Can You Get a Tattoo After Laser Tattoo Removal?

Often people may wonder:

“Can you get a new tattoo after laser tattoo removal?”

“Can you get a new tattoo over a removed one?”

“Can you get a new tattoo over an old one?”

The short answer is yes, but with caution.

While it may seem redundant to ink a body area that was once occupied with a different design, some people find that placement suitable, and a traditional cover-up design would sacrifice the style or concept of the new tattoo piece. In this case, out with the old and in with the new may suffice, and the road of action may very well start in a laser tattoo removal specialist’s chair.

What is Laser Tattoo Removal?

Laser tattoo removal is the most effective and reliable way to fade and completely remove permanent tattoos. There are many factors that can affect the length and effectiveness of laser tattoo removal, but in general it usually takes anywhere between three to twelve repeat visits. The more treatments you have, the more the tattoo pigments are broken down and redistributed through your bloodstream, making way for a clean canvas. While minimal scarring may occur in less than two percent of patient cases, tattooing after laser removal is still an option, provided you consider the following.

Yes, You Can Get a Tattoo After Laser Removal

So there it is, the tattoo is gone. Perhaps you lived with it for years, considering how to cover it, rid of it, or just forgive yourself and live with it. There are many reasons for tattoo regrets. Many of which result from poor planning, bad tattoo designs, and the hiring of unskilled artists.

Name tattoos, unrealistic portraits, and silly slogans or jokes usually top the list for removal. Do you really want a pizza tattoo on your arm? Perhaps if you are a Pizza Entrepreneur, who has (successfully) launched a pizza restaurant chain in the heart of New York City. If not, you may not care to show the whole world you like pizza, as most of us do. This is just one brief example of the type of tattoo you may want to avoid when you think long–term mistakes and regrets.

Alas, it happens, just like relationships, which is where laser tattoo removal is a saving grace for many (though most will not consider tattooing again, in that same spot). If you’re at that crossroad, heed the following advice.

How long after you’ve had a tattoo removed, can you get it covered with another?

Just as your mind and soul need time to recover after a bad breakup or divorce, your body requires the same.

A minimum of 6-8 weeks is recommended but always make sure your removed tattoo has healed properly. Your laser tattoo removal specialist can verify this at your last treatment or during a follow-up visit. There should be no signs of blistering, scarring or bleeding.

Once you have the official clearing, it’s time to visit a few tattoo shops and begin the search for a reputable artist who can work on your “new” skin. Be sure to find the RIGHT design this time. Insist upon not settling. Find your dream artist as well, so you can wear this new design, at last, forever…as tattooing was intended.

Even slight scar tissue can pose a few challenges for your tattooist. The skin surface will be uneven, and the ink will not distribute itself in the same manner. This is why it’s crucial to find a skilled tattooist, and follow the advice of your tattoo removal specialist before jumping the gun and getting back in the tattoo chair.

Bear in mind scar tissue may rest on your nerve endings, which means tattoos performed on scar tissues are often times more painful. (Of course not more painful than laser treatments and you did just overcome that.) Either way you may experience a differentiating feeling from a new tattoo.

Once your tattooist completes the project, you’ll want to follow all of their aftercare instructions diligently. Lack of proper tattoo aftercare can cause a shoddy tattoo, one that may warrant removal down the road. And who wants to do that? (Again.)

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Think before you ink! And then think again one more time, just for good measure. Make a permanent and wearable commitment you’ll treasure for eternity.