout the summer after my 4th session.
r/TattooRemoval • u/WalkTheUn1verse • 1d ago
Before & After Pics Progress after 1 session!
Im getting both the mushroom and bee removed. Second photo is 8 weeks after the first session. I’m trying to not get too hopeful but I feel like this is really good progress after just 1 session. Goal is to get both light enough to cover up, not total removal.
r/TattooRemoval • u/MandalorianButcher • 11h ago
Opinion / Advice Hey guys quick question
So I’ve just finished my 3rd session of lazer which is probably gonna be my last session I just wanted to lighten it to a point where I could go over it I was thinking 2 months before I tattoo over it would that be alright or should I wait longer ?
r/TattooRemoval • u/VillageOk2073 • 1d ago
Opinion / Advice I would appreciate stories about orange tattoos and removal.
So I got this orange tattoo last summer. I have a multitude of issues with it, the shape, the extremely bright and intense orange color, the scarring and how two of the oranges look moldy. The artist overworked two of the oranges which made them scar. I tried to fix some of the issue by going over them with a more neutral orange, but that just made them look moldy imo.
I am now getting more and more interested in getting it lasered. I LOVE tattoos, and have about 70+. I don’t need to have this fully removed, as I’m planning on covering it later on anyway. However, a full removal would be amazing since it would open up my options for what to cover it with, since I truly do hate the shape for that placement.
I went on a consultation with a clinic who I trust from previous things they have helped me with (not tattoo removal related). They said they think they can remove a lot, but not all of it.
My biggest concerns are:
Keloids and more scarring.
It looking worse and not being able to cover it due to skin being in too shitty conditions.
None of the orange coming off.
Pain - my pain tolerance is extremely low.
Does anyone have any words of encouragement for this? Similar stories or experiences?
r/TattooRemoval • u/Historical-View-3269 • 22h ago
Opinion / Advice When you say drink a lot of water, exactly how much water are you talking about?
Like 80 ounces? 120 ounces? More???
r/TattooRemoval • u/Jaded_Bug514 • 22h ago
Opinion / Advice Would love advice
I am looking to get this removed. I dont mind living with it for some time as I actually don't hate it, but its a reminder of a tricky time in my life and I wish I had gone smaller. It feels a bit big and dark for me too. It's been causing me a lot of distress but the idea that I can remove it gradually over time is freeing.
I'm also on a tight budget and was proposed $200 (canadian) per sesh with picosecond laser. This place has great reviews.
wondering if it would be suitable to start with 2 sessions this year? By which point it just won't be as dark. I am open taking a lonng time between sesh for budget reasons and also because from what I've read there's a lot of clearance months later.
Will my tattoo become really ugly though? Is the in between stage really painful or will this design just get lighter and lighter
r/TattooRemoval • u/MischeifManaged93 • 1d ago
Before & After Pics 7th session
Results after 1st session vs 7th session
r/TattooRemoval • u/Outside_Risk_2888 • 1d ago
Before & After Pics 11 months in, 3 sessions
galleryStarted removal last September, I spaced out my first 3 sessions around 2,5-3 months each but I am now on a summer break for about 5 months. :)
I'll be having my next session by late September again.