Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser Tattoo & Pigment Removal

The MedLite® C6 Series Q-switched Nd:YAG laser represents the gold standard for laser tattoo removal in our San Mateo practice. With multiple wavelengths to choose from, we can use the optimum wavelength needed and customize the treatment for each patient and each individual tattoo. We also use this advanced laser to remove pigmented lesions such as freckles and moles.

Our dedication to excellent skin care and rejuvenation is the foundation of our practice. If you’re considering laser tattoo removal and want to learn more, request an appointment online or call our office at (650) 344-1121 and a member of our team will help schedule an appointment.

How It Works

The laser light passes into the skin and is absorbed by the specific color ink, and a PhotoAcoustic effect occurs, breaking the ink down into tiny particles which are gradually removed by the body’s natural cleansing process.

Tattoo Removal Treatments

Professional tattoos, on average, require 6 to 8 or more treatments, while amateur tattoos require 4 or more sessions due to the different concentration and composition of inks. Treatments are spaced approximately 4 to 8 weeks apart. With treatments often achieving greater than 95% fading, the MedLite® C6 Series laser is known worldwide as the first choice for multi-color tattoo removal.

For optimal results, it is best for the treated area not to be tan; thus it is recommended to protect the area from the sun for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to treatment. Forty minutes prior to the procedure, a topical numbing cream can be applied to minimize discomfort. Many patients find that the laser feels like a rubber band snapping the skin. Immediately after the treatment, the skin may appear lighter, darker, swell, or turn red, but often appears normal.

Ice should be applied to the area for 10 minutes at a time, with a 10-minute break between cooling, for ideally 4 hours. Loose cool clothing can be worn over the area the day of treatment, but constrictive garments should be avoided. Sunscreen should be applied to sun exposed areas for 2 weeks, and normal activities (such as swimming or bathing) can resume immediately.

Pigment Removal

Brown spots (pigmented lesions) are caused by a proliferation of melanocytes or an increased deposition of melanin in the skin. Melanocytes are the cells that manufacture melanin, which is the dark pigment in the skin. There are many types of pigmented lesions, such as browns spots (lentigines), freckles (ephileds), and moles (nevi). Different lesions require different treatments, and we can help you decide the best treatment for your skin.

Many brown spots can be safely and effectively treated with the Medlite C6 QS Nd:YAG laser. The laser targets the pigment in the skin, destroying the unwanted tissue while leaving the other tissue intact. Most of these lesions require 1 or 2 treatments with little downtime. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is another treatment option. It corrects redness in the skin along with brown pigment.

Pigment Removal Treatments

For optimal results, it is best for the treated area not to be tan; thus it is recommended to protect the area from the sun for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to treatment. Thirty minutes prior to the procedure, a topical numbing cream can be applied to minimize discomfort. Many patients find that the laser feels like a rubber band snapping the skin. Immediately after the treatment, the treated areas appear pink and blotchy; thin scabs appear the following day. These darken initially and peel off usually within a week for the face and 2 weeks for the body. Sunscreen should be applied to sun exposed areas for 4 weeks, and makeup and normal activities (such as swimming or bathing) can resume immediately.