I want my new tattoo removed. Is it better to do it now while the ink is still fresh or wait until later?

Should not matter. You should do it as soon as you want it removed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Wait until it's fully healed, then proceed slowly. Recently we advised such a patient to return in 4 months, although earlier is OK too. She did not want to blister and wants the best skin possible afterwards.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Newer tattoos are less responsive to laser treatment than older ones, and while the laser will work, it may require more sessions to effectively reduce the tattoo to a desirable level. Other options include surgical removal, medical dermabrasion (both leave some scaring), removal creams (not always effective)or in some cases injecting saline into the tattoo (not widely practiced).
The quickest and most effective option is surgical excision, but it will leave a scar. Laser tattoo removal would me my second recommendation, and this option will require at least 10-12 sessions.
Sharon Blondeau

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If the tattoo was placed last October (4-5 months ago), then there is no issue with proceeding with tattoo removal now. It makes no difference whether you proceed at this time or wait 6 months or 6 years, it will still take the same number of treatments. Scarring has to do with your skin type and how the treatment is performed rather than how old the tattoo is.

Published on Jul 11, 2012