Can You Tattoo Over A Removed Tattoo?

Last Updated on September 25, 2023 by Reiner Chase

Yes, you can tattoo over a removed tattoo, but it is important to wait at least 6 weeks after your final laser treatment before getting the new tattoo. This gives your skin time to heal and for the ink from the old tattoo to fade.

Can You Tattoo Over A Removed Tattoo?

Despite having had a tattoo removed, many individuals may still have a desire to express themselves with fresh body art. Having a new tattoo etched over a previously removed one may grant them a fresh start. However, it is crucial to consider various factors before proceeding with the decision.

1. Quality of Tattoo Removal
The feasibility of tattooing over a removed tattoo largely hinges on the quality of the tattoo removal procedure. If the initial removal process was thorough and efficient, chances of successfully tattooing over the area are far more likely. However, if remnants of the old tattoo are still visible, it might interfere with the new design.

2. Skin Condition
One must always consider the health and condition of the skin before getting a new tattoo. Laser tattoo removal could potentially cause skin dehydration, scarring, or infections. If the skin has any abnormal texture, blotchiness, or discoloration, it could have an impact on the new tattoo’s quality and longevity.

	Ideally Healthy Skin	Post-laser Removal Skin
Texture	Smooth	Depends on Healing
Color	Even	Possible Blotchiness
Hydration	Hydrated	Possible Dehydration

3. Healing Period
The skin needs ample time to recover and heal after a tattoo removal procedure. Attempting to get a new tattoo too soon could increase the risk of complications. Most experts recommend waiting at least 6-8 weeks, though some may suggest a longer period depending on individual circumstances.

4. Tattoo Artist’s Expertise
The expertise of the tattoo artist also plays a significant role in tattooing over a removed ink. The artists need to understand the condition of the healed skin and the implications it might have on the new design. Experienced artists may be better equipped to navigate any irregularities with the skin texture and design accordingly.

5. Design Considerations
The design of the new tattoo should ideally be larger and more intricate than the removed one to effectively conceal any residual ink or scarring. Additionally, the color choice may also need to be thoughtfully chosen to complement or mask any skin imperfections post-removal.

In conclusion, tattooing over a removed tattoo is indeed possible. However, it necessitates careful planning, patience in allowing the skin to heal, and the expertise of a competent tattoo artist. Always consult with tattoo professionals and skin care specialists before deciding to proceed.

Pros and Cons of Tattooing Over a Removed Tattoo

Pros of Tattooing Over a Removed Tattoo	Cons of Tattooing Over a Removed Tattoo
– Cover-Up Options: Tattooing over a removed tattoo provides an effective way to conceal or transform an unwanted or poorly executed tattoo with a new design.	– Limited Design Choices: The new tattoo design may be constrained by the size, color, and location of the previous tattoo, limiting creative options.
– Increased Precision: With a smoother canvas after tattoo removal, the new tattoo can offer improved accuracy and clarity in the design, resulting in a cleaner and more detailed tattoo.	– Additional Pain and Cost: Tattooing over scarred skin can be more painful, and multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired results, increasing the overall cost.
– Personal Expression: Getting a new tattoo allows individuals to express personal growth, new interests, or changes in their life through a fresh and meaningful design.	– Potential for Fading: Over time, the new tattoo may fade more quickly due to the presence of underlying scar tissue, requiring touch-ups.
– Camouflaging Imperfections: Tattooing over a removed tattoo is an effective way to hide scars or remnants of the previous tattoo, providing a smoother and more even appearance.	– Less Effective Cover-Up: For certain designs or lighter colors, complete removal of the old tattoo may be necessary, making a cover-up less effective.
– Creative Freedom: Collaborating with a skilled tattoo artist offers the opportunity to create a unique and personalized design, giving individuals creative freedom.	– Healing Challenges: Scarred skin may heal differently from regular skin, potentially affecting the appearance of the new tattoo and requiring extra care during the healing process.

Removal Of Undesirable Tattoos By Laser

It is not that easy to part with your old possessions as you are always attached to them emotionally. However, if it turns into something that you don’t really like with time, then definitely you would be happy to remove it. Laser tattoo removal treatment also gives the same feeling of happiness to the patients as they get rid of the undesirable ink from their bodies.

Even if you are upset about demonstrating your pet’s name with every gesture of your hand or a little mermaid gandering from behind your ear, tattoos from teenagers or impulsive ones could be annoying possessions. All the judgmental comments and cunning stares could make it worse for you.

Permanent Removal Of Unwanted Tattoos

Laser tattoo removal is a permanent method, so whenever you decide to get your tattoo removed with the help of a laser, you need to visit a well-reputed laser clinic near you. Only a qualified and experienced specialist would examine your tattoo and inform you about the entire procedure in detail and would also discuss the duration of the treatment along with its cost.

Duration Of Laser Removal Sessions Depends On Size Of The Tattoo

The duration alters, and depends on the size of your tattoo, the color of ink used, its location on the body part, and its age. For example, a small shooting star on your neck would fade faster than a big flower on your foot. Tattoos that are closer to the heart fade more quickly as the natural healing process of the body is highest in these areas. All you need to do is follow up on the following procedure:

1. Consider A Doctor

It would help if you always looked for a doctor to get your work done according to your requirements and satisfaction, or else you would end up burning and scarring your skin, so it is better to consult a specialized surgeon.

I would suggest finding your doctor by asking friends, searching online, editors (shameless plug), or even by contacting people that you notice are going through the tattoo removal process.

2. It Would Take Months, Even A Year Or More

Tattoos do not just fade out after one session of the removal by laser procedure. Some people have had six sessions, and some can have even more than this, but one thing is evident it is not a piece of cake because it doesn’t just fade away after a week or two. It’s a long-term procedure. 

It takes a very long time to finish because each time the tattoo goes through the laser process, the particles break down and are further digested by the immune system of the body. The renewal period is nearly up to eight weeks, and the next time you go for it, the laser breaks down into new particles of pigment and so on.

3. It Is Very Expensive

If you have had your procedures done by a doctor, the bill for each session would have run you hundreds of dollars. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) estimated the average cost per year is around $463. But notice point number one that why it is worth it.

4. All Ink Can Be Taken Out

In contrast to the old belief that colored or light ink is challenging to remove, some surgeons have assured us that all the hues would now disappear. With the PicoSure technology, doctors say that you could even get rid of yellow and green scars that were previously assumed as the most difficult ones.

5. Get Ready For Some Needles

Prepare yourself mentally for some visits to comprise a quick or easy laser moment. Some visits are about 45 minutes or more because doctors take pictures of tattoos, clean the area, inject them with some lidocaine to freeze them, ice them, laser them, and bandage them. 

6. There Is Pain Afterwards

The pain does not stop after the office. I would advise that you prepare yourself to be in discomfort for about a week. The sites sometimes blister and need to cover your body part in a salve. Bandage it for a few days to let the scarred area regenerate.

The Information About Laser Tattoo Removal According To Different Ink Colours Is Described Below:

Colour	QS Nd:YAG532 nm	QSRL694 nm	QSAL755 nm	QS Nd:YAG1064 nm
Black	X	Used***	Ideal	Ideal
India ink	X	X	Ideal	X
Brown	X	X	X	Used*
Blue	X	Used***	Ideal	Ideal
Green	X	Used*	Ideal	Used*
Orange	Used*	X	X	X
Yellow	Used**	X	X	X
Red	Ideal	X	X	X
Purple	X	Used*	X	X

FAQs

References:

https://removery.com/blog/can-you-tattoo-over-a-removed-tattoo/
https://certifiedtattoo.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-tattooing-over-a-removed-tattoo