Can I completely remove a black tattoo on my ribcage?

I just got a tattoo on my ribcage that isn't very big. It is outlined in black ink and only shaded a bit inside. Very minimal color to it. I am a pale skinned girl and wanted to know if I will see complete results if I have it removed, or if it will only look faded.

Answers from doctors (3)


Black ink is very responsive to treatments and you can expect complete removal. However, the variables will be how your body responds and removes the ink from inside (macrophages). Also, results depend upon how much, how deep and ink type used by the tattoo artist. There are no standards.

Answered by Clean Slate Tattoo Removal at Vein Specialties (View Profile)

Black ink is very responsive to treatments and you can expect complete removal. However, the variables will be how your body responds and removes the ink from inside (macrophages). Also, results depend upon how much, how deep and ink type used by the tattoo artist. There are no standards.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Brooklyn Laser Tattoo Removal, Inc.

Published on Feb 24, 2016

Yes, but there are no specific guarantees on a specific person. It is unethical to promise, as there are too many variables. A example is in order. One patient had good progress, then she came for another treatment and there was hardly any change. When asked what happened, she replied she went on diabetes medication a few weeks prior. So, you see your health has a big effect.

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Answered by Brooklyn Laser Tattoo Removal, Inc.

Yes, but there are no specific guarantees on a specific person. It is unethical to promise, as there are too many variables. A example is in order. One patient had good progress, then she came for another treatment and there was hardly any change. When asked what happened, she replied she went on diabetes medication a few weeks prior. So, you see your health has a big effect.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Laser Treatment Center

Published on Aug 20, 2013

Of course it is impossible to give you an exact answer without seeing the tattoo, but it sounds like one that would remove successfully. The more colors that are present, the harder it is to get complete resolution of the tattoo. A small, mostly black tattoo can often be successfully broken up with just a few treatments. Black, quite often though, is a blend of many different colors and not just black. If there is red or green in the mix, then it gets more complicated to remove and takes more treatments with multiple types of lasers.

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Answered by Laser Treatment Center

Of course it is impossible to give you an exact answer without seeing the tattoo, but it sounds like one that would remove successfully. The more colors that are present, the harder it is to get complete resolution of the tattoo. A small, mostly black tattoo can often be successfully broken up with just a few treatments. Black, quite often though, is a blend of many different colors and not just black. If there is red or green in the mix, then it gets more complicated to remove and takes more treatments with multiple types of lasers.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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