Laser Tattoo Removal

Using the Hollywood Spectra Q-Switch Laser, in our Midtown Manhattan New York City medical spa, Dr. Alvarez is able to safely and effectively perform laser tattoo removal of almost all tattoos, of every color, on virtually every skin type.  Lasers use a beam of light to significantly lighten or completely remove your tattoo. The laser beam travels through the top layer of the skin, and is absorbed by the ink underneath. The ink is then broken up into tiny fragments that are then are eliminated by your body’s immune system. This process generally takes 3-4 weeks to begin to see lightening, at which point another session may or may not be needed. The larger the tattoo, the more sessions it will take to break down the ink particles. 

Yes, we can numb you during laser tattoo removal in our Midtown Manhattan,New York City medical spa. Because your tattoo removal will be done by a doctor, you have the option of being completely numbed with Lidocaine injections for your procedure. Every tattoo removal we do will be done at the bare minimum with BLT Topical Anesthetic (Benzocaine, Lidocaine, Tetracaine is a combination of topical anesthetics used for topical anesthesia and mild to moderate pain control). In addition, Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas, Pronox) is also available to use during your procedure to ensure comfort. 

The number of treatments required for optimal results with laser tattoo removal depends on the size, location, depth and color of the tattoo. Your immune system will also play a role in how quickly your tattoo will be removed. Treatments should be performed 6 - 8 weeks apart in our Midtown Manhattan, New York City medical spa in order to allow the body to remove the maximum amount of tattoo pigment after each treatment. 

Each session usually takes 15 - 30 minutes. You will continue to see lightening of your tattoo after each treatment as your body disposes of more pigment. 

Most patients will have a 90-100% removal in 6-8 sessions, but this can vary. Some will need less, and some may need more. 

The DESCRIBE® PFD Patch is available only through licensed doctors for laser tattoo removal. Since we are a medical provider in Midtown Manhattan New York City, we are able to offer the  DESCRIBE® PFD Patch by Merz.  

The DESCRIBE Patch works quickly to eliminate that white, bubbly layer, making it possible for Dr. Alvarez to perform up to 4X as many passes per treatment session compared to a traditional treatment. That means less sessions will be necessary for tattoo removal.

The Patch also helps protect your skin from the heat of the laser, which may reduce the likelihood that your skin will be damaged. Less injury can translate into reduced time between treatment sessions, so you are able to get your tattoo removal completed sooner.

Immediately after your treatment, your skin will have a white discoloration, and the area around the tattoo may become reddish and appear swollen. This is normal and will disappear slowly over time. Immediately after treatment, antibacterial ointment, Aftercare from Neocutis, and gauze will be applied to the treated area to minimize infection and speed healing. 

Common side effects of laser tattoo removal are minimal and uncommon in most patients, but don't be alarmed if you find signs of frosting, scabbing, swelling, discomfort, itching, hypo- and hyperpigmentation and blistering.

Blistering is common, and will likely occur within 8 hours after your tattoo removal treatment. Do not be alarmed, blisters heal well and are part of the normal healing process.  Blisters will heal anywhere between 3 and 14 days if properly cared for. Blisters are an indication that your immune system is healing the area and beginning to remove the ink from your tattoo.

As long as you follow proper aftercare instructions, you won’t experience much discomfort  or have any residual effects after sessions. 

Laser Tattoo Removal with our Hollywood Spectra Laser is a simple procedure in our Midtown Manhattan, New York City medical spa . However, following aftercare instructions is key to achieve the best results. Please follow these laser tattoo removal aftercare instructions closely to help you to lower the risk of undesired side effects and poor results. 

After receiving a laser removal treatment, our patients can expect to see some blisters, crusts, or scabs beginning to develop between 8 and 72 hours after the treatment. It is very rare for scarring to occur, and if it does occur, it typically happens due to lack of care between treatments. To ensure that your tattoo removal sessions are moving along quickly and effectively, our office has some aftercare tips that you should take into consideration to best protect and heal your skin.

• Please be sure to use an over the counter antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. We will also recommend you to use Aftercare from Neocutis. It is important that you apply the ointment to your skin three times daily, and to keep your tattoo covered with a bandage for at least 3 days. By doing this, you are protecting your damaged and weak skin from infection. After those three days have passed, you MUST remove the bandage and expose your skin to the air. The air will help heal and dry out the area exposed to the laser and prepare you for the next treatment. If scabbing occurs, you can expect the scabbing to last for 1 to 2 weeks. It is best to keep the area exposed after the first 3 days of treatment regardless of appearance.
• Do not be alarmed by blisters. Blisters can appear 8 hours after your laser tattoo removal treatment. If blisters are part of your healing process and are normally present for 3-14 days.
• You MUST NOT pick scabs, blisters, or crusts that form after your laser tattoo removal treatment. Picking can likely result in scarring or skin damage. Allow your skin to naturally heal itself and for the scabs and crusts to fall off when they are ready. Peeling off scabs that are not ready to be removed can result in infection, scarring, or even pigment discoloration of your skin. We recommend Bio Cream from Neocutis, a moisturiser with growth factors and initially developed to treat burn victims, to help scabs heal quicker and better.
• If you are experiencing any type of discomfort or inflammation after having a tattoo removed you can take over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol and apply an ice pack, 5 minutes on, 5 minutes off, the day of treatment. Most people will not have much of any discomfort. 
• APPLY SUNBLOCK to protect the area of your skin that received treatment for at least 3 months after each session. Do not apply make-up, lotions,  or anything that may irritate the healing area. We strongly recommend Aftercare and Bio Cream from Neocutis, along with a Mineral Sunblock.
• Showering is allowed 4 hours after receiving tattoo removal. However, it is strongly advised that you do not allow high pulsating water to hit the newly treated skin. Taking a hot bath or swimming is not recommended if you have blisters present, as they may burst and get infected by bacteria in the water.
• Please contact us immediately if you are having any intense pain or signs of infection.