Tattoo Removal
A Fresh Start
PicoWay Tattoo Removal at The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York
The PicoWay is the gold standard for tattoo removal, and available in NYC at The Dermatology and Laser Group. We have been at the forefront of tattoo removal for many years and now combine technologies such as laser and microneedling to give patients the best results possible.
Choosing the right provider for laser tattoo removal is crucial for a safe and effective treatment. This decision should be based on the provider’s qualifications, experience, and reputation. It’s important to do your research and make an informed decision to ensure the best possible outcome.
A qualified provider will have a profound understanding of the laser tattoo removal process and the different factors that can affect the outcome. They will be able to address any concerns you may have, provide you with detailed pre-treatment and post-treatment instructions, and ensure you get the best possible results from your treatment.
Dr. Arash Akhavan is a Board Certified Dermatologist and a nationally recognized expert and educator for laser procedures. He is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and has been recognized by Castle Connolly and New York Magazine Top Doctor lists. Dr. Akhavan has over 15 years of experience treating tattoos and we always have the most cutting edge techniques and devices for laser tattoo removal in New York.
PAIN LEVEL
Requires local anesthesia injection and cream.
PROCEDURE TYPE
Laser procedure
HOW PERFORMED
Using a picosecond laser
INDICATIONS
Removal of tattoos
RESULTS DURATION
Permanent
RECOVERY TIME
1 week
Most Effective Treatments
Dr. Arash Akhavan at The Dermatology and Laser Group offers personalized treatment plans with state-of-the art PicoWay laser technology for successful results. Pico second lasers are the most effective laser treatments available for tattoo removal.Safe and Reliable
Laser tattoo removal is a safe and reliable procedure utilizing advanced laser technology to target ink without damaging surrounding skin.Cutting Edge Technology
At The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York, cutting-edge technology meets the expertise of Dr. Arash Akhavan, providing the best laser tattoo removal in NYC. We recently upgraded from PicoSure laser to a newer and more advanced PicoWay laser system.
Understanding Tattoo Removal
There are many reasons why people seek out tattoo removal treatments in New York City. For most of our patients they just don't like the appearance of the tattoo. For some, the tattoo is a reminder of a less pleasant time. Others are successful professionals who feel the tattoo may keep them from advancing their careers. Whatever the reason, we now thankfully have an excellent way to erase tattoos for good with PicoWay laser tattoo removal.
Laser tattoo removal is a safe and non-invasive procedure. It effectively breaks up the pigments in the tattoo ink into smaller ink particles, allowing them to be naturally eliminated from the body. The PicoWay laser is an innovative technology that breaks the ink even smaller into tiny dust-like particles, making the removal of unwanted ink even more impressive. The PicoWay and other picosecond laser devices are therefore now preferred over traditional laser and non-laser methods, as they are able to remove unwanted tattoos in fewer treatment sessions. The safety and efficacy of PicoWay laser tattoo removal has been demonstrated through various clinical studies, making it a safe and reliable option for those considering tattoo removal in New York.
Tattoo Removal Basics
The PicoWay laser treatments target the ink in the tattoo without damaging as much of the surrounding skin and tissue as lasers used by older tattoo removal services. Older tattoo removal methods such as q-switched lasers are also more likely to cause scarring because of the heating of the surrounding tissue.
The treated tattoo ink is broken into smaller particles by the laser treatment making it easier for your immune system to clear the particles away.
What does laser tattoo removal feel like?
Patients typically describe the sensation during a laser tattoo removal treatment as akin to a rubber band snapping against the skin combined with heat. Without proper pain control tattoo removal can be very uncomfortable. At The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York, NY we stress making the tattoo removal experience as comfortable as possible. We combine prescription strength numbing creams, numbing injections, and chilled air from a Zimmer Cooler device to make the treatment as comfortable as possible.
The Science Behind Laser Tattoo Removal - How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
Laser tattoo removal relies on the concept of selective photothermolysis. This is a process in which specific wavelengths of laser light are tuned to target particular molecules in the skin. This scientific concept refers to the absorption of different wavelengths of laser light by tattoo ink of varying colors, facilitating the destruction of the ink. The laser technology used in this treatment breaks down the ink in the deep layers of the skin, allowing the body’s immune system to metabolize the ink pigment and consequently reduce the visibility of the tattoo.
Interestingly, black pigment is the most straightforward to treat in laser tattoo removal due to its absorption of all laser wavelengths. Once the laser breaks down the tattoo ink into minute particles, they are eliminated from the skin through the immune system via blood vessels and the lymphatic system. The PicoWay laser and PicoSure laser have innovative technologies providing a safe and effective method to erase unwanted ink.
After a chemical peel, your skin may feel tight and slightly red, similar to a mild sunburn. Over the next few days, you will likely experience some peeling as the dead skin sheds, revealing fresher, smoother skin. Post-treatment care typically includes keeping the skin moisturized and protected from the sun. Recovery time varies depending on the depth of the peel, with lighter peels requiring minimal downtime and deeper peels requiring a week or more.
PicoWay Laser
In the realm of laser tattoo removal, the PicoWay laser has emerged as a game changer. This technology utilizes photomechanical Pressure Wave technology to break down even the most minute-targeted ink particles. It works by shattering the tattoo ink into dust-like particles that can be readily eliminated by the body. This cutting-edge technology has revolutionized the tattoo removal industry by offering faster results with fewer treatments compared to traditional lasers. There are hand-pieces that are specifically designed for black, red, green and blue inks. For other colors the hand-piece that is closest in its target color is selected. For example, for orange ink we would use the hand-piece designed for red ink.
While some temporary side effects such as bruising, redness, crusting, or blistering may occur, these typically dissipate within a week. The advanced PicoWay technology used in our office ensures a safe and efficient tattoo removal experience across different skin tones and tattoo colors.
Microneedling Add-On at our Upper East Side Office
To remove tattoo ink more effectively we supplement laser treatment with medical microneedling during our tattoo removal sessions. Medical microneedling creates more of the necessary inflammation to clear the ink from the unwanted tattoo and also helps restore skin texture and skin tone more quickly to the treatment area. We do not charge extra for this additional step in our treatment session. With the steps we take to ensure comfort, our most cutting-edge technology, and the addition of medical microneedling, we are confident that we offer the best tattoo removal in New York City.
Factors Affecting Tattoo Removal Success
Just as each tattoo is unique, so is each tattoo removal procedure. Various factors can influence the success of laser tattoo removal, including the age, size, location, and color of the tattoo, as well as the patient’s skin type and overall health. Understanding these factors can help set realistic expectations for the treatment outcome, as tattoo removal depends on these variables.
Older tattoos, for instance, can often be easier to remove if they have faded. Interestingly they can also sometimes be more difficult to remove as the ink has had more time to settle into the skin. Dr. Arash Akhavan can assess the tattoo and provide his expert opinion about your particular case. On average, at our dermatology office we find that for black ink tattoos on lighter skin tones, approximately 5 sessions are required to remove tattoos with the PicoWay or Picosure laser.
Tattoo Location and Color
The location of a tattoo can significantly impact its removal process. Tattoos located on extremities or with specific colors may be more difficult to remove. However, thanks to the advanced PicoWay technology, a broad range of tattoo colors can be effectively treated. We switched to the more advanced PicoWay laser from our previous PicoSure laser.
The color of a tattoo can also influence the success of its removal. Black ink is the easiest to remove. More deeply inked tattoos are more difficult to remove because they absorb more laser energy, making it difficult to break up the ink particles. But with the expertise of a board-certified handling your treatment, these challenges can be successfully navigated to achieve the desired results.
Preparing for Your Tattoo Removal Session
Before you embark on your tattoo removal journey, proper preparation is essential. Make sure to select a Board Certified Dermatologist for your treatment ensuring unsurpassed knowledge about the skin, laser treatments, and laser tattoo removal. Expect a thorough consultation and assessment by Dr. Akhavan. During preliminary appointments, it’s crucial to disclose any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors that could affect the treatment outcomes.
Consultation and Assessment
During the consultation, board-certified dermatologist Arash Akhavan, MD will evaluate your tattoo and skin type and develop a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs.
Based on the density of the ink, the variety of colors, your skin tone, and other factors, Dr. Arash Akhavan will be able to give you an estimate of how many sessions will be needed for effective removal.
Pre-Treatment
Before your tattoo removal procedure, it’s essential to prepare your skin properly. This includes removing any makeup lotion or sunscreen and cleaning your skin.
A prescription-strength numbing cream is then applied to your skin. We then use a very cold air blower called a Zimmer Cooler while injecting the area with numbing injections. This ensures that the procedure is as comfortable as possible allowing us to effectively treat the area.
Laser Tattoo Removal
At our office in the Upper East Side, we use the advanced PicoWay picosecond laser system to treat tattoos. Once the area is numbed, Dr. Akhavan will treat the area with the PicoWay (we have switched to the more advanced PicoWay from our older PicoSure Laser). For a typical tattoo that is palm-sized or smaller, the entire tattoo is treated in just a few minutes. After laser, we use medical microneedling to treat the area further. This additional step has been shown to improve how effectively the tattoo ink is removed and also helps the treated skin to return back to normal more quickly.
Aftercare and Recovery from Tattoo Removal
After the laser procedure, the skin over the tattoo is typically slightly crusted, red, swollen, and may be blistered in areas. Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure optimal results and minimize potential side effects. Dr. Arash Akhavan and the staff at The Dermatology and Laser Group will provide you with a set of aftercare instructions to follow, including keeping the treated area clean, applying ointments, keeping the area covered, and avoiding sun exposure.
While these side effects are usually mild and temporary, it’s essential to monitor the treated area for any signs of infection or complications. If you notice any unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us. After the skin has returned back to normal, typically in 1-2 weeks, no further care is necessary, except be sure to protect the skin from the sun with sunscreen.
Dr. Akhavan will discuss the appropriate time for you to come back for your next session. The follow-up treatment appointments are typically scheduled 6 weeks to 4 months apart.
Common Side Effects
Like any other medical procedure, laser tattoo removal can come with potential side effects. However, these are typically mild and temporary. Following the procedure, you may experience swelling, blistering, scabbing, redness, tenderness, and itching. These are common reactions to the laser and should subside within a few days.
Post-Treatment Skin Care
Following your laser tattoo removal session, it’s crucial to take good care of your skin to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of side effects. This includes keeping the treated area clean and dry and avoiding harsh soaps or cleansers on the area. It’s also recommended to abstain from using any perfumed products or lotions on the treated area.
It’s also important to protect the treated area from sun exposure. You should apply sunscreen with an SPF 50 to the treatment sites in between sessions and reapply it every 90 minutes if you are exposed to the sun for an extended period of time.
Following these post-treatment skin care tips will help ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
Laser Tattoo Removal Costs in NYC
When considering laser tattoo removal, one of the main factors to consider is the laser tattoo removal cost. The tattoo removal cost in our NYC office is determined by the size of the tattoo, as well as the number of sessions required. The cost of a laser tattoo removal session starts at $800 per session for tattoos under 20 square cm.
The number of sessions needed will depend on the color of the tattoo, the density of the ink, and skin tone. We can give you an estimate of the number of sessions needed at your consultation.
Patient Testimonials and Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of removing a tattoo in our NYC office starts at $800 per session.
The short answer is it depends. Sometimes older tattoos are easier to remove than new ones since they have already begun to fade over time and their pigment particles have become more susceptible to disruption.
However, at other times, newer tattoos have the ink particles more accessible at the surface of the skin, making them easier to treat with a laser.
Yes, a fresh tattoo can be removed, but it’s best to wait until it has completely healed, which usually takes a few weeks after getting the tattoo.
This will help ensure that your skin isn’t damaged during the removal process.
Laser tattoo removal works by breaking up the pigments of the ink with laser energy, allowing the body’s natural immune system to eliminate them.
The laser energy is delivered in short pulses, which target the ink particles without damaging the surrounding skin. The body’s natural immune system then works to flush out the ink particles, resulting in a fading of the tattoo.
Successful laser tattoo removal depends on several factors, including age, size, location, color of the tattoo, patient’s skin type, and ink density.
