Laser 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 dermal pigment depositions placed by an artist below the epidermis. The body recognizes the ink as foreign material but cannot clear it on its own; the pigment particles are too large for resident macrophages to phagocytize, so the body encapsulates them. Laser tattoo removal at Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa addresses this clearance limitation by using high-intensity, ultra-short laser pulses to fragment the pigment into smaller particles that the macrophage system can then carry to the lymphatic drainage. Because clearance is biological rather than mechanical, multiple sessions are required across months; typically four to ten, depending on ink color, depth, age, and skin biology.
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
Laser tattoo removal at Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa is selected for adult patients seeking gradual clearance of unwanted tattoo ink. The procedure is staged across multiple sessions because the body’s macrophage clearance of fragmented pigment occurs gradually after each laser pass. Typical observations after a series include progressive ink fading, minimal recovery time per session, and topical-anesthesia–level pain management; specific outcomes vary with ink color, ink depth, tattoo age, and skin biology.
Patients with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) are evaluated individually for energy parameters and laser wavelength selection because pigment in the surrounding skin is also a chromophore; selection follows physician judgment to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
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 price of laser tattoo removal at Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa is determined by several variables: tattoo size, ink color (some pigments require specific laser wavelengths and additional sessions), ink depth in the dermis, tattoo age, the number of sessions in the protocol (typically four to ten across the full clearance), Fitzpatrick skin type, and whether the tattoo location requires extended treatment time. Patients in Sherman Oaks, Encino, Studio City, Van Nuys, Hollywood, and across greater Los Angeles schedule a consultation to receive an individualized estimate before the first session.
- 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.
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 Medspa, 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
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Surgical Excision
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Dermabrasion
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Chemical Peels
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Side Effects & Risks
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The risks of the treatment include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Scabs and blisters
- Scarring
- Keloids
- Hyperpigmentation or hyperpigmentation
- Infection
Why Choose Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa for Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal at Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa is delivered within a physician-led medical spa in Sherman Oaks, California, where energy settings, Fitzpatrick skin type, ink color profile, and pigment density are evaluated before each session. Laser tattoo removal is used to address unwanted pigment in a controlled, staged protocol that accounts for ink depth, color variability, tattoo age, and surrounding tissue health. Q-switched and picosecond laser parameters are selected case by case rather than as a single fixed setting.
All Tattoo Removal treatments are overseen by Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD, Founder and Medical Director of Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa, whose 25+ years of medical experience guide how energy-based procedures are selected and adjusted for each patient. Experience in facial and soft-tissue anatomy, including injectables, supports clinical judgment around skin integrity, healing potential, and treatment spacing for patients seeking tattoo removal in a medical spa setting.
- Board-Certified Physician: Tattoo Removal protocols are developed and supervised by a board-certified physician who evaluates medical history, medications, and skin response before and throughout treatment.
- 25+ Years of Medical Experience and Training: Dr. Soleiman’s long-standing clinical background informs how laser parameters, session intervals, and aftercare are tailored to different skin tones and ink characteristics.
- Physician-Led, On-Site Care: Care is delivered in a physician-directed medspa in Sherman Oaks, where Dr. Soleiman is on-site to guide provider technique, assess treatment tolerance, and adjust laser settings when needed.
- Pain & Safety Focus: Tattoo Removal sessions incorporate medical-grade comfort strategies and strict safety protocols, including eye protection and skin monitoring, to manage discomfort and reduce procedure-related risk.
- Evidence-Based Laser Protocols: Treatment plans follow evidence-based guidelines for wavelength selection, fluence, and spot size, with adjustments based on how each patient’s pigment and skin respond over time.
- Anatomy-Informed Clinical Judgment: Experience with soft-tissue and skin anatomy, including injectable procedures, supports careful assessment of treatment areas over tendons, joints, and cosmetically sensitive regions when planning tattoo removal.
Patients pursuing laser tattoo removal travel to Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa from Sherman Oaks, Encino, Studio City, Van Nuys, Tarzana, Burbank, Glendale, Hollywood, North Hollywood, Calabasas, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, and across greater Los Angeles for medically supervised, staged ink-clearance protocols under consistent physician oversight.
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 much does laser tattoo removal cost per session?
The price of a laser tattoo removal session at Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa is determined by tattoo size, ink color (some pigments require specific wavelengths and additional sessions), ink depth, tattoo age, Fitzpatrick skin type, and whether the location is on a small extremity or a larger body region. The published per-session range is listed in the Cost & Pricing Structure section above; full clearance typically requires four to ten sessions across several months. Patients schedule a consultation in our Sherman Oaks office to receive an individualized estimate.
Is laser tattoo removal covered by insurance?
Most insurance carriers do not cover cosmetic tattoo removal because it is considered an elective procedure. Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa offers a variety of payment options to help patients schedule a session-by-session protocol; cost variables and the published per-session range are listed in the Cost & Pricing Structure section above.
Is laser tattoo removal safe for darker skin tones?
Patients with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) can undergo laser tattoo removal, but the protocol differs from lighter skin. Because melanin in the surrounding skin is also absorbed by some laser wavelengths, longer-wavelength lasers (such as Nd:YAG at 1064 nm) and conservative energy parameters are typically selected to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or burns. At Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa, every consultation includes Fitzpatrick assessment and a discussion of risk-adjusted parameters before the first session.
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.