Tattoo Removal

Tattoo removal is a procedure designed to lessen the appearance of unwanted tattoos. If you have a tattoo that you would like to remove, advanced laser technology is a great treatment option. Specifically, PicoSure® is a revolutionary laser technology that is highly effective for removing unwanted tattoos and resurfacing skin so it looks refreshed, more youthful, and healthier. This advanced laser energy breaks down pigment safely, so that you can feel more confident about your skin.

True You Medical Aesthetic in San Jose, California, has helped many patients address skin concerns with innovative treatments. Our gentle treatments can significantly improve your skin and reduce the appearance of tattoos with natural, long-lasting results.

Contact our San Jose office online or call (408) 223-8818 to learn more about your tattoo removal options!

About Tattoo Removal

PicoSure® uses short-pulse lasers to reduce unwanted pigments, such as ink from tattoos or excess melanin in dark spots or freckles. This treatment is considered to be a more efficient treatment option, allowing patients to achieve results in fewer sessions compared to other types of lasers. ⁽¹⁾

PicoSure® separates itself from the competition because it does not rely on heat to remove unwanted colorations. Instead, it delivers rapid bursts of energy that break pigment into particles while preserving the surrounding tissue.

PicoSure® is especially effective at targeting black and dark blue pigments, which tend to respond faster. Lighter colors, such as yellow and green, may require additional sessions.

Skin Rejuvenation with PicoSure® Lasers

With PicoSure®, we can also address several other skin concerns, including sun damage, stretch marks, acne scars, and dark spots, to rejuvenate the skin. The laser energy can help you achieve a more even skin tone and diminish signs of aging for a smoother, healthier appearance.

Benefits

Choosing the PicoSure® laser for tattoo removal offers several benefits, including:

Candidates

If you would like to remove an unwanted tattoo, you are likely a good candidate for tattoo removal treatments. Patients should also be in general good health, with realistic expectations regarding tattoo removal. Patients must understand that it may take some time for their tattoo to fade after their treatment series.

Patients with certain conditions may not be eligible for PicoSure® laser treatments. We can discuss alternative treatments to help you achieve your aesthetic goals during your personal consultation if this applies to you.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation, we will examine your tattoo to determine the most effective treatment plan for your needs. We will take into account your tattoo’s density, size, colors, and location. We will also ask about your medical history, medications, and lifestyle. If you have had any previous cosmetic treatments to remove unwanted tattoos, we will need to know. Feel free to bring any questions you may have to your consultation–it is our goal to ensure patients feel comfortable and confident going into any treatment.

To get started today, schedule a consultation online or call our San Jose office at (408) 223-8818.

Preparation

To prepare for tattoo removal, you will need to avoid excessive sun exposure or anything that could damage your skin before your appointment. This means you will also need to stop using retinoids, chemical peels, and abrasive scrubs, if these treatments can be applied to your tattooed area.

If you take blood-thinning medications or herbal supplements, you will need to stop temporarily under the guidance of a physician. You will also need to stop drinking alcohol for 24 hours before the treatment. Your specialist will provide you with additional specific instructions to help you prepare before your tattoo removal appointment.

Treatment Process

During the treatment, we will cleanse your skin and administer the laser energy in an even pattern to target your tattoo. You may feel a sting as the laser targets the pigments in the tattoo ink in your skin.

As the treatment works, the PicoSure® laser will deliver short pulses of pressurized laser energy to cause the tattoo ink to break down into smaller particles. The burst of energy lasts one trillionth of a second (picosecond). The fast burst of energy reduces the risk of burning the skin and does not produce enough heat to cause hyperpigmentation, making it a safe and effective treatment for different skin types. We can also adjust the strength of the laser to tailor it to your unique circumstances. ⁽³⁾

Your body’s lymphatic system will gradually process and eliminate the particles of the tattoo.

After Your Treatment

After your treatment, you may notice a mild inflammatory response after your skin absorbs the laser, colloquially known as “frosting.” In 10-15 minutes, your skin may appear slightly red or inflamed, and we can provide a topical ointment to use at home to help your skin heal.

Over the next few weeks, the tattoo will begin to fade as the skin absorbs the ink particles and processes them through the lymphatic system.

We recommend keeping the tattoo covered with adhesive bandages to protect your skin as it heals. You should also avoid sun exposure to prevent pigmentation from the sun after your appointment; use SPF 30+ on the treated area once healed to prevent discoloration. You can apply a fragrance-free moisturizer or antibiotic ointment as directed.

Results

Tattoo removal is gradual; patients must attend multiple sessions to achieve substantial results. The number of sessions that it will take to remove a tattoo can vary between patients, depending on factors like the depth of the tattoo. Most patients begin to notice visible fading after 2–4 weeks, with full removal potentially taking several months, depending on the tattoo’s size and color. Most patients require between 4–10 sessions for complete removal, spaced 6–8 weeks apart for optimal healing. We can discuss the most effective treatment plan for you during your consultation.

Additional Treatments

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a treatment that reduces unwanted hair with laser energy for smoother skin. During the treatment, we will administer the laser energy in a gentle, even pattern to target the hair follicles and alter their structure to reduce unwanted growth. The treatment is long-lasting if you take good care of your skin.

Microneedling

Microneedling raises your skin’s collagen levels to diminish signs of aging and address skin damage for a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. We can penetrate the skin with tiny needles to trigger your body’s natural healing process. We can also combine the treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to help your body produce new cells and rejuvenate the appearance of your skin.

Cost of Tattoo Removal in San Jose

The cost of tattoo removal will depend on your treatment plan, and we can provide an all-inclusive quote during your consultation. Do not hesitate to contact our office with a simple, minimally invasive treatment that has helped many patients remove unwanted tattoos with beautiful, natural-looking results.

Contact our San Jose office online or call (408) 223-8818 to learn more!

FAQ

References

1. Torbeck R, Bankowski R, Henize S, Saedi N. Lasers in tattoo and pigmentation control: role of the PicoSure® laser system. Medical Devices (Auckland, NZ). 2016;9:63-67. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/MDER.S77993
2. Feng J, Shen S, Song X, Xiang W. Efficacy and safety of picosecond laser for the treatment of melasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2023;38(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-023-03744-y