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In the past, tattoos were removed through methods such as dermabrasion, salabrasion, cryosurgery, or acid injections. All of these approaches left either serious scarring on the skin or unpigmented, "blotchy" areas where the tattoo used to be.

But now laser technology is being used to remove unwanted tattoos. Many doctors, dermatologists & cosmetic surgeons are using laser treatments to remove tattoo pigments & ink. Lasers offer an advantage by reducing the risk of scarring, reducing recovery time & offering better results.

In many cases, the tattoo will completely disappear. Greater than 95% fading of the tattoo may be accomplished with laser treatments. However, it is very important to know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide today, none of which are regulated by the FDA. Not knowing which tattoo ink, how deep or how much was used, makes it impossible for the physician to predict the degree of removal on any given tattoo.

Often times, it is the color of the tatoo itself that determines the success of the laser removal procedure. The type of laser used to remove a tattoo depends on the tattoo's pigment colors. The Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser has become the standard laser for tattoo removal. This laser effectively removes black, blue, purple and red tattoo pigment. The VersaPulse laser combines four lasers in one unit, including three proven Q-switched lasers (Q-switched ND:YAG, Q-switched Alexandrite, and Q-switched FD ND:YAG) and is shown effective in treating all ink colors including yellow and green, typically the hardest colors to remove. The Medlite IV laser also combines laser technology & is effiective for multiple colors of tattoo ink.

LaserAway is a medical facility located on Wilshire Blvd that offers tattoo removal. LaserAway uses the Ruby laser for effective tattoo removal. The Ruby laser is very good at removing black and blue tattoo ink with minimum scarring. However, the laser is not as effective on green or red tatto inks.

Dr. Ava T. Shamban also offers laser tattoo removal in the Santa Monica area. Dr. Shamban uses the similar Candela Q-Switched Ruby Laser for tattoo removal. In addition, they feature the Photoderm Light System which is effective in the removal of blue & green tattoo inks.