TotalTat³™ – Tattoo Removal
TotalTat³ - Tattoo Removal Overview
TotalTat³™ is the proprietary procedure for laser tattoo removal developed by Cosmetic Laser Dermatology’s board-certified dermatologists. The TotalTat³ system is designed to remove tattoos of any size, color, from any body part, regardless of skin tone.
Lasers are a safe and effective way to get rid of unwanted skin art. Cosmetic Laser Dermatology helped develop the first laser specifically for tattoo removal over 30 years ago and has remained at the forefront of this technology ever since. Since we have multiple lasers we can use for tattoo removal, we can effectively remove or fade ink of almost every color from black to red, green, and blue on any part of the body.
The TotalTat³ procedure is also an effective treatment for removing lip blushing pigment. Lip blushing is a popular medical spa treatment that promises to enhance the pigment of your lips. Unfortunately, the tattoo ink that lip blushing uses is not FDA-approved, leaving you vulnerable to infection and lip deformities. At CLDerm, the board-certified dermatologists have extensive experience in removing pigment from lip blushing gone wrong.
The type of laser used depends on the color of the ink. We combine lasers for our revolutionary TotalTat³ treatment, which allows us to remove even stubborn ink colors more thoroughly and with fewer treatment sessions. In addition, our lasers can treat any skin tone, so even patients with darker skin can have unwanted tattoos safely and effectively removed in our San Diego medical spa. To learn more about laser tattoo removal, please visit ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
Which lasers are used for tattoo removal?
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology is pleased to house a variety of lasers so we can effectively remove any type of tattoo ink with our proprietary TotalTat³ technique. These cutting-edge systems are the most advanced available, producing amazing results in fewer treatments!
- PicoSure Laser
- PicoWay Laser
- PiQo4
- Q-switched Alexandrite
- Q-switched Ruby
- Q-switched Nd: YAG
- Fractionated Accupulse CO2 Laser
The PicoSure, PicoWay, and Accupulse are the three lasers we combine to create our TotalTat³ treatment. We can also add one of our Q-switched lasers if necessary to ensure all our patients enjoy the best possible results in the fewest number of treatment sessions.
We can eliminate most tattoos in just 3-5 sessions. The number of treatments needed depends on the size, color, type of ink used, location, and skin tone. Laser treatments are spaced out every 4-6 weeks to ensure total healing between procedures and maximum results. We use our TotalTat³ technique whether your tattoo is created with black ink or color, so you can be sure you will receive the best possible care no matter what.
Free Radiation Marker Tattoo Removal
If you have undergone radiation therapy for cancer, Cosmetic Laser Dermatology will be happy to remove your radiation marker tattoos free of charge. Many people find that the removal of those small dots helps them to close a chapter in their life and move forward without the constant reminder on their skin. If you have tattoos from radiation therapy that you would like removed, don’t hesitate to contact our medical spa today!
What to Expect
Tattoo removal is performed in our San Diego medical spa. Most patients find the treatment to be quite tolerable. We can use intralesional local anesthesia with lidocaine for patients concerned about their comfort level. Eye shields are also used to protect your eyes from the laser light.
The time for your treatment will vary based on the size of the tattoo. You may feel a brief sensation of heat (similar to grease “splattering” or a rubber band snapping against your skin). We will apply cold air to the skin’s surface as the tattoo is treated to maintain a comfortable temperature on your skin.
After your treatment, you may experience mild skin redness and swelling in the treatment area. Some patients also experience pigment changes, which are usually temporary and resolve on their own over time. We recommend that you keep your treated areas out of direct sunlight and wear sunscreen daily to protect the skin from damage in the weeks following your procedure.
We can repeat your TotalTat³ treatment in 4-6 weeks. Most patients require 3-5 treatment sessions to achieve the best possible result, which is much fewer treatments than other tattoo removal methods require.
Please read our treatment guidelines here.
During your procedure
- To make you more comfortable, we may apply topical numbing ointment or provide local anesthesia prior to your procedure.
- Eye shields will be used to protect your eyes.
- You may feel a brief sensation of heat (similar to grease “splattering” or rubber band “snapping” against your skin).
- Cold air may be applied directly to the skin surface as your tattoo is being treated to help decrease the sensation of heat.
After your procedure:
- You may have a sensation of heat/intense sunburn, which will subside throughout the day. It is okay to take Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
- You may notice a “white frosting” appearance over the treated area. This will subside shortly after treatment.
- It is possible to develop pinpoint bleeding, redness, and mild swelling.
- We will apply ointment and a bandage over your tattoo after the procedure to protect the surface of the skin.
- If needed, apply ice packs (20 min. on and 20 min. off) the day of the procedure. This will help reduce the sensation of heat and help minimize swelling.
- Swelling typically peaks at 48-72 hours. If the laser treatment is being performed on your face, sleeping with your head slightly elevated at night on two or three pillows for the first 2-3 nights will help minimize swelling. If the laser treatment is being done on the lower extremities (arms or legs), elevating these areas throughout the day and when sleeping at night for the first 3-5 nights will help minimize swelling.
- Swelling may vary from patient to patient and from treatment to treatment.
- NO RUBBING, PICKING, OR WIPING THE TREATED AREA.
- It is okay to shower the day of the procedure.
- Gentle cleansing with the fingertips is okay.
- Crusting/scabbing may occur (allow to come off naturally, do not try to remove).
- Apply antibiotic ointment daily until the surface has healed (typically 1-2 weeks).
- Cover treated area with a bandage if it is in a location that will be rubbed or irritated by clothing.
Photos
PicoWay laser to remove arm tattoo by Dr. Wu
PicoWay laser treatment to remove tattoo by Dr. Groff
Laser treatment to remove tattoo by Dr. Groff
PicoWay laser to remove chest tattoo by Dr. Wu
PicoWay laser to remove neck tattoo by Dr. Wu
PicoWay laser to remove tattoo on the neck by Dr. Boen
PicoWay and PicoSure Lasers for Tattoo Removal by Dr. Groff
PicoWay for Laser Tattoo Removal by Dr. Wu
PicoWay laser for tattoo removal by Dr. Groff
PicoWay Laser Treatment to Remove Tattoo by Dr. Groff
PicoSure and PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal by Dr. Groff
Before and after laser tattoo removal by Dr. Groff
Before and after PicoWay laser for tattoo removal by Dr. Goldman
Before and after laser treatment for tattoo removal by Dr. Wu
Before and after Picoway laser treatment for tattoo removal by Dr. Groff
Before and after Picoway laser for tattoo removal by Dr. Groff
Before and after Picoway laser for tattoo removal by Dr. Groff
Videos
Get The Most Dramatic Laser Tattoo Removal Results With TotalTat³ | Douglas Wu, MD, PhD
Safe & Effective Laser Tattoo Removal by a Board-Certified Dermatologist in San Diego, CA
Lumenis Laser Tattoo Removal with Dr. Monica Boen (0:20)
Radiation Tattoo Removal: Dry Skin Remedies (5:03)
Dr. Mitchel Goldman Discusses Laser Tattoo Removal with PicoSure (3:40)
Laser Tattoo Removal by Dr. Wu (2:51)
Tattoo Removal in San Diego (4:01)
San Diego Tattoo Removal: Ruby Laser (0:41)
Dr. Wu Removes Eyeliner Tattoo (0:55)
FAQs
Q: How does tattoo removal work?
Q: What types of tattoos can be removed?
Q: Are certain colors easier to remove than others?
Q: How many treatments will I need?
Q: Will the tattoo completely disappear?
Q: How much downtime is required?
Q: Will I have scars?
Q: Can I remove only part of a tattoo?
Q: Can I remove permanent make-up?
Q: Is it painful?
Q: Are there any side effects of laser tattoo removal?
Q: How much does it cost?
Promotions
For more information about the monthly specials offered at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, visit our Promotions page.
As Seen On
Introducing The SaltFacial® Treatment | Webinar
Lasers, Lasers, Lasers: A Cosmetic Laser Dermatology Webinar With Dr. William Groff
Make Your Bottom Your Top Priority With Cellulite Reduction Treatment in San Diego
Get Instant Results With A Non-Surgical Silhouette InstaLift in San Diego
Cosmetic Procedures & Skincare Options In San Diego | CLD University Webinar
The Best Cosmetic Treatments For Skin Rejuvenation Before The Holidays | Kunal Angra, MD