Unwanted tattoos
An unwanted tattoo may be faded or removed for personal, occupational or medical reasons. Pigment sits at different depths and may contain several colours, so response varies. Complete removal without any trace is not always possible.
What you may notice
- A tattoo no longer wanted
- Uneven fading from age or treatment
- Multiple colours with different response
- Raised, itchy or inflamed areas
- Scarring around pigment
Why it can happen
Ink colour, composition, depth, density, technique, skin tone and previous treatment influence removal. A persistent rash or nodule may represent allergy, granuloma, infection or another condition and needs diagnosis first.
What may help
Quality-switched and picosecond lasers fragment pigment over multiple sessions. Wavelength must match ink colour, and some cosmetic inks darken unexpectedly. Risks include blistering, scarring and pigment change. Surgical excision suits only small tattoos and leaves a scar.
When to consult
Consult a dermatologist for pain, swelling, ulceration, persistent itch, nodules or a changing lesion within a tattoo. Removal should be assessed by an experienced laser practitioner.
Evidence and sources
- DermNet. Tattoo-associated skin reactions [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet; 2019 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/tattoo-associated-skin-reactions (new tab)
- DermNet. Picosecond laser [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet; 2018 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/picosecond-laser (new tab)
- DermNet. Lasers in dermatology [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet; 2004 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/lasers-in-dermatology (new tab)