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Tattoo Removal
Laser treatments can remove unwanted tattoos without surgery or extensive downtime. At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania, our board-certified dermatologists use the most advanced laser devices to eliminate any shade of body ink.
- Downtime: Minimal
- Pain Level: Minimal
- Results Duration: Permanent
Treats:
Unwanted tattoo ink
Side Effects:
Tenderness, redness, and scabbing that lessens with each treatment
Location:
Used on the face and body
Follow Up:
Most patients require a series of treatments
How Performed:
Handpiece delivers laser energy to the unwanted tattoo to break up pigment in the ink
Preparation:
Topical anesthetic is available prior to treatment
Procedure Type:
Laser
Expected Outcome:
Elimination of unwanted tattoo ink
Onset:
Full results appear after final treatment
Tattoo Removal

A tattoo you once loved doesn’t always hold the same shine as you age. If you’re no longer happy with your tattoo, laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective treatment to permanently get rid of unwanted ink. After a series of quick, comfortable treatments, your tattoo will fade, leaving behind clear skin.
Laser tattoo removal requires expert precision to prevent damage to the skin. At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania in the greater Philadelphia area on the Main Line in Devon, Jordan V. Wang, MD, MBE, MBA and our team of board-certified dermatologists have advanced training in all types of laser therapy, including tattoo removal. Our expert team can eliminate your unwanted tattoo in the safest way possible with minimal downtime.
How does tattoo removal work?
At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania, our board-certified dermatologists use the state-of-the-art PicoPlus® picosecond laser to break up and remove unwanted tattoo pigment. The high-energy device operates at two wavelengths (532nm and 1064nm) to effectively eliminate tattoos.
Unlike single wavelength devices, the PicoPlus combines nanosecond and picosecond wavelengths to shatter tattoo ink. With only microscopic particles left behind, the body can safely eliminate them through your normal lymphatic system.
This powerful laser offers enhanced control and precision to target tattoo ink of various colors without damaging the surrounding tissue. In this way, the PicoPlus laser can remove unwanted tattoos with fewer treatments than less powerful and single wavelength devices.
What treatments are available for tattoo removal?
PicoPlus is the most common type of laser we use at our facility to remove unwanted tattoos. However, our Fraxel Dual® device can often help to eliminate remnants of ink. After a careful evaluation from one of our board-certified dermatologists, your physician can determine the appropriate combination of treatments to remove your tattoo.
Click here to learn more about available treatments for tattoo removal.
What can I expect from my treatment?
Our dermatologists prioritize patient comfort and safety. We offer topical and local anesthetics prior to treatment to ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible. Once the treatment area is sufficiently numb, your dermatologist precisely directs the device toward the tattoo pigment to break it up into microscopic particles without harming the surrounding tissue. How long your treatment session takes depends on the size and color of your tattoo.
Does laser tattoo removal work on all skin tones?
At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania, our dermatologists perform comprehensive evaluations before performing laser tattoo removal. In general, removing tattoos from darker skin tones is more challenging than their fairer counterparts. However, we always create individualized treatment plans to ensure your tattoo is removed in the quickest, safest way possible.
What are the side effects of laser tattoo removal?
Common side effects of laser tattoo removal include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bruising
- Scabbing
- Tenderness
- Irregular pigmentation
- Blistering
While most of these side effects should subside within 1-5 days, blistering and scabbing can persist for up to one week after treatment.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Applying a topical or local anesthetic before treatment helps to minimize discomfort during laser tattoo removal. Most patients compare the sensation to the feeling of snapping a rubber band against the skin or feel nothing at all. Laser tattoo removal at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania should feel comfortable compared to more invasive methods.
When will I see results?
Permanent removal of a tattoo typically takes a few treatments, with sessions spaced around 4-6 weeks apart. At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania, our physicians use a powerful, state-of-the-art picosecond laser, which can offer effective results.
Can men undergo laser tattoo removal?
Yes. At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania, our board-certified dermatologists frequently perform laser tattoo removal treatments on men. We customize each treatment plan to ensure our patients are satisfied with their results. Our team understands the unique differences between male and female skin in terms of tone and texture, and we take these differences into account with each treatment.
Publications
Suggs AK, Wang JV, Friedman PM. Experiences with corrective laser tattoo removal: Dangers of nonphysician operators. Dermatol Surg 2021;47(7):1035-7.
Sodha P, Wang JV, Friedman PM. Acoustic shockwave therapy as an adjunct to picosecond laser for multi-colored tattoo removal: A procedural overview and case series. Dermatol Surg. (In Review).
Tattoo Removal
FAQ
Q: Is Tattoo Removal Safe?
A: Yes. Every device we use to treat our patients is FDA-approved. Our dermatologists undergo rigorous training to become experts in the field of cosmetic dermatology, so our patients can rest assured that they’re receiving high-quality care.
Q: Who Performs Tattoo Removal Treatments?
A: All of our tattoo removal procedures are performed by board-certified dermatologists with extensive training in using laser and energy-based devices. Our dermatologists are leaders in the field of cosmetic dermatology and are frequently sought out for their expertise.
Q: Are There Any Side Effects?
A: Redness, tenderness, bruising, scabbing, and blistering are common side effects of laser tattoo removal. Most side effects subside within 1-5 days, but scabbing and blistering may take up to one week to heal.
Q: What Is Involved In Removing A Tattoo?
A: Removing a tattoo typically requires multiple sessions spaced out over several weeks. Certain pigments are more difficult to remove than others, and larger tattoos can take even longer. Our team will assess your tattoo and skin to determine how many treatments you will need, as well as which devices will work best.
Q: Is Tattoo Removal Right for Me?
A: The best candidates for laser tattoo removal are individuals who are unhappy with their tattoos. Our physicians will discuss your treatment options at your initial consultation.
Q: Will Your Tattoo Removal Service Fully Remove My Tattoo?
A: Most tattoos can be fully removed through a series of laser treatments. Although some are more difficult to remove than others, our physicians can safely remove your tattoo with their expert precision and state-of-the-art devices.
Q: How Many Treatments Will I Need?
A: Most patients require a minimum of 4 treatments to effectively remove unwanted tattoos. How many treatments you need depends entirely on the color and size of your tattoo, as well as the type of tattoo ink.
Q: How Long Is A Tattoo Removal Session?
A: Tattoo removal typically takes about 30 minutes to one hour to complete, depending on the size and color of the tattoo.
Q: What Will I Look Like After Treatment?
A: Initially, your skin is likely to appear red and tender after treatment, similar to a sunburn. Fortunately, these side effects should disappear within a couple of days. Individuals with darker skin tones can expect some minor pigmentation changes, but the effects are generally temporary.
What Is the Largest Tattoo You Can Remove?
A: While our dermatologists can remove tattoos of any size, larger tattoos always take longer to remove than smaller treatment areas.
patient approved
Trusted Worldwide
Our dermatology center in the greater Philadelphia area on the Main Line in Devon, which spans more than 8,000 square feet, is a comprehensive cosmetic and medical dermatology facility. Our board-certified dermatologists are leaders in the industry who have trained under distinguished physicians to provide our patients with cutting-edge care.
Title | Address | Description |
---|---|---|
Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania | 92 Lancaster Ave #120, Devon, PA 19333, USA | 92 Lancaster Avenue, Suite 120, Devon, PA 19333 Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 7:30pm Saturday & Sunday: September through June as needed
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laser & skin
surgery center of Pennsylvania
Contact us
92 Lancaster Avenue, Suite 120, Devon, PA 19333
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Limited Saturdays: 8:00am - 12:00pm
(215) 309-8123
Manhattan:
92 Lancaster Avenue, Suite 120, Devon, PA 19333
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 7:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: September through June by appointment only
Southampton:
325 Meeting House Lane, Bldg. 1, Ste. C Southampton, NY 11968
Monday - Wednesday, Friday: 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Patient Visits Before 8/23:
Patient Visits After 8/23:
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