Tattoo Removal in Orange County, CA

The decision to remove a tattoo may not be an easy one. Whether it is for professional purposes, to remove symbols of your past, or to correct an artistic change of heart, there is no one reason that people come to GentleCare Laser Aesthetics for tattoo removal. Some people want their tattoo completely gone, while others prefer to lighten the tattoo with a few treatments in preparation for a cover-up. We make the process of fading or complete removal as safe, painless and as affordable as possible.

Tattoo Removal Methods

Older methods of tattoo removal involved burning, scraping or cutting out the tattoo. Older lasers work by burning rather than fading tattoos. The resulting scar was frequently worse than the original tattoo. Q-switched lasers are better because they remove the tattoo while minimizing damage to the skin. They work by causing the ink in the skin to “fracture”. These smaller ink particles are then removed by the body’s immune system. The tattoo is faded gradually with each treatment, so multiple treatments are required.

Laser Tattoo Removal Process

Realistic time frame, number and frequency of treatments
Professional tattoos require between 5 and 15 treatments
Amateur tattoos take between 1 and 5 treatments
Tattoo treatments should be every 6-12 weeks for skin types I-III (Caucasian – Asian) and every 8-12 weeks for types IV-VI (Mediterranean, indian – african/african american)
Tattoos will continue to break down and get lighter in between treatments.
New tattoos should not be treated for at least 6 weeks to prevent scarring.

Before & After pictures

Click here to view before and after pictures

FAQ's

How does laser tattoo removal work?

The decision to remove a tattoo may not be an easy one. Whether it is for professional purposes, to remove symbols of your past, or to correct an artistic change of heart, there is no one reason that people come to Gentle Care Laser Aesthetics for tattoo removal. Some people want their tattoo completely gone, while others prefer to lighten the tattoo with a few treatments in preparation for a cover-up. We make the process of fading or complete removal as safe, painless and as affordable as possible.^*

Older methods of tattoo removal involved burning, scraping or cutting out the tattoo. Older lasers work by burning rather than fading tattoos. The resulting scar was frequently worse than the original tattoo. Q-switched lasers are better because they remove the tattoo while minimizing damage to the skin. They work by causing the ink in the skin to "fracture". These smaller ink particles are then removed by the body's immune system. The tattoo is faded gradually with each treatment, so multiple treatments are required.^*

What makes our lasers unique for tattoo removal?

While there may be alternative methods for removing your tattoo, the only laser that has been proven effective is a Q-switched Laser. This laser is great for removing black, red, brown, blue and green inks.

Will the laser tattoo removal hurt?

The discomfort of laser tattoo removal is often described as a "rubber band snapping the skin" but can vary from patient to patient. We do our utmost to minimize any pain or discomfort possible. We use a Zimmer Chiller (cold air blower) to cool the area being treated. ^*We may also offer a high-strength topical numbing cream which is highly effective.

^*Numbing Cream may not be available to certain patients with various medical conditions.

How much will laser tattoo removal cost?

During your consultation, we will measure your tattoo so that you can know exactly what the cost per treatment will be. For very large tattoos, such as sleeves, per square inch pricing does not apply, and we will give you a custom price based on the complexity and size of the tattoo. There are periodic monthly specials for tattoo removal on our site, as well as on our email newsletter and Facebook page, so please keep an eye out.

How many treatments does it take to remove a tattoo?

Every tattoo responds differently due to a number of variables. There are variations in ink colors and their chemical compositions, depth and density of ink placement, skin type and individual immune system factors. Predicting how many treatments any particular tattoo will require is an educated guess. However, in general, faded, amateur tattoos that are black can come off in as little as 3 treatments, whereas professional tattoos can take more than a dozen and some are not completely removable.

How frequently can I return for more treatments?

Tattoo fading is a slow process and depends on participation by your body's immune system to work. We recommend that you wait at least 6-8 weeks to get the greatest value from each laser treatment.^*

What is the aftercare like?

During your laser treatment, your tattoo may turn white briefly. It then swells somewhat and may turn red, but this usually lasts only a few hours. It is important to keep that tattoo covered with ointment and a bandage for the first day. Usually, it feels like a mild sunburn and does not hurt unless rubbed against. Between your treatments, it is important to keep the tattoo covered from the sun to prevent hyperpigmentation (darkening). You will receive detailed instructions during your appointment.

Is there a risk of scarring?

The type of laser used for tattoo removal does not typically leave scars, although there is a small chance of this. You should inform our doctor or Nurse if you have a tendency to form abnormal scars or keloids.