Tattoo Removal

Have you decided to remove a tattoo? Grossman Dermatology offers laser tattoo removal to restore your skin to its previous condition over a course of treatments.

Why Remove a Tattoo?

People decide to remove a tattoo for a variety of reasons. This may include a change in the skin, a change of heart over the artwork choice, or just a desire to no longer have a tattoo. No matter the reason behind your decision, we can help remove your tattoo in a safe way with our advanced laser.

How it Works

Laser tattoo removal works by using a process called “selective photothermolysis”. This process means that powerful laser light enters the skin, heats it up, and fractionates the tattoo’s ink particles into smaller and smaller pieces — but without causing any damage to the surrounding skin. The “selective” part of the process means that only ink is targeted. Once the ink particles are broken up, the body’s immune response sends in fluid to wash the ink away over the course of days, weeks, or months.

Who is the Best Candidate?

Laser tattoo removal may not be as effective for those who have darker skin tones or tattoos with different colors. This is because the selective photothermolysis focuses on darker and more pigmented areas.

However, if you have a colorful tattoo or a darker skin tone, please contact us and we will determine what we can do for you. In addition, pregnant women should not undergo laser tattoo removal.

What to Expect During Treatment

Before Treatment

Wash the area and shave any hair away
Areas should not be tanned by the sun or any tanning product
Don’t use lotion, makeup, perfume, etc. on the area
Wear clothing that is comfy and loose enough for the area to be accessed
Eat before your appointment

We typically use a topical numbing cream before treatment, as it reduces about 50% of the discomfort. This cream will need about half an hour to work. Laser tattoo removal can be uncomfortable, but it’s very tolerable (especially for those who are used to sitting for a tattoo in the first place.) It’s also good to note that treatments usually move fairly quickly. For example, an area the size of a quarter can be treated in about 15 seconds. After treatment, we may apply a topical or a cold pack to help your skin feel better — but often, this isn’t even necessary. After a series of treatments (usually over 3-6 months), you will see that your tattoo is becoming more and more invisible.

How Many Treatments?

Every patient will be different based on what kind of ink was used, and the size and depth of the tattoo. In general, however, everyone requires multiple treatments. Professionally done tattoos usually need about 6-9 sessions, whereas amateur tattoos may only need 1-2. The treatments are scheduled 6-8 weeks apart.

Downtime

After treatment, laser tattoo removal patients may experience swelling, redness, pinpoint bleeding, a sunburn sensation, and/or minor blistering of the skin. You will need to keep the area very clean, but be sure to avoid scrubbing or picking the area (even if scabs develop). Although patients can shower the following day after treatment, it’s important to avoid hot water, saunas, hot yoga, and hot tubs.

Tattoo Removal at Grossman Dermatology

Dr. Karyn Grossman, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, was one of the first people in the world to be trained in lasers. She has also been involved in many groundbreaking laser studies. Her long-established, high-end boutique cosmetic dermatology practice is known for quality, excellence, a high level of customer care, and exceptional results. if you’d like learn more about tattoo removal, we welcome you to contact us.