Common Questions and Answers

Can all colors be removed?

The common Black is the easiest color to remove. Some colors that are generally stubborn to remove are shades of green, yellow, purple, and white.

Is it possible to have just one session?

All treatment plans usually require more than one session. The number of sessions that are required for removal will depend on several factors such as the age, the color, the body location, general health, and type of ink used.

How far apart will my treatment sessions be?

We normally recommend a four to six-week interval between treatments. This will allow your body the time to rid itself of the ink that the laser broke down during the treatment session.  Treatment sessions will vary depending on some health issues

Are there certain activities I cannot do before and after treatment?

Before your session, avoid taking medications that contain ibuprofen such as Motrin.  You will be asked to refrain from public waters, such as pools, lakes, rivers, and beach for 10 days after treatment. You just must make sure that you follow the aftercare instructions provided.    

Will there be a scar after tattoo removal?

It is very uncommon for a patient to scar from laser tattoo removal treatment when the proper laser protocols and patient aftercare are followed. If the skin already has irregularities such as scarring expect that to remain after laser tattoo removal.

What’s a laser tattoo removal treatment like?

Laser tattoo removal has been said to be similar like a rubber band hitting the skin however we offer in office topical anesthetic cream and ice to minimize any discomfort. However, our philosophy is if you can get a tattoo, you can definitely have it removed since the session usually take seconds to only a few minutes.

 What can I expect after laser tattoo removal?

Redness, tenderness, and swelling typically subside within a day or two following treatments. Blisters usually appear within 24 hours of treatment; sometimes the blisters are very large and may look alarming – this is completely normal. Scabs, bruising, and blistering may take up to a week or longer to heal

 How do I book an appointment or consultation?

You can give us a call at (562) 861-9400 and our staff will be ready to assist you with scheduling an appointment or click here for an appointment.

How do I cancel appointments?   

To cancel appointments, please give us a call at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment and we will help you reschedule for another date or time.

Can I have laser tattoo removal while pregnant?

Laser tattoo removal is a safe and easy process, but it is absolutely not something you should do while you are pregnant.  It is recommended by the American Medical Association to avoid laser removal of any kind while pregnant

 Does tattoo removal hurt?

Laser tattoo removal typically does involve some level of pain. That said, many say that it hurts less than they expected.

 Do I have to remove my tattoo completely if I want to revise or cover it up?

This is a common request for patients with name tattoos.  they like the overall design of their tattoo but dislike that it features an ex-name. Patients also request selective removal if their tattoo artist botched the artwork in an area or the tattoo extended further than they wished – they just want certain parts of the tattoo "cleaned up. Generally, selective removal patients want complete removal of the specific areas they want erased, but sometimes they want it faded in preparation for a cover-up tattoo.