Unwanted Tattoo

There it is—that tattoo you were once so excited about but which now seems a bit out of place on your body. As tattoos have become more and more popular, so has the desire to have tattoos removed. Your tastes and interests may change with age. For some, a tattoo may be connected to a painful time in their life that they no longer want to be reminded of.

Whether your unwanted ink is something you regret ever getting or no longer reflects who you are today, our board-certified dermatologists can help remove it with the most advanced tattoo removal lasers available. Tattoo removal can boost your confidence, restore your self-expression, or help you heal from a painful memory.

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Learn More About Unwanted Tattoo

When you get a tattoo, ink is injected into your skin. The immune system naturally flushes out foreign particles, but the ink particles are too big to remove, so they remain there permanently. Tattoo removal works by either removing the tattooed skin or breaking down the ink particles so your body can remove them.

There are several ways to do this. Tattoo removal can be performed with lasers, dermabrasion, chemical peels, or surgical excision. Most of these options remove the outer layers of skin that contain the tattoo. Consequently, the procedure can be quite uncomfortable, leaving you with an open wound that will likely leave a scar. 

That’s why laser tattoo removal has become the most popular method. Instead of removing the skin, laser energy breaks down the ink particles so your body can filter them out. There’s no open wound and little chance of scarring.

Our board-certified dermatologists perform laser tattoo removal with the most cutting-edge technology to ensure great results and a safe, convenient process. First, we will assess your tattoo and discuss your goals during a detailed consultation to create your personalized treatment plan.

Laser tattoo removal is performed with a pigment-specific laser that targets pigments in the skin. As the tattoo ink absorbs this energy and heats up, the particles get broken down into smaller pieces that your lymphatic system can flush out. This is a gradual process that takes time. The number of treatments you’ll need will depend on your tattoo’s size, color, and age, but most people need at least three.

Your dermatologist will most likely apply a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort. The process may still be slightly uncomfortable, especially for tattoos in sensitive areas like the face. The length of treatment will depend on the size of the tattoo, but typically only takes a few minutes. You’ll likely feel some heat and a snapping sensation.

After a laser tattoo removal session, you may have mild swelling and redness. We’ll give you aftercare instructions, but you’ll be able to resume most of your regular activities immediately.

Your tattoo will gradually fade with time and repeated sessions. Once it’s faded, you’ll never have to worry about that unwanted tattoo again!

Take the First Step

Interested in learning more about our laser tattoo removal treatments? We would love to speak with you. Please fill out the form on this page to request a consultation or call our Chevy Chase, MD office today at (301) 798-9699 to schedule your private consultation at our laser and cosmetic dermatology center, located just blocks away from Washington, D.C.

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