Tattoo Removal Sherman Oaks, CA
Tattoo Removal is a procedure that removes the ink from permanent tattoos. About 25% of people with tattoos regret getting them, so this treatment is a great option if you are part of this group.
Three common procedures—surgery, laser, and dermabrasion are used to remove tattoos. The most commonly used method of tattoo removal is laser therapy, due to its lower risks compared to the other options. However, it usually requires several treatment sessions.
What is Tattoo Removal?
Tattoos are permanent modifications to the skin. An artist injects ink into the dermis, which shows on the skin’s surface as various designs. Even though the body should treat tattoos as foreign bodies, the immune system doesn’t. The reason is that the ink molecules are too big for our macrophages to break down. Eventually, the body creates an encapsulation around the ink, which shelters it from the immune system.
The position of the ink in the skin makes tattoo removal a complex treatment that requires multiple sessions for the best results.
The goal of tattoo removal is to break down the ink into smaller molecules that can easily be cleared by the body.
The most common form of tattoo removal is laser treatment. It is also done with surgery and dermabrasion, but these procedures have a higher risk of residual scarring.
Here’s how laser treatment works:
- The laser device delivers high-intensity pulses of light into the dermis.
- This light breaks down the ink in the dermis into smaller particles.
- The body’s immune system will remove these smaller molecules.
- Multiple treatment sessions are required to completely clear the ink.
Black tattoos are the easiest to remove. This is because they absorb all light spectrums.
Tattoo Removal Benefits
Since over 25% of people with tattoos regret them, a tattoo removal treatment is a breath of fresh air. This treatment has shown good results and has minimal downtime.
What Results to Expect:
- Removes unwanted tattoos: Lasers can break down the large ink particles under the skin so that the body can clear them out.
- Improves appearance and confidence: When unwanted tattoos are removed, your confidence is restored.
- Little recovery time: This treatment requires little time to recover. You can go home on the day of the treatment.
- Minimal pain: This treatment causes a loud noise, but little to no pain. You can use local anesthesia to reduce discomfort.
- Safe procedure: This treatment is safe and has minimal risks and side effects.
- Works on Different skin colors: This treatment can work on different skin colours, but it is more effective and has fewer risks on lighter skin, due to the higher contrast with the ink.
How Long Will Results Last?
Tattoo removal will not happen all at once. It will progressively clear within months to a year. Multiple sessions are required—about 4 to 6 sessions.
Tattoo Removal Cost & Pricing Structure
The cost of tattoo removal varies based on the following:
- Tattoo size and colour
- Tattoo depth
- Number of sessions required
- The geographic location of the clinic
- The expertise of the applicator
When you meet with our experts, you will also discuss these things.
- US National Average: $200-$500 per session
- Our Price: Competitive prices, especially with our monthly specials
- Additional Costs: This treatment is a nonsurgical procedure and doesn’t usually require extra costs.
- Insurance: Most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures. We offer a variety of payment options for your convenience.
Why keep that tattoo you don’t want anymore? Get rid of it and have a more professional look! Book a consultation today.
Tattoo Removal Before and After Gallery
Here are some “before and after” images for your perusal. These pictures will help show you what to expect.
How the Procedure Works
Tattoo removal using a laser is a nonsurgical procedure. It is a minimally invasive treatment and doesn’t require general anesthesia. It is done in the office, and you can go back home the same day.
Before & Preparation
As you prepare for the tattoo removal, you’ll have a consultation session with one of our experts. During this consultation, the expert will help you identify the exact care you need.
In this consultation, the expert will:
- Explore your desires
- Ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure (darker skin types have higher risks)
- Explain the risks of the treatment
During the consultation, you will be guided on things to do and avoid during treatment.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight at least 4 weeks before the treatment
- Avoid waxing at least 2 weeks before the treatment
- Stay hydrated
- No smoking for at least 4 weeks before the treatment
- Avoid blood thinners 2 weeks before the treatment
- Wear loose clothing to the treatment
- Shave the treatment area before coming
During the Procedure
- Duration: 15-45 minutes
- Equipment used: Laser device
- Pain: Topical anesthetic creams
- Step-by-step guide:
- Our expert will clean the treatment area properly
- You are given materials to protect your eyes
- Our expert will apply a topical anesthetic
- The laser device will deliver the beams into the dermis
- There will be some minimal feeling of pain or discomfort during the treatment
Aftercare & Recovery
After the tattoo removal sessions, you may notice some pain, redness, and swelling.
For the first 2 weeks after the treatment, here are a few things to note:
- Keep the treatment area clean and dry
- No tight clothing
- Avoid sunlight exposure in the treatment area for at least 3 weeks
- Don’t pick the scabs and blisters
Why keep that tattoo you don’t want anymore? Get rid of it and have a more professional look! Book a consultation today.
Am I a Good Candidate?
If you have a tattoo that you don’t want anymore and you want it gone, this treatment is for you.
Here are some contraindications to getting laser tattoo removal:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Autoimmune diseases
- Active infection at the treatment site
- Using Accutane at least 6 months before treatment
- Immunosuppression
- History of keloids and hypertrophic scars
Similar & Related Procedures
- Surgical Tattoo Removal: This treatment involves removing the entirety of the skin upon which the tattoo covers and stitching the remaining skin together.
- Chemical peel: This may remove some of the tattoo ink, only if aggressive (deep and high risk), to reduce its appearance
- Dermabrasion: This is not the typical superficial dermabrasion by an aesthetician. To remove tattoo ink, this uses a special tool is used to peel off the outer layer of the skin where the tattoo sits. The depth would need to be aggressive, which can increase the risk of scarring.
Laser Tattoo Removal vs. Surgical Excision vs. Chemical Peels vs. Dermabrasion
Laser Tattoo Removal
Procedure
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Surgical Excision
Procedure
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Effectiveness
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Dermabrasion
Procedure
Best For
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Sessions Needed
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Scarring Risk
Effectiveness
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Chemical Peels
Procedure
Best For
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Side Effects & Risks
-
The risks of the treatment include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Scabs and blisters
- Scarring
- Keloids
- Hyperpigmentation or hyperpigmentation
- Infection
Tattoo Removal FAQs
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
Laser tattoo removal uses high-beam light on the skin to break down the tattoo pigment in the skin. Deeper colours like black are easy to remove because they absorb the high-intensity lights more easily. The Laser Tattoo Removal process depends on the intensity and depth of the tattoo, the colour of the tattoo, the skin colour, and the location of the tattoo on your body.
What are the risks of Laser Tattoo Removal?
Even though laser tattoo removal is safe, it has some risks for side effects. It can cause redness, swelling, pain, scarring, infection, etc. Going to an expert can reduce your chances of having these side effects.
How Many Sessions of Laser Tattoo Removal Do I Need?
For the best results, you will need to have 4-7 sessions. These sessions will progressively remove the ink from under the skin till the tattoo fades!
Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cause Scars?
Yes. This is one of the uncommon side effects of laser therapy. Everyone responds differently to these treatments. Some people scar faster than others. Less expertly done treatment can also increase the chances of a scar.
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