Article medically reviewed by Dr. Gavin Chan (MBBS, cosmetic physician, liposuctionist)

Templestowe Lower and Berwick Clinics
Dr. Gavin Chan has a background in intensive care, anaesthesia, and emergency medicine. Since 2004, Dr. Chan has provided cosmetic procedures, including anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, liposuction, fat transfer, skin needling, and laser treatments. He is a doctor trainer for various dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections.
Read More
Question:
I’ve just recently got a multi-coloured tattoo and find now that i want it removed. Is it better to start the process while the ink is still fresh or to wait until it settles in more?
Answer:
It is best to wait until the skin is completely healed from the tattoo application. Usually this takes a few weeks at least. It is possible to treat a tattoo immediately post application, but the risk of scarring the skin, and even possibly enveloping the tattoo ink in scar tissue (which would make it harder to remove) may occur.
It all is up to the patient in the end, what they want, and how the new tattoo is affecting them.