How Long Does It Take To Remove My Tattoo?

We wish certain things could last forever —  a stunning bouquet of flowers, an artistic masterpiece, and even true love, for example. You may have made what you thought was a permanent — and sound — decision when you got that tattoo you now truly regret.

Relax. There’s a removal option you may not know about that’s safe and comfortable. 

Dr. Sharon Gertzman is highly skilled at tattoo removal with the aid of PicoSureⓇ, a uniquely sophisticated system, and she and our Serenity MedSpa team ensure that you’re informed and at ease before, during, and after the procedure.

How does the PicoSure system work?

PicoSure is exceptional because of the levels of accuracy and speed that Dr. Gertzman can deliver while administering the treatment. Dr. Gertzman uses a handheld device that applies laser-derived energy that obliterates the ink but doesn’t affect any surrounding tissue.

The system is called PicoSure for good reason: the laser that delivers the treatment does so using a trillion pulses per second (you read that right). It’s also known as a picosecond short-pulse laser.

PicoSure is revolutionary because it works in concert with your body as it rids itself of the ink naturally after being absorbed into your lymphatic system. PicoSure is effective on multi-colored ink and even particularly stubborn black, yellow, and orange inks. 

We can also help you if your tattoo is faded and unclear, or if you’ve had an unsuccessful removal experience in the past.

How long does the PicoSure process take?

When you visit us for a PicoSure treatment, Dr. Gertzman applies a topical numbing agent to your tattooed skin, and most patients report that the only discomfort they feel is a quick, snapping sensation, like when a rubber band hits your skin, similar to the tattoo process itself.

The length of each session depends on several factors:

• Tattoo size
• Ink color(s)
• Amount of pigment within the tattoo

Many treatments average just 10 minutes, and most patients require 4-10 sessions. Dr. Gertzman allows 6-8 weeks between treatments and she creates a removal treatment plan that’s designed specifically for you, with you. 

Since PicoSure is such an advanced system, scarring is virtually unheard of, unlike when older systems were used. Some patients experience a temporary whitening of the skin where their tattoo was. 

The time is takes to remove your tattoo is well worth it

Before you come for your treatments, Dr. Gertzman advises that you stay out of the sun for at least two weeks, refrain from using lotions in your tattoo spot, and put on loose, comfortable clothing so she can work freely on your tattoo area. 

She also goes over other lifestyle recommendations and reviews what medications you take. She may counsel you about whether you need to temporarily stop taking any medicine during your course of treatment. 

After treatment, you should be gentle with your skin — don’t use harsh cleansers or tug or pick at the treatment spot, and apply antibiotic ointment. When you do these things, your treatment area heals before you’re due for the next session.

See the results of Dr. Gertzman’s stellar work by visiting our before and after gallery.

Don’t live with an unwanted tattoo

Schedule an appointment with us to discuss PicoSure and how you can address that tattoo you long to say goodbye to. Call our office or make an appointment using our online booking tool.