Laser Tattoo Removal in NYC
Board-Certified Dermatologist · PicoWay Laser · All Ink Colors · All Skin Types
NYC's Expert in PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal
Thousands of Treatments Performed Personally by a Board-Certified Dermatologist
Not all tattoo removal is created equal — and who performs your treatment matters just as much as the laser being used. At The Dermatology and Laser Group on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Dr. Arash Akhavan personally performs every single laser tattoo removal session. He has completed thousands of PicoWay laser treatments over more than 18 years of experience in laser tattoo removal — making him one of the most experienced tattoo removal physicians in New York City.
Unlike chain laser centers and med spas — where treatments are often delegated to technicians with minimal training — Dr. Akhavan is a board-certified dermatologist who brings the highest level of medical expertise to every session. This distinction is not just about credentials; it directly impacts your results, your safety, and the number of sessions you'll need. In fact, Dr. Akhavan has treated dozens of patients who came to him after experiencing burns, scars, and wasted money at chain tattoo removal centers across NYC.
Our practice uses the Candela PicoWay laser — the most advanced picosecond laser available for tattoo removal — capable of treating all ink colors on all skin types with fewer sessions and less discomfort than older laser technologies.
As Featured In:
Over 300 media appearances as a national expert in cosmetic dermatology and body contouring.
Why the PicoWay Laser Is the Gold Standard for Tattoo Removal
The PicoWay laser by Candela Medical represents the most significant advancement in laser tattoo removal technology. Unlike older Q-switched lasers and even earlier-generation picosecond lasers like the PicoSure, the PicoWay delivers ultra-short pulses measured in picoseconds (trillionths of a second) — specifically 300 to 450 picoseconds compared to PicoSure's 550 to 750 picoseconds. This incredible speed means:
- Photoacoustic shattering of ink particles: Rather than relying on heat to break down tattoo ink, the PicoWay uses a photoacoustic effect — essentially shattering ink into microscopic particles with sound-wave energy. This means less heat delivered to your skin, which translates to less pain, less risk of burns, and faster healing.
- Four powerful wavelengths (532nm, 730nm, 785nm, and 1064nm): This gives Dr. Akhavan the broadest possible range of tools to target every ink color — including notoriously stubborn greens, blues, reds, yellows, and purples. The dedicated 730nm and 785nm wavelengths are specifically designed for difficult pigments that other lasers struggle with.
- Safe for all skin types: Because PicoWay delivers less thermal energy, it is significantly safer for darker skin tones, reducing the risk of hypopigmentation and scarring that older lasers can cause.
- Fewer sessions needed: Clinical studies demonstrate that patients achieve significant clearance in fewer sessions compared to traditional Q-switched and nanosecond lasers.
Dr. Akhavan's practice originally used the PicoSure laser but upgraded to the PicoWay specifically because of its superior performance across all ink colors and skin types — a commitment to always offering NYC patients the most advanced technology available.
What Makes Dr. Akhavan Different From Chain Tattoo Removal Centers
When you choose laser tattoo removal in NYC, you have options ranging from large chain removal centers to med spas to board-certified dermatologists. The differences are significant and can mean the difference between clean, scar-free results and burns, hypopigmentation, and wasted money. Here is what sets The Dermatology and Laser Group apart:
1. A Board-Certified Dermatologist Performs Every Session
Dr. Akhavan personally performs every tattoo removal treatment — he never delegates to technicians, nurses, or physician assistants. As a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai, he has the deepest possible understanding of skin biology, laser-tissue interaction, and how to customize laser settings for your unique skin type, ink colors, and tattoo depth.
2. Named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for Over 13 Consecutive Years
Dr. Akhavan is recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, New York Magazine Top Doctor, and New York Times Super Doctor — distinctions reserved for the top physicians in the country. He is also a widely cited media expert on dermatology and cosmetic procedures, appearing in hundreds of TV, print, podcast, and online sources.
3. Thousands of Laser Tattoo Removal Sessions Performed
With more than 18 years of hands-on experience and thousands of laser tattoo removal sessions personally completed, Dr. Akhavan has encountered every type of tattoo — from small single-color designs to large, multi-colored, heavily layered pieces — and knows exactly how to approach each one for optimal clearance with minimal side effects.
4. Corrective Care for Patients Burned by Other Providers
Dr. Akhavan has treated dozens of patients who experienced burns, scars, or poor results at chain removal centers and med spas across Manhattan and NYC. These complications are often the result of undertrained operators using inappropriate laser settings. At our practice, every parameter is customized by a physician who understands the science.
When you choose a board-certified dermatologist with thousands of treatments under his belt, you are investing in safe, effective results from the very first session.
PicoWay Tattoo Removal: What to Expect During Your Treatment in NYC
From Consultation to Complete Clearance
Every tattoo removal journey at The Dermatology and Laser Group begins with a personalized consultation with Dr. Akhavan at our Upper East Side, Manhattan office. During this visit, he evaluates your tattoo's size, ink colors, depth, age, location, and your skin type to create a customized treatment plan. Here is what the process looks like:
Before Your Treatment:
- Dr. Akhavan's team applies a prescription-strength numbing cream to the treatment area
- Numbing injections are administered for maximum comfort
- The Zimmer Cooler — a medical-grade chilled-air device — provides continuous cooling during the session
During Your Treatment:
- The PicoWay laser delivers ultra-short picosecond pulses to the tattoo, shattering ink particles into microscopic fragments
- Treatments typically take 15 to 30 minutes depending on tattoo size
- Most patients describe feeling zero discomfort because of our numbing injections
After Your Treatment:
- Mild redness, swelling, or light frosting of the skin is normal and typically resolves within a few days
- Dr. Akhavan provides detailed aftercare instructions for optimal healing
- Sessions are spaced approximately 6 to 16 weeks apart to allow your body's immune system to flush out the shattered ink particles. Dr. Akhavan will assess your response to treatments and tell you the best time to come in for your next session.
- Most tattoos require 5 to 10 sessions for significant to complete clearance, depending on ink colors, tattoo age, skin tone, and individual response. The average number of sessions for black ink on light skin is 5.
Treatment areas include:
- Arms and legs
- Back and chest
- Abdomen, Butt, Bikini
- Hands and fingers
- Neck and behind the ear
- Anywhere on the body
- Eyebrow tattoos (cosmetic tattoo removal)
- Cover-up preparation (fading for a new tattoo design)
Dr. Akhavan tailors every treatment plan to your specific tattoo and goals — whether that's complete removal or fading for a cover-up.
Tattoo Removal Before and After Results
Tattoo Removal Cost in NYC
The cost of laser tattoo removal in New York City depends primarily on the size of your tattoo, the number of ink colors, the density and age of the ink, and the number of sessions needed for your desired level of clearance. At The Dermatology and Laser Group, PicoWay laser tattoo removal starts at $800 per session for tattoos up to 20 square centimeters.
Factors that influence your total cost include:
- Tattoo size: Larger tattoos require more laser passes per session and more sessions overall
- Ink colors: Multi-colored tattoos with stubborn pigments (greens, blues, reds) may require additional sessions compared to black-only tattoos
- Tattoo age: Older tattoos that have already begun to fade naturally often respond more quickly to laser treatment
- Skin type: Darker skin types may require more conservative laser settings, which can affect the number of sessions
- Professional vs. amateur tattoos: Professional tattoos typically have more deeply embedded, densely packed ink requiring more sessions than amateur or homemade tattoos
During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Akhavan will evaluate your tattoo and provide a personalized treatment plan with a transparent cost estimate. While laser tattoo removal is an investment, choosing a board-certified dermatologist who performs the treatment personally can actually save you money in the long run — fewer sessions, better clearance, and no risk of complications that require corrective treatment.
Patient Testimonials and Reviews
PicoWay vs. Other Tattoo Removal Lasers: How They Compare
Not all tattoo removal lasers deliver the same results. The chart below compares the Candela PicoWay — the laser used at The Dermatology and Laser Group — against other commonly used tattoo removal technologies across NYC. The PicoWay's ultra-short picosecond pulses, four wavelengths, and photoacoustic mechanism set it apart in virtually every category that matters to patients.
| Feature | PicoWay ✦ | PicoSure | Q-Switched Nd:YAG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pulse Duration | 300–450 ps | 550–750 ps | 5–20 ns |
| Wavelengths | 532, 730, 785, 1064 nm | 532, 755, 1064 nm | 1064, 532 nm |
| Treats All Ink Colors | ✓ | Limited | No |
| Safe for All Skin Types | ✓ | Caution Needed | Caution Needed |
| Typical Sessions Needed | 5–10 | 6–12 | 8–15+ |
| Mechanism | Photoacoustic | Photo-thermal + acoustic | Primarily thermal |
| Risk of Scarring | Very Low | Low | Moderate |
| Patient Comfort | Most Comfortable | Moderate | More Discomfort |
| Downtime | Minimal (1–3 days) | Minimal (2–5 days) | Moderate (3–7 days) |
✦ PicoWay by Candela Medical — the laser used at The Dermatology and Laser Group
Frequently Asked Questions About Tattoo Removal in NYC
The number of sessions needed depends on several factors including your tattoo's size, ink colors, ink density, age, and your individual skin type. Most patients see significant fading after 3 to 5 sessions, with 5 to 10 sessions typically needed for complete or near-complete removal. Black ink tends to respond fastest, while colors like green, blue, and red may require additional sessions. On average 5 sessions are needed to remove black ink on light skin. During your consultation at our Upper East Side office, Dr. Akhavan will evaluate your specific tattoo and give you a realistic estimate of the number of sessions you'll need.
At The Dermatology and Laser Group, we use a three-step comfort protocol to make your treatment as painless as possible: prescription-strength numbing cream applied before the session, numbing injections for deeper anesthesia, and continuous cooling with the Zimmer Cooler device during treatment. Most patients describe the sensation as significantly more comfortable than they expected. The PicoWay laser itself produces less discomfort than older lasers because its ultra-short picosecond pulses generate less heat in the skin.
Yes — this is one of the biggest advantages of the PicoWay laser. With four wavelengths (532nm, 730nm, 785nm, and 1064nm), the PicoWay can effectively target all tattoo ink colors, including black, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Older Q-switched lasers and even the PicoSure are limited in their ability to treat certain colors, particularly greens and reds. The PicoWay's multiple wavelengths give Dr. Akhavan the tools to address every color in your tattoo.
Yes. One of the key advantages of the PicoWay laser is its safety profile across all skin types, including Fitzpatrick skin types IV, V, and VI. Because the PicoWay uses ultra-short picosecond pulses that create a photoacoustic effect rather than relying on heat, there is significantly less risk of hypopigmentation (skin lightening), hyperpigmentation (skin darkening), and scarring compared to older laser technologies. Dr. Akhavan's extensive experience allows him to customize laser settings precisely for each patient's skin type and tone.
At The Dermatology and Laser Group, PicoWay laser tattoo removal starts at $800 per session for tattoos up to 20 square centimeters. The total cost depends on your tattoo's size, the number of colors, and the number of sessions required. During your consultation, Dr. Akhavan provides a transparent, personalized cost estimate.
Both are picosecond lasers, but the PicoWay is the more advanced system. Key differences include: PicoWay uses four wavelengths (532nm, 730nm, 785nm, and 1064nm) compared to PicoSure's three wavelengths (532nm, 755nm, and 1064nm), giving it broader versatility across all ink colors. PicoWay delivers faster pulses (300–450 picoseconds vs. PicoSure's 550–750 picoseconds), meaning more effective ink shattering with less heat. PicoWay's photoacoustic mechanism is safer for all skin types, including darker tones. Our practice originally used PicoSure but upgraded to PicoWay specifically because of these advantages.
When performed by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist using the right laser and appropriate settings, laser tattoo removal should not leave scars. The PicoWay's ultra-short pulses and reduced heat output make scarring extremely unlikely when the treatment is properly administered. Scarring is more commonly associated with older laser technologies, improper settings, or treatments performed by undertrained operators — which is why choosing your provider carefully is so important.
Absolutely. Many of our patients in Manhattan and NYC come to us specifically to fade an existing tattoo enough to allow a tattoo artist to create a new design over it. This typically requires fewer sessions than full removal, making it a faster and more affordable option. Dr. Akhavan can work with you and your tattoo artist to determine the ideal level of fading needed for your cover-up design.
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