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Laser Tattoo Removal

Conveniently located to serve the areas of West Covina, CA

The reasons people have for removing tattoos are as varied as the reasons they wanted their tattoo in the first place. People have applied tattoos to their skin for thousands of years. In ancient times it was customary to rub ash into skin cuts at bereavement ceremonies and tattoos have been found on Egyptian mummies dating back to 4000 B.C. In today’s world, tattoos can be viewed positively or negatively as signs of immaturity and rebelliousness.

No matter how one feels about tattoos, over time the ink particles move deeper into the skin becoming duller and blurred. In the late 1970s, laser tattoo removal became available and it was discovered that tattoo inks absorbed different wavelengths of light. The laser’s selective heating broke up the ink particles and this medical breakthrough changed many lives for the thousands of people living with “tattoo regret.”

Tattoos are often sought to symbolize a special memory or time in our life but in some cases, what once was considered a good idea may not have the same appeal as it did originally. Having a tattoo can cause embarrassment when certain clothes are worn and in some cases, it can even hold a person back from their career. If your tattoo no longer represents who you are, the good news is that laser treatments at Shine Cosmetic Surgery are a reliable solution for permanently removing or lightening tattoos of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Dr. Daniel H. Lin will perform your laser tattoo removal by delivering laser energy into your skin allowing it to absorb the tattoo ink while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.

A laser tattoo removal procedure takes approximately 15-30 minutes and patients commonly report a stinging sensation during their treatment. Afterward, the feeling resembles a mild throbbing and numbing agents or anesthetics can help alleviate the pain if necessary. Since the laser energy breaks up the ink into tiny particles, during the weeks that follow the procedure your body’s natural healing and cleansing process will absorb the ink fragments. Because tattoos are meant to last a lifetime, multiple laser sessions are usually required and the number of treatments needed will depend on the location, size, depth, color, and whether your tattoo was homemade or done professionally. Typically, 5-10 sessions are required and the treatments should be spaced 6-8 weeks apart to give your body time to eliminate the fragments of ink. The risk of scarring from your laser tattoo removal is very low however minor crusting or bleeding may persist for a few days after each treatment. Laser tattoo removal works best on black and other dark colors because they absorb more of the laser energy although lighter-colored tattoos can also be removed or significantly lightened.

Although you may be apprehensive about undergoing laser tattoo removal, it is important to note that it is a very safe and effective procedure.

A laser is a device that generates an intense beam of coherent light that creates a specific tissue reaction depending on the wavelength of laser light it produces. Laser technology has been used to effectively treat cosmetic imperfections in patients for years and the technology is well proven and documented. If you are considering laser tattoo removal, we invite you to contact Shine Cosmetic Surgery so we can schedule a consultation with Dr. Lin to determine if you are a candidate. After your laser tattoo removal, we will give you instructions to promote optimal healing and recovery of your skin and following them will help you achieve the best results so please call today.

*RESULTS MAY VARY

He was so knowledgeable and skillful and clearly an expert surgeon! My results were better than I could have ever imagined.

Dr. Lin is thorough, friendly and honest. He made me comfortable and I would trust him with anything.

He was so knowledgeable and skillful and clearly an expert surgeon! My results were better than I could have ever imagined.

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Nearly 30 percent of the people in the US have at least one tattoo, and among millennials, the figure goes up to almost 50 percent. However, over time, not everyone is happy about their decision to have a permanent tattoo. Up to 25 percent people feel regretful about getting a tattoo at some point.

If you are a part of that 25 percent, then you have some good news. Laser tattoo removal can help eliminate unwanted tattoo with negligible side-effects.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Lin provides laser tattoo removal to patients in West Covina, Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, Pasadena, Diamond Bar and surrounding areas in California.

How Laser Tattoo Removal Works

Targeted lasers eliminate tattoos by disintegrating the pigment colors with a high-intensity light beam. Dark tattoo pigment absorbs the maximum laser wavelengths. For this reason, black tattoo pigment is the easiest to remove. Only specific lasers can treat other colors depending on the pigment.

You should consult with a qualified cosmetic surgery or laser professional who can evaluate the condition of your tattoo and offer advice about its removal. The number of sessions will depend on the size, age, and color of your tattoo. The depth of the tattoo pigment will also determine the removal technique.

You can expect the following while undergoing a laser tattoo removal treatment:

You will be provided with protective eye shields.
The treatment provider will examine the reaction of your skin to the laser to identify the most suitable level of laser treatment.
The provider will use the laser to pass intense light pulses through the uppermost layer of your skin. Only the tattoo pigment will absorb this energy.

Larger tattoos will need a greater level of laser energy to eliminate them. In any case, permanent tattoo removal will take many treatment sessions to obliterate it. The tattoo will become lighter following each treatment session.

Laser tattoo removal procedure will cause some discomfort, but a majority of patients do not require anesthesia. The provider may apply a topical anesthesia cream before the treatment depending on the tattoo’s location.

After the session, immediately apply an ice pack to the treated site to soothe the area. Furthermore, use an antibiotic or ointment and bandage to protect the treated area. Make sure that you apply sun block cream to the treated area when stepping out.

Choose an Experienced Laser Specialist

Laser treatment is often safer than many other tattoo removal methods because laser selectively treats the pigment in the tattoo. And there are very few side effects as long as you choose an experienced provider.

The risk of the following potential side effects will be minimized when you choose a thoroughly trained and experienced laser tattoo removal expert:

The site of the tattoo removal is at-risk for developing an infection. There is also a minor chance of permanent scarring.
Your tattoo will likely not be eliminated entirely. In many instances, the removal of specific colors is more efficient than others. For example, black and blue tattoos are more responsive to treatment.
You may develop hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
Cosmetic tattoos such as eyeliner, lip liner, and eyebrows may become darker after this treatment.

Hard working plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Lin receives patients from West Covina, Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, Pasadena, Diamond Bar and surrounding areas in California and other parts of The Golden State for laser tattoo removal.

Click here to learn more about all the plastic surgery procedures and treatments cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Lin performs for patients in and around Pasadena, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, West Covina, Inland Empire, and San Gabriel Valley. Call today to schedule a consultation 626.810.6165 or click here.