Tattoo Removal
Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in La Jolla, San Diego, Newport Beach and Beverly Hills
Tattoo removal is a procedure that reduces the appearance of unwanted tattoos, helping to restore a more even skin tone. If you have a tattoo that has not aged well or if your aesthetic preferences have changed, tattoo removal can effectively diminish its appearance. In 2023, specialists performed over 3.2 million skin treatments to help patients reach their aesthetic goals, with tattoo removal making up a significant portion. (1)
At La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, we offer innovative skin and hair treatments that have helped many patients improve their appearances. We are the only hair restoration practice in the USA under the co-direction of both a triple board-certified plastic surgeon and a board-certified dermatologist.
Dr. Richard Chaffoo is one of America’s First Triple Board-Certified Hair Transplant Plastic Surgeons. He is known nationwide for his innovative hair loss treatments, which have helped patients achieve long-lasting hair growth. His practice is known for excellence, and specialists from around the world travel to study his latest techniques.
Dr. Susan Stuart is world-renowned and frequently sought after for her industry-leading expertise. After receiving her training at Emory University, one of the top dermatology training facilities in the United States, she worked with national hair loss specialists to further develop her expertise.
Schedule an appointment at one of our Southern California offices to get started:
Contents
About Tattoo Removal
PicoSure® is a short-pulse laser that removes unwanted ink while preserving the surrounding skin. This treatment can renew your skin with fewer sessions than other types of tattoo removal lasers, (2) and it does not rely on heat to remove the ink. It delivers rapid bursts of energy that break down the pigment, allowing your body to remove it naturally without harming the surrounding tissue.
In addition to unwanted tattoos, the PicoSure® laser can also address irregular skin texture, acne scars, wrinkles, and more. If you have dark spots, discoloration, or melasma, PicoSure® can trigger your body’s natural healing process with gentle energy waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process to address these concerns.
Benefits
There are several benefits to PicoSure® laser treatments, including:
- Natural-looking appearance: Tattoo removal treatments diminish unwanted ink while preserving the surrounding skin.
- Minimal downtime: You can return to your usual activities shortly after your treatment as long as you avoid excessive sun exposure that could damage your skin and lead to signs of aging.
- Customizable treatment: We can tailor the procedure to target various pigments and skin conditions based on your individual needs.
- Increased collagen production: The treatment can increase your skin’s collagen levels to help maintain healthy, elastic, and hydrated skin.
Candidates
Individuals who would like to address unwanted tattoo ink and achieve a more even skin tone are eligible for a laser tattoo removal procedure. If you have eczema, however, you may not be the best candidate for the treatment, and we can discuss alternatives to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. We also offer cosmetic dermatology treatments for patients who would like to address signs of aging.
To learn more about the additional treatments we offer, read our blog!
Personal Consultation
During your consultation, we will perform a physical exam to determine the most effective treatment for your needs. Please inform us if you’ve undergone any previous tattoo removal treatments, as this can influence your care plan. We also ask that you come prepared to discuss any questions you have about the treatment.
The number of treatments you need will depend on your aesthetic goals and how your skin responds to the laser. We will consider your tattoo’s density, size, colors, and location to determine the most effective approach. We will adjust the strength of the laser depending on your needs and unique treatment plan. (3) Some patients will need a series of treatments to achieve optimal results.
Schedule your consultation online or by calling your closest La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology office directly to begin planning your tattoo removal treatment.
Preparation
To prepare for tattoo removal, you should take good care of your skin and avoid excessive sun exposure. If you take medications and/or supplements that thin the blood, you must stop temporarily to avoid damaging your skin. We encourage discontinuing the use of harsh skincare products, especially those containing retinoids, in the treatment areas. Patients who smoke or use other forms of nicotine will be asked to quit before and after treatment as well.
Treatment Process
During the treatment, we will cleanse your skin and administer laser energy to your skin in an even pattern over the tattoo. The laser delivers short pulses of focused light energy that cause the tattoo ink to break down into smaller particles. Your body will process them over the next few weeks after your treatment. The laser delivers energy in bursts lasting just a picosecond (one trillionth of a second), making it an effective yet well-tolerated treatment for many different skin tones and types.
After Your Treatment
A mild inflammatory response, known as “frosting,” may occur immediately after treatment. In 10-15 minutes, your skin may appear slightly red or inflamed, and we can provide topical ointments to use at home. Over the next few weeks, the tattoo will begin to fade. You can cover the tattoo with adhesive bandages to help your skin heal, and you should avoid sun exposure that could cause the treatment area to scar. The time your skin needs to recover will vary depending on your treatment plan and skin type.
Results
After tattoo removal, you can enjoy skin free of unwanted pigment. Depending on the depth, size, colors, and placement of your tattoo, you may need a series of treatments to achieve your aesthetic goals. We can discuss the most effective treatment plan for your needs during your consultation.
Additional Treatments
Botox
Botox is an injectable that reduces repetitive muscle movements that wear on the skin, causing fine lines and wrinkles to form. The treatment reduces the production of acetylcholine, a hormone and neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions. As you age, the collagen and elastin proteins that help your skin maintain its elasticity and structure naturally begin to decline, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. Botox can help you maintain smoother skin and reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles for lasting benefits.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers add natural-looking volume to the skin for a smoother, plumper, more natural-looking appearance. If you notice volume loss that has affected the appearance of your cheeks, lips, and/or temples, we can restore it so you can enjoy a more youthful look. With a minimally invasive injectable, you can enjoy results for several months, and we can help you maintain your results with a touch-up appointment.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments increase your skin’s collagen levels to address a variety of skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. With gentle laser energy, we can resurface your skin to remove damaged skin cells so you can enjoy lasting results. We offer several different types of laser treatments to help you address a variety of cosmetic concerns.
Cost of Tattoo Removal in San Diego
The cost of tattoo removal will depend on your treatment plan, and we can provide an all-inclusive quote during your consultation to help you achieve your goals. Do not hesitate to contact our office if you are interested in this minimally invasive treatment that has helped many patients remove their unwanted ink. Schedule an appointment at one of our conveniently located Southern California offices:
FAQ
Is tattoo removal painful?
Most patients describe tattoo removal as similar to the feeling of a rubber band snapping against the skin. We can apply a topical anesthetic for your comfort if needed.
How many tattoo removal sessions will I need?
You may see improvement after a single session, but deeper or more colorful tattoos often require a series of treatments.
How long will the recovery from tattoo removal take?
You may notice skin irritation over the next few days. Although you can return to work afterward, you should avoid exposing the treatment area to the sun for several weeks to prevent the risk of scarring.
Can I return to work after tattoo removal treatments?
Yes, you can return to work after tattoo removal, but you must be careful to avoid tight clothing that could damage your skin or cause you to sweat.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Torbeck R, Bankowski R, Henize S, Saedi N. Lasers in tattoo and pigmentation control: role of the PicoSure® laser system. Medical Devices (Auckland, NZ). 2016;9:63-67. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/MDER.S77993
- Feng J, Shen S, Song X, Xiang W. Efficacy and safety of picosecond laser for the treatment of melasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2023;38(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-023-03744-y