How soon after a tattoo is placed can I start laser tattoo removal?

Do I need to wait a certain amount of time before removing it? I got the tattoo about 3 months ago, big mistake, also, will it take more sessions to remove because it is new?

Answers from doctors (3)


You are safe to proceed with treatments now. Our laser can safely treat a new tattoo the next day, but if a week or so goes by, we typically wait for 6 weeks. The number of treatments depends upon you body's ability to absorb the ink (macrophages in the skin...think Pac-Man). The laser is only actually exploding the ink molecules so your body can absorb them.

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

You are safe to proceed with treatments now. Our laser can safely treat a new tattoo the next day, but if a week or so goes by, we typically wait for 6 weeks. The number of treatments depends upon you body's ability to absorb the ink (macrophages in the skin...think Pac-Man). The laser is only actually exploding the ink molecules so your body can absorb them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Celibre Medical Corporation

Published on Mar 18, 2016

3 months is fine. We usually ask patients to wait about 1-2 weeks after getting the tattoo to start the removal process.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6574_1439482812.jpg
Answered by Celibre Medical Corporation

3 months is fine. We usually ask patients to wait about 1-2 weeks after getting the tattoo to start the removal process.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Celibre Medical Corporation

Published on Jan 06, 2010

As soon as it's completely healed, you can start removal. We usually recommend 1-2 weeks.

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

As soon as it's completely healed, you can start removal. We usually recommend 1-2 weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser Tattoo Removal -2 answers
I've had 33 treatments over 5 years on my tattoo at a very good laser center. I know they're using the best lasers for the job. It's faded, but it just won't go away. I'm so frustrated. Is there anything I can try besides the traditional approach?
See More
Laser Tattoo Removal -3 answers
I got my first removal session just over 5 weeks ago. I have black and red ink. There are bumps ranging from small to sort of large clusters (seems swelled) in the red part of the tattoo. It's not painful, just slightly tender and gets itchy. Ideas?
See More
Laser Tattoo Removal -3 answers
I've had my small wrist tattoo treated 8 times, but the outline is still present (grey looking). I know extremities take longer, but could it be impossible to remove the tattoo considering the depth/placement?
See More
Laser Tattoo Removal -4 answers
After the treatment, how long does the ink stay in the body before the blood cells carry it away?I would like to move forward with tattoo removal treatments, but I am planning to get pregnant in September, when do I stop the treatments to be safe?
See More
Laser Tattoo Removal -4 answers
I just had my first laser treatment today on my brown eyebrows. The ink has turned red. Is this going to be permanent or will it fade?
See More
Laser Tattoo Removal -3 answers
I have developed 3 enormous blisters after having the Picosure procedure, and I'm growing more concerned now that my ankle is swelling. It's 3x bigger. It doesn't make any sense, especially since it was my calf that was treated and not my ankle. Is this normal? I have no pain.
See More
Laser Tattoo Removal -3 answers
I had my first session a couple days ago, and the treatment area is super swollen and painful. Is this normal? What can I do to take away the swelling?
See More
Laser Tattoo Removal -1 answer
I've had two laser removal sessions, and the tattoo is a bit lighter, but how many more sessions will I need for the tattoo to disappear?
See More
Laser Tattoo Removal -3 answers
I had my 3 laser tattoo removal session before 2, 5 weeks, but unlike previous times, it hasn't been healed yet and it looks like a brown smudge. My doctor said that the laser had to go deeper this time so the burning was deeper. I'm scared, is it normal?
See More
Laser Tattoo Removal -3 answers
Will drinking water, vitamin supplements, no alcohol, etc.. help with the removal process?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Laser Tattoo Removal -3 answers
How many sessions will be needed before my tattoo is removed? What factors influence how long it will take?
See More
Laser Tattoo Removal -3 answers
How does the laser remove the ink from skin? Is it sucked out of the skin or pushed deeper, so that you can't see it from the surface? Does it burn it off? Thanks!
See More
Laser Tattoo Removal -3 answers
I understand that black tattoos are the easiest to remove because they absorb the entire spectrum of light that the Laser outputs, but I was wondering, can very dark (heavily pigmented tribal tattoos) be completely removed from lower legs? I realize it will obviously take more sessions, but how many?
See More
Laser Tattoo Removal -1 answer
I did microblading 3 months ago. I immediately regretted it and few weeks later I did laser tatto removal (Q switch). So far I did 3 laser sessions and every time it makes my skin red and it doesn't remove the ink. I tried at different places and it's always the same result. I now have two very red eyebrows with the tattoo. It's really bad.
See More
Laser Tattoo Removal -2 answers
Hi I have a tattoo at the base of my skull; I got it when my head was shaved. You can see half of it on my neck (below hairline) and half in hair, I'd like to get it removed but I don't want a permanent bald spot. Will Laser TR get rid of the hair?
See More
Laser Tattoo Removal -2 answers
As my black tattoo is being treated, it is fading into a brown hue. A once black outline has not turned brown. Does it still need treatment of a different wavelength to target the brown? Why is this? Will it go away and if so, how long will this take?
See More
Laser Tattoo Removal -2 answers
Are certain medical lasers better than others? What should I ask my specialist about the laser(s) their facility uses?
See More
Laser Tattoo Removal -3 answers
Is it harder to remove tattoos on the foot/ankle area than other areas of the body? I heard laser tattoo removal works best on more fleshy areas.
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR