Tattoo Removal

Your dermatologist applies a local anesthesia cream or administers an anesthesia injection to enhance your comfort during the treatment. Your dermatologist then moves the laser handpiece over your tattoo, moving slowly to address all of the ink.

The laser moves through your top skin layer without breaking your skin or causing damage. The laser hits the tattoo pigment, causing it to shatter into countless tiny particles. Because the laser moves so quickly, sending many pulses per second, it also causes a kind of shock wave that shatters the ink more effectively.

Your body flushes the ink out naturally over the weeks and months ahead. It's a gradual process, so you'll see the ink fading slowly as your body erases more and more of the tattoo.

The Nd:YAG laser can treat nearly any color, including even the most challenging ones like purple and yellow. While black is the easiest color to erase, the Nd:YAG laser can tackle even your multicolor tattoos successfully.

It's important that you stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds before your laser tattoo removal. Don't shave or wax the tattoo area.

If possible, stop smoking several weeks ahead of your first laser tattoo removal session because smoking can delay your healing.

Although the Nd:YAG laser is extremely effective, it's not an instant treatment. Most tattoos require a series of treatments for optimal results. Each treatment is scheduled 6-8 weeks apart, so you can see the full outcome before having the next treatment.

For the first day after laser tattoo removal, use an ice compress to alleviate any discomfort. You should avoid getting the treatment area wet for as long as your dermatologist recommends, usually around 24 hours.

Your dermatologist will likely suggest an antibiotic ointment, which you should apply as directed for at least several days after your laser treatment.

You may develop small blisters or scabs as you heal. Avoid picking at them; doing so can delay your healing and interfere with your results.