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Tattoo/Birthmark Removal Specialist

Dermatology Arts

Medical, Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology serving the areas of South Pasadena, Arcadia, San Marino, La Canada - Flintridge, and Los Angeles, CA

For effective tattoo/birthmark removal, you need to target the ink or pigment in a specific way. At Dermatology Arts in South Pasadena and Arcadia, California, the team of dermatology specialists uses MedLite®, a state-of-the-art tattoo removal system from Cynosure®, and Vbeam Perfecta® from Candela® to treat birthmarks. To learn how you can fade your tattoo or birthmark completely away, call either of the offices or book an appointment online now.

Tattoo/Birthmark Removal Q & A

What is tattoo/birthmark removal?

Dermatology Arts uses state-of-the-art technology to remove unwanted tattoo ink and birthmarks. 

Tattoos

For tattoos, the MedLite system from Cynosure uses Q-switched Nd:YAG technology, which includes multiple wavelengths of light. The team can choose the ideal light wavelength according to your specific tattoo. 

The controlled light beams shatter the unwanted ink or pigment into tiny particles. Your own lymphatic system then removes those particles over time. 

Birthmarks

For birthmarks, the team uses the Vbeam Perfecta system from Candela. This innovative system targets unwanted vascular birthmarks by cutting off their blood supply. This then leads to fading and skin clearing.

Dermatology Arts is proud to use industry-leading laser technology to treat tattoos and birthmarks. 

Is tattoo/birthmark removal hard on my skin?

Dermatology Arts uses MedLite because of its excellent results, and also because of its unique energy delivery system. The short-pulse bursts of energy minimize the risk of skin damage and scarring because they affect only the unwanted ink or skin pigment. Your surrounding skin doesn't sustain any damage at all. 

Similarly, the VBeam pulsed dye laser targets only your birthmark while protecting the healthy skin around it. This gives you the results you want without causing unwanted effects. 

How many tattoo/birthmark removal sessions do I need? 

A series of sessions produces the best results. 

Tattoo removal

The exact number of treatment sessions you need can vary with the overall size of your tattoo. The kind of ink, its age, and ink colors can also play a role in determining how many treatment sessions you need. 

Certain colors, like blue and green ink, usually require more treatments while black usually requires less. 

Birthmarks

As with tattoo removal, the number of treatment sessions you need for birthmarks can vary from one person to another. In general, smaller birthmarks may take just a few sessions, while large and deep red port-wine stains may require more sessions. 

With both tattoo and birthmark removal, you'll typically have sessions around once a month. This gives your body time to flush out the ink or close off blood supply to the vascular lesions. 

Does tattoo/birthmark removal require any downtime?

Tattoo and birthmark removal doesn't require any downtime. You may have some skin redness after treatment, but it generally fades within a couple of hours. 

The Dermatology Arts team can give you some specific tips to decrease redness and minimize any minor discomfort you may feel after your treatment sessions. 

How can I prepare for tattoo/birthmark removal?

Dermatology Arts provides specific preparation guidelines before your first session. Generally, the rules include staying out of the sun and avoiding aspirin or ibuprofen prior to your sessions. These medications can increase the risk of bruising after treatment. 

Laser tattoo or birthmark removal can help you to eliminate a marking that you're unhappy with — and it can be much easier than you think. Call Dermatology Arts or click on the provided booking link to arrange your appointment now.