Professional laser tattoo removal

Hello. I have a dense, professional, black-and-grey realism tattoo on my inner bicep. It's very dark and heavily saturated. I want it removed, but I've been told that dense ink might not come out completely, and I might be left with a 'ghost' image or scarring. Is that true? Also, I have a history of keloids (raised scars). Is laser removal safe for me, or will it trigger a keloid?

Dense ink takes more sessions (12-15 often), but it can still be removed. The limiting factor is the laser's ability to shatter the ink particles AND your body's lymphatic system to flush them out. Some people's bodies are slow to clear ink. You might end up with a faint, chalky outline. Regarding keloids: this is critical. Laser tattoo removal works by creating tiny injuries in the skin. For someone with a keloid tendency, there is a risk of raised scarring. However, the risk is lower with modern Pico lasers (faster pulses, less heat) compared to old Q-switched lasers. You must go to a medical doctor (dermatologist) who can do a test spot. They will zap a single dot in an inconspicuous area (like the edge of the tattoo) and wait 3-6 months to see if a keloid forms. If no keloid, you proceed. If a keloid forms, you stop. Do NOT go to a med spa without medical supervision. You need a prescription for steroid injections if a keloid starts forming.

I have a tendency for hypertrophic scars (not full keloids, but raised). I wanted to remove a dense black armband. I went to a dermatologist who specialized in professional tattoo removal service. He did a test spot. It healed flat. So we proceeded. He used a Pico laser on low settings. I did 14 sessions over 2 years. The ink is 95% gone. I have no raised scars, but I do have a tiny bit of textural change (the skin is slightly shiny). I'm fine with that. The key was spacing sessions 8-12 weeks apart to let my skin fully heal. If you rush sessions, you scar. Look for a clinic that prioritizes safety: https://bellasanamedspa.com/service/laser-tattoo-removal. Don't let anyone pressure you into aggressive settings. Slow and steady wins the race for keloid-prone skin.