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.
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology now offers easy online booking to make scheduling quick and easy for our patients!
TotalTat³ for Tattoo Removal and Lip Blushing
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.
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 cosmetic dermatology office.
Which lasers are used for tattoo removal?
The type of laser used depends on the color of the ink. 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.
We combine lasers for our revolutionary TotalTat³ treatment, which allows us to remove even stubborn ink colors more thoroughly and with fewer treatment sessions.
These cutting-edge systems are the most advanced available, producing amazing results in fewer treatments!
- PicoSure
- PicoWay
- 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.
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 office today.
What to Expect
We perform tattoo removal at our San Diego cosmetic dermatology office, ensuring efficient and advanced procedures with the latest laser technology for optimal results and patient satisfaction. Our board-certified dermatologists collaborate with each patient to develop a personalized tattoo removal plan that aligns with their unique skin needs and aesthetic goals, fostering a comprehensive and tailored approach to the process.
Preparing for tattoo removal
Most patients find tattoo removal to be quite tolerable. However, we can use intralesional local anesthesia with lidocaine for patients concerned about their comfort level. Eye shields also protect your eyes from the laser light.
During your tattoo removal procedure
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. During the procedure, 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.
Expected tattoo removal treatment time
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 tattoo removal
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.
Number of tattoo removal treatments
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. Laser treatments are spaced out every 4-6 weeks to ensure total healing between procedures and maximum results.
Please read our treatment guidelines here.
Photos
PicoWay laser to remove arm tattoo by Dr. Wu
Laser treatment to remove tattoo by Dr. Groff
Before and after laser tattoo removal by Dr. Groff
Tattoo Removal by Dr. Monica Boen
Tattoo Removal by Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman
Picoway laser for tattoo removal by Dr. Groff
PicoWay 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 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
TotalTat³™ - Cosmetic Laser Dermatology's Proprietary Tattoo Removal Treatment
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?
Laser energy is directed at the art, passing harmlessly through the outer layers of the skin and directly targeting the ink. The ink is disrupted, allowing your body to absorb it, break it down naturally, and remove the tattoo.
Q: What types of tattoos can be removed?
We are able to remove any type because we have various lasers. Different treatments are able to remove different colors. Our office is fully equipped with everything needed to remove all colors, shapes, and sizes.
Q: Are certain colors easier to remove than others?
Yes, certain colors respond quicker to elimination. For example, black, red, dark orange, and dark blue are the easiest and fastest to remove. Green, purple, brown, light orange, and light blue may require more visits. The depth of the tattoo will also determine how many treatments are needed, as well as the type of ink used. Lastly, your skin tone will play a part in how fast the laser works. Lighter skin tones typically have a higher success rate.
Q: How many treatments will I need?
During your consultation, one of our board-certified dermatologists will estimate the number of treatments you will need. As every person is unique, every tattoo is unique, but most take between 3-5 treatments to remove, each 4-6 weeks apart.
Q: Will the tattoo completely disappear?
In most cases, it will completely disappear. The ability to completely remove body art depends on several factors, including size, location, how long you have had it for, etc.
Q: How much downtime is required?
The aftercare is minimal. You are able to return to your daily activities immediately after the treatment. However, you should keep the treated areas out of the sun for a few days and wear a good sunscreen.
Q: Will I have scars?
After the removal of a tattoo most patients will not scar, however scarring is possible with any medical procedure. Compliance with our detailed aftercare instructions will reduce your chances of scarring.
Q: Can I remove only part of a tattoo?
Yes, our lasers are very accurate so we can remove just a portion if you wish.
Q: Can I remove permanent makeup?
Yes. Cosmetic ink is different than the ink used in body tattoos, but we have the correct lasers to effectively remove permanent make-up. Our TotalTat³ procedure can also remove cosmetic ink from lip blushing. While lip blushing promises to enhance the pigment of the lips, it can also lead to infection and deformities. Unfortunately, the ink used for lip blushing is not FDA-approved, so removal is often necessary to preserve the shape and color of the lips. Our board-certified dermatologists have extensive experience in ink removal from lip blushing.
Q: Is it painful?
The pain associated with removing a tattoo is very tolerable. Most patients describe the feeling as similar to a rubber band snapping on the skin. A numbing cream can be applied prior to the treatment. When our San Diego dermatologists treat a sensitive area, a local anesthetic may be used.
Q: Are there any side effects of laser tattoo removal?
Laser tattoo removal side effects are generally very minimal but may include hyperpigmentation (an abundance of color in the skin around the treatment site) or hypopigmentation (treatment area becomes lighter than your normal skin color).
Q: How much does it cost?
Prices vary from patient to patient and depend on the size, color, and location of the tattoo. To find out how much the cost of laser tattoo removal in San Diego will be for you, schedule a consultation with one of our cosmetic dermatologists.
