Tattoos

How does laser tattoo reduction work?

To lighten tattoos, we employ lasers with wavelengths that get absorbed by the tattoo ink and shatter it into smaller particles that are either less invisible or taken up by the body. Laser tattoo reduction is rarely one-and-done, except in some cases of accidental “traumatic tattoos” such as a pencil or gravel tattoo. Usually multiple sessions are required – and though a tattoo may be made unrecognizable, in some instances it may not be 100% removed.

During your consultation, we will determine how many sessions of treatment are expected to make the tattoo unrecognizable. The location of the tattoo on the body, the amount of ink in the tattoo, the presence of a cover-up, the presence of scarring and the different tattoo colors will affect the expected number of sessions. In general, the further away from the face, the more ink and the more colors – the more sessions may be required.

On the day of the procedure, after photos are taken, the treatment area will be injected with numbing agent to make the procedure more comfortable. We will choose from our many available lasers, including a picosecond laser to target individual ink colors. Ointment and a dressing will be applied after the procedure. We can expect the area to appear crusty, and sometimes blisters may occur. We avoid treating tanned skin and recommend keeping the area out of direct sunlight during the recovery to avoid abnormal pigmentation. The retreatment interval can be as soon as 5-6 weeks, or later depending on your schedule. 

A consultation in office will allow us to make a precise plan for you, determine the expected number of sessions, as well as produce a quote for treatment sessions.