Laser tattoo removal is a brilliant solution for unwanted tattoos, but people with dark skin may wonder if laser tattoo removal is effective for them. Read on to learn more about how laser tattoo removal works, and whether it can remove pigment from skin types.

 

What is tattoo removal?

Tattoo removal works by using a high-intensity beam of light to break up the pigments of unwanted tattoos.

At sk:n, we remove tattoo ink using the most innovative medical laser technology available. These high-tech lasers use concentrated light beams that enter through the skin and break up the tattoo ink into tiny particles, which the body can get rid of through the immune system.

The easiest colour to treat is black since the pigment in dark tattoos absorbs all laser frequencies. Tattoos with many colours could require more specialised lasers at sk:n, such as Pico, that optimally targets undesired pigment for even faster results and less downtime.

 

Tattoo removal on dark skin

We are often asked the question “does tattoo removal work on dark skin?”. It is a common misconception that tattoos on darker or black skin are more difficult to remove, whereas others have claimed that the scarring will be more noticeable.

However, as a result of significant research, it has been discovered that laser tattoo removal works for the large majority of patients with darker skin. Lighter-skinned individuals may experience benefits more quickly because the laser can more precisely target the darker ink pigment in skin with a lower level of melanin.

 

Risk of tattoo removal for dark skin

The risks and negative effects of laser tattoo removal are the same whether you have fair or dark skin, skin colour does not affect them. These symptoms are signs that your immune system has begun the healing process, so don’t worry if you experience any of them.

The following, however, might be more likely to affect people with darker skin:

• Hyperpigmentation: Tattoos can be removed using pulses of different wavelengths of light. Hyperpigmentation can occur if this alters the skin’s natural pigment, melanin. In some cases, these discolourations will fade on their own with time, and you can also apply makeup to make them look more natural.
• Hypopigmentation: A lighter area will appear where the tattoo was erased because your skin’s natural pigmentation has been removed. In contrast to darker skin and light hypopigmentation areas, this can appear more severe than it is. This could take months or years to restore the skin’s colour, but the final result will be far better than the original tattoo.
• Keloid scars: Despite their rarity, these side effects are sometimes associated with tattoo removal. It is common for keloid scars to appear as a raised and thicker overgrowth of scar tissue around the old tattoo.

 

Key Learnings

• Tattoo removal works by using a high-intensity beam of light to break up the pigments of unwanted tattoos
• Pico tattoo removal is the best procedure for those with coloured tattoos
• Laser tattoo removal works for the large majority of patients with darker skin
• The risks and negative effects of laser tattoo removal are the same whether you have fair or dark skin, though those with darker skin may be more likely to be affected by hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and keloid scarring.

Find your nearest clinic and arrange a free consultation with one of our trusted dermatologists for advice on how tattoo removal can work for you.