Tattoo Removal

For many people, tattoos are a form of body art that celebrate an event or achievement, hold deep personal significance, or express individuality and creative expression. But what happens if you end up regretting your tattoo? In the past, laser tattoo removal methods were only able to treat black or blue tattoos and were only safe for lighter skin colors. Patients needed many treatments to see results, which could take up to a year to complete, and there was a high risk of scarring and skin discoloration. Fortunately, tattoo removal lasers have come a long way—they are now faster and more efficient, completely safe, and require fewer treatments. Here at Santa Monica Eye Medical Group, we offer PicoSure, the latest technology in laser tattoo removal. PicoSure can be used to treat tattoos on all skin types, with virtually no downtime after treatments.

What is PicoSure Tattoo Removal?

PicoSure works by using laser pulses to target ink particles under the skin, emitting pulses at an incredibly fast pace of one billionth of a second. The energy creates enough pressure to shatter the tattoo particles, while being gentle enough not to damage the surrounding tissue or skin. After the treatment, the body naturally absorbs and eliminates the destroyed particles, reducing the appearance of ink on the skin over time.

Does PicoSure Tattoo Removal Hurt?

Before the treatment, your doctor can apply a numbing cream to the area to minimize any discomfort. Most patients describe the sensation as tolerable and compare it to the feeling of a rubber band gently snapping on the skin. The treatment typically lasts around 20 minutes but can be longer depending on the size of the tattoo.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Most patients need a series of treatments to fully remove a tattoo, but the exact number depends on different factors such as the size of the tattoo, the type and color of ink, and the location on the body. PicoSure works best on tattoos with darker pigments, such as black or blue ink, while tattoos with lighter colors may need more treatments to see results. Treatments can be done every 6 – 8 weeks. During your consultation, your doctor will determine an individual treatment plan to get the best results for your tattoo removal.

Post-Treatment Care

One of the many benefits of PicoSure Tattoo Removal is that there is no downtime, enabling you to resume your normal activities immediately after treatment. The skin will be extra sensitive to sunlight, so avoid any direct sun exposure and keep the area clean and moisturized.