Remove or fade your tattoos without scarring or objectionable discomfort at Strimling Dermatology, Laser & Vein Institute, providers of state-of-the-art laser tattoo removal in Las Vegas, NV.
For laser tattoo removal, we use the best-in-class multi wavelength Discovery PICO/Q-switched 1064/532/694 nm Nd:YAG and Ruby Lasers. This multi-wavelength multi-laser permits safe and effective treatment of all tattoo colors at our Las Vegas laser tattoo removal center/clinic.
Laser tattoo removal at Strimling Dermatology, Laser & Vein Institute is effective, painless, safe, affordable, convenient, easy and quick. Incredibly, PICO/Q-switched laser tattoo removal is the only tattoo removal method capable of erasing tattoo(s) without visible or objectionable scarring. PICO / Q-switched lasers utilize the ideal parameters for scarless tattoo removal. Laser energy, directed at the tattoo for a fraction of a second, passes harmlessly through your skin and targets the tattoo ink. This laser energy fragments the tattoo ink into many, much smaller microparticles, which your immune system absorbs, removes and breaks down naturally.
Alternative removal methods include dermabrasion/salabrasion, chemical peels, other laser and laser-like devices and topical acid-based creams; all of which are less effective and / or cause scarring. On occasion, excision of your tattoo may be preferred or recommended instead of laser tattoo removal.
After your first treatment, expect pinpoint bleeding and/or a white debris that fades to red before gradually healing to normal over about 5-10 days. You may notice some fading of your tattoo at this point, but typically fading is a gradual, slow, variable process that requires 6-8 weeks or more. Sometimes, several treatments are required until visible fading of your tattoo is apparent. Repeat treatments at 6-8 week intervals cause less pinpoint bleeding or none, accompanied by additional, yet gradual, slow, variable tattoo fading.
Laser tattoo removal may cause minimal discomfort during the treatment. However, any tolerable discomfort experienced during your treatment typically abates quickly after the laser treatment is finished. Most treatments can be accomplished within 15-20 minutes. Numbing cream and/or injectable local anesthesia is available, if needed. In summary, we can make your laser tattoo removal experience entirely pain-free for your comfort.
Multiple laser treatment sessions (3-12 or more) are required for satisfactory removal. However, fewer treatments may be needed for fading to allow re-tattooing. Many known and unknown factors affect the number of treatments required. Usually, amateur tattoos require 3-8 or more treatments; while professional tattoos may require 6-12 or more. (Professional tattoos usually contain more, heavier and deeper ink.) The more, the heavier and the deeper the ink, the more treatments needed. Therefore, re-tattooed or layered tattoos require more treatments. Darker skin types and multicolored tattoos require more treatments. An intact, functioning immune system is necessary and thus, affects removal. Tattoos located on distal extremities may require more treatments.
Blues, blacks, browns and similar darker colors are more easily removed. Oranges and reds usually respond well also. Our 694 nm Ruby Laser treats resistant blues and greens, turquoise and other related shades of colors. Certain colors, including some shades of purples, pinks, yellow and white may not respond as well or may not be completely removable. Many light (skin colored) or pink to red colored permanent makeup inks have metallic bases that oxidize with laser contact and paradoxically darken and are therefore best avoided, especially if on one’s face. Oxidized (darkened) permanent makeup ink particles may be difficult to remove. So, a red lip liner can turn black with the first laser treatment. However, a small test spot may be tried first to determine tissue response. Tattooed eyeliner is too close to the eyes to be safely removed. Permanent eyebrow ink may migrate up the forehead causing a shadow effect after laser treatment, and therefore, may be better treated by excisional removal.
Also, some tattoos do not respond as anticipated and will not completely fade. Sometimes, a removed tattoo reveals previously hidden underlying scarring related to the original tattooing process.
When planning laser tattoo removal, minimize sun exposure (or wear SPF 30 sunblock) to the area/s to be treated for 2 weeks before, during and after the entire duration of treatment sessions or until satisfactorily removed or faded. Excessive sun exposure (including sunburn or suntan) can promote side effects and block the effectiveness of the laser tattoo removal treatment process. Remove any topically-applied suntan products by exfoliation prior treatment. Avoid aspirin-containing medications and Alleve for one week before treatment, and avoid Motrin and ibuprofen for 3 days before treatment, if possible. You may resume most activities soon after treatment, provided you ensure the treated area(s) are not traumatized, rubbed or scratched. Follow our recommended laser tattoo removal instructions (downloadable below) for best results.
Otherwise few contraindications exist, including, but not limited to:
- active or chronic infectious diseases (i.e. HIV+ / AIDS, Hepatitis)
- active skin infection or disease at or near the treatment site(s)
- conditions/disease states that may promote infections or poor healing
- Accutane use within the last 6-12 months
- pregnancy or nursing
At our laser tattoo removal clinic, all patient skin types are candidates; however, very dark skin type patients may require a test spot first to evaluate tissue response.
Price quotes are by appointment, but range from $200 and up per treatment. Visit our Laser Tattoo Removal Prices page (link to tattoo removal prices page) for our square inch pricing, package pricing and more information about our tattoo removal charge policies.
Treatments are recommended every 6-8 weeks until satisfactory clearance or failure to further improve after several or more treatments. 6-8 weeks is the minimum required time for your body’s immune system to absorb and destroy the fractured tattoo ink particles after laser treatment and to permit adequate, healthy healing.
If you are planning Laser Tattoo Removal in Las Vegas with us, or, for more detailed information, or aftercare, please download our:
Laser Tattoo Removal Information, Instructions & Informed Consent forms
We are the Laser Tattoo Removal Experts in Las Vegas.
Dr. Strimling has been performing q-switched laser tattoo removal since 1992 and collectively our doctors have over 50 years experience in laser tattoo removal. To our knowledge, no other Las Vegas physicians or providers of tattoo removal have our collective years of experience in laser tattoo removal.
Discovery PICO Laser is the most powerful PICO / Q-switched tattoo removal laser in its class, which means you get the Best Results in the Fewest Treatments. We have 3 different laser wavelengths and two lasers that allow us to treat all ink colors. Although other tattoo removal lasers are adequate treatment devices, our powerful, versatile and fast Discovery PICO Laser makes for more effective, faster and more comfortable laser tattoo removal.
Contact us at info@strimderm.com or call us at (702) 243-6400 to schedule a laser tattoo removal consultation with one of our experienced cosmetic laser specialists.
Pigmented Lesion Removal, Melasma & Other Indications that are treatable with our Discovery PICO Laser
Our Discovery PICO laser is also the gold standard for precise removal of a variety of epidermal or dermal pigmented (i.e. tan to brown) lesions with minimal to no discomfort. Epidermal (i.e. superficial skin) lesions include freckles, lentigines (lentigos), flat benign keratoses, café au lait macules and nevus spilus. Dermal (i.e. deeper skin) lesions include blue nevi, nevus of Ito & Ota, and acquired nevus of Ota-like macules (aka ABNOM / Hori’s nevus).
Melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) are conditions characterized by varying degrees of both epidermal and dermal pigmentation. Although most PIH usually responds well to prescription strength topical skincare, melasma, on the other hand, is particularly difficult and prone to recur. Laser toning (& Soft Peels) with our Discovery PICO laser is the laser of choice for treating melasma. Painless, effective, no downtime laser toning (& Soft Peels) achieve satisfactory improvement or remission in most patients.
PICO Laser Peel is an effective, no downtime skin rejuvenation laser peel exclusive to our Discovery PICO laser. PICO laser peel addresses skin rejuvenation / photoaging / fine lines, dyschromias (unwanted red and brown discolorations), acne and acne scars. PICO peel also improves enlarged pores and lightens unwanted dark hairs.
The 532 Epidermal Peel is another Discovery PICO laser skin rejuvenation procedure that is slightly more aggressive in peeling than the PICO laser peel; requiring up to a few days of painless healing or more. The 532 Epidermal Peel is contraindicated in darker skin types 3-6. However, lighter skin types 1 & 2 are appropriate candidates. Indications include rosacea, unwanted benign epidermal pigmentation (discoloration) and cutaneous photoaging, in general.
Our Discovery PICO laser can also be used to treat onychomycosis (i.e. nail fungal infections) using the quasi-long pulse duration (Spectra) mode.
At Strimling Dermatology, Laser & Vein Institute of Summerlin, Las Vegas; PICO laser treatments for tattoo removal and other uses are supervised by board certified Dr. Robert Strimling, MD. With over 25 years experience, our “Award Winning Cosmetic Surgeon” Dr. Strimling is one of the most experienced cosmetic laser dermatologists in Las Vegas.
Strimling Dermatology, Laser & Vein Institute of Summerlin, Las Vegas treats patients not only from all over the Clark County valley and nearby areas, but also, nationally and internationally.
Contact us at info@strimderm.com or call us at (702) 243-6400 to schedule a personalized consultation with one of our experienced cosmetic laser specialists.