Courtesy of Hoya Con Bio Lasers(makers of Revlite® and Medlite® C6)

Laser Tattoo Removal is the by far most common method of getting rid of an unwanted tattoo. These treatments are
relatively inexpensive, and less painful than older methods. Multiple treatments are usually required.

Other methods which have significant drawbacks and are rarely used since the advent of laser tattoo removal include:
Tattoo Removal Creams which are largely ineffective.
Dermabrasion or "sanding" the skin, which leaves scars.
Surgical Excision or "cutting out" the tattoo, which requires stitches or even skin grafts to close the resulting wound.

How does laser tattoo removal work?

Laser Tattoo Removal uses directed energy to target the ink within the tattoo. The heat generated by the laser explodes the ink particles underneath your skin. These particles are then removed by the body's natural waste processes.

While most tattoos will appear significantly lighter after one treatment, several visits are usually required to completely remove your tattoo. Tattoos fade after each visit as the body breaks down and removes the ink.

Color makes a difference.

Some ink colors are more difficult to remove than others. Black, red, dark orange and dark blue tattoos are the easiest to remove. Green, purple, brown, light orange and light blue colors may require more visits. Yellow and green are the hardest colors to remove.

Lighter skin tones are easier to remove tattoos from than darker skin. Avoid tanning before laser tattoo removal.

How should you choose a Tattoo Removal provider?
Experience - How many tattoos have they removed like yours? Do doctors perform the treatments?
Location - Since it often requires multiple treatments you might want someone close to you.
Price - Again multiple treatments will magnify price differences.
Equipment - Do they have the newest laser? Do they have several different special purpose lasers? Older lasers often scar more than lasers using newer technology. Currently the state of the art is a Q switched Nd: Yag Laser with multiple wavelengths like what is used at Pier Laser Med Spa.

Pier Laser Med Spa

3010 Lincoln Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90405

(310)-399 9142

Post-operative instructions following tattoo removal

The laser treatment may create a superficial burn wound. There is immediate whitening of the treated area, which lasts for several minutes. Many patients than develop blisters, crusts or scabs within 24-72 hours, which may last for 1-2 weeks. Some patients may experience bruising or swelling. Do not pick at the scab or allow the skin to become abraded, as this may result in infection and scarring. The treated area may be pink or pale after the scab separates. Loss of skin pigment in the treated area (usually temporary) is common. Complete healing is usually seen by 6-8 weeks.

Apply cool compresses as necessary for 24 hours after the laser treatment. This may provide some relief if the area is uncomfortable and will reduce inflammation. Plain Tylenol is usually all that is needed for discomfort (avoid aspirin). Do not apply makeup or any cream or medication not prescribed by our office for 48 hours. Avoid sun exposure until healed and then wear sunscreen SPF 15 for six months.

Some swelling and redness or bruising around the treated area may be expected initially. If the area looks infected (thick honey colored crust and oozing, or spreading redness), you experience unusual discomfort or bleeding, or your temperature becomes elevated, please call our office immediately at (310) 399 9142.

After treatment of a tattoo or age spot, an antibiotic ointment and sterile dressing will be applied. Keep this covered for 24 hours, and then begin cleaning the treated area daily with a mild soap and water. Gently pat the treated area dry. Apply a thin coating of antibiotic ointment twice each day, and cover with another sterile dressing until healed (7-14 days).

The technology of tattoo removal is dynamic, with yesterday's methods considered suboptimal. Although we have multiple lasers plus one broadband light device which can fade tattoo ink here at Pier Laser Med Spa, , the current state-of-the-art in tattoo removal 2008 is the Q-switched Nd:Yag Laser and we are partial to the Hoya Con Bio Revlite or Medlite C6. We use the best technology, platform, and a laser operator that has honed his skills with experience gained after postgraduate laser training. Whether it's a former gang member that Dr. Reiter helps become more employable by helping fade or eliminate all visible gang tattoos, or an executive that brings his tattoo artist with him for a cover-up before new tattooing ensues, the treatment is nothing short of remarkable.

The technology of Tattooing is also dynamic with plans underfoot to use a new Tattoo Pigment as an ink, that is implanted in the skin using microspheres that are activated with just one laser treatment, allowing the body to easily absorb the broken microsheres.

Pier Laser Med Spa and Non-Surgical Aesthetics
3010 Lincoln Bld.

Santa Monica, CA 90405

(310) 399-9142

MD@PierLaser.com