Would a topical fading agent prior to laser removal reduce the number of laser treatments needed to remove my tattoo?

I have a 20-year-old tattoo that I want gone. I have decided to go with laser removal. I understand it can take 6-12 sessions. Is "wrecking balm" or a similar fading product recommended for use prior to laser, in order to reduce the number of laser sessions needed for the best removal?

Answers from doctors (2)


Celibre Medical Corporation

Published on Apr 27, 2016

None of the topical products for tattoo removal have any basis in research. You can try them but they will likely have no effect at all. With a 20-year-old tattoo, you may be on the lower side of the estimated number of treatments. Good luck.

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

None of the topical products for tattoo removal have any basis in research. You can try them but they will likely have no effect at all. With a 20-year-old tattoo, you may be on the lower side of the estimated number of treatments. Good luck.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Brooklyn Laser Tattoo Removal, Inc.

Published on Feb 24, 2016

We would not recommend using creams. The things that will contribute to fewer treatments include: eating organic healthy foods, drinking lots of water, and allowing more time between treatments.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6658_1438620511.jpg
Answered by Brooklyn Laser Tattoo Removal, Inc.

We would not recommend using creams. The things that will contribute to fewer treatments include: eating organic healthy foods, drinking lots of water, and allowing more time between treatments.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Tattoo Removal

Tattoo Removal -4 answers
Is laser treatment the best option to remove a small portion (less than 1/2 inch) of permanent makeup (brow area)?
See More
Tattoo Removal -2 answers
I heard that injecting saline into the tattoo area can blur the ink and modify or fade the tattoo. Does this work?
See More
Tattoo Removal -2 answers
Or will it look the same as before the tattoo was placed?
See More
Tattoo Removal -3 answers
How safe is is laser tattoo removal? And does it remove the tattoo 100%?
See More
Tattoo Removal -3 answers
Does Fraxel or other fractional resurfacing work to lighten or remove a tattoo?
See More
Tattoo Removal -3 answers
What is the fastest, least expensive option for removing a tattoo? The tattoo is on the underside of my wrist and is about 3/4 in by 2 1/2 in. I am not too worried about scarring but need this done within 1 month for my job. Thank you.
See More
Tattoo Removal -3 answers
There is a small, white tattoo on my wrist that I would like to have gone. What is the best way to remove it?
See More
Tattoo Removal -1 answer
I have a very colorful tattoo that I'd like to have removed, but I've heard that it's hard to remove certain colors. Is this true, and which colors are the hardest and easiest to remove, and why?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Tattoo Removal -3 answers
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.
See More
Tattoo Removal -4 answers
Hi, I need a tattoo removed from the base of my neck for the navy. It is about 1 inch by 3.5 inches. Obviously, the quicker the better as it is for the service. Im leaning towards surgery but want some opinions from professionals. Thank you
See More
Tattoo Removal -4 answers
When someone has a tattoo removed do you cover the entire area of ink or is the tattoo removed in sections.
See More
Tattoo Removal -4 answers
I have tattoos that were dug too deep and are now scarred. Does laser removal take the scar away?
See More
Tattoo Removal -2 answers
Are any of the creams and topical treatments available very good for lightening/removing tattoos?
See More
Tattoo Removal -3 answers
I'm planning to go on vacation to a tropical climate in a few weeks. Should I wait to start my laser tattoo removal treatments until I come back?
See More
Tattoo Removal -2 answers
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?
See More
Tattoo Removal -1 answer
I have some dark tribal style tattoos as well as scarification that has tattoo pigment in the raised scars. What removal methods are available? Can they reduce the raised nature of the scarification, as well?
See More
Tattoo Removal -2 answers
If matacide was sprayed on a tattoo accidentally instead of green soap, what can happen?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR