Does camouflaging a tattoo work as an alternative to tattoo removal?

I heard that it's possible to tattoo skin-colored ink over an unwanted tattoo, making the old tattoo invisible. Does this work, and if so, why would anyone use painful laser removal?

Answers from doctors (2)


Brooklyn Laser Tattoo Removal, Inc.

Published on May 08, 2016

We have many patients with cover-ups, and often they complain that the new tattoo is worse than the one they were trying to hide. This, however, does not mean that some are not pleased with the results of their cover-up.

When it comes to matching skin color, 99 percent of tattoo artists say that it can't be done effectively. The 1 percent who say it can, have terrible reviews. The top tattoo artists like a clean or nearly clean canvas to work on.

Laser tattoo removal, though painful to some, is the only tattoo removal method approved by the FDA. It is the safest and most effective when compared to other methods (e.g., dermabrasion, chemical peels, creams, etc.).

But just as tattoo artists differ in their skill set, so do laser tattoo removal specialists. Should you choose to have laser removal, find a specialist with years of experience, and preferably someone who is knowledgeable about skin physiology. Ask lots of questions and ask to see before and after photos. Find out what their pain-control methods are and how long treatments should be spaced out. Treatments that are spaced out over an 8-10 week period should lead to more effective clearance, since the body is able to heal and do its job of clearing away the ink. Also, ask about lifestyle and nutritional recommendations, as both can affect treatment.

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Answered by Brooklyn Laser Tattoo Removal, Inc.

We have many patients with cover-ups, and often they complain that the new tattoo is worse than the one they were trying to hide. This, however, does not mean that some are not pleased with the results of their cover-up.

When it comes to matching skin color, 99 percent of tattoo artists say that it can't be done effectively. The 1 percent who say it can, have terrible reviews. The top tattoo artists like a clean or nearly clean canvas to work on.

Laser tattoo removal, though painful to some, is the only tattoo removal method approved by the FDA. It is the safest and most effective when compared to other methods (e.g., dermabrasion, chemical peels, creams, etc.).

But just as tattoo artists differ in their skill set, so do laser tattoo removal specialists. Should you choose to have laser removal, find a specialist with years of experience, and preferably someone who is knowledgeable about skin physiology. Ask lots of questions and ask to see before and after photos. Find out what their pain-control methods are and how long treatments should be spaced out. Treatments that are spaced out over an 8-10 week period should lead to more effective clearance, since the body is able to heal and do its job of clearing away the ink. Also, ask about lifestyle and nutritional recommendations, as both can affect treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Celibre Medical Corporation

Published on Sep 02, 2010

It is very, very difficult to get the color tattooed on your skin to match your natural skin color. While this is a viable option to cover the tattoo, the resulting color may not match your skin.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6573_1439482825.jpg
Answered by Celibre Medical Corporation

It is very, very difficult to get the color tattooed on your skin to match your natural skin color. While this is a viable option to cover the tattoo, the resulting color may not match your skin.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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