Unwanted Tattoos

A Fresh Start Begins With U

Tattoos are deeply personal, and so is the decision to remove one. Whether you think your old ink no longer fits your personality or you don’t like the way that it looks, your reasons are valid. Modern laser technology can effectively fade unwanted tattoos without the limitations of creams or cover-ups.

Dr. William Umansky and Dr. Jeffrey Umansky are two board-certified plastic surgeons who have served the community by putting together a team of medical providers who offer laser tattoo removal alongside other aesthetic and skincare services in La Jolla and San Diego. At U Laser Med Spa, we put our patients first and work toward helping them feel good in their skin.

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How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

When a tattoo is placed, ink particles are deposited deep into the skin’s dermal layer. These particles are too large for the body’s immune system to break down, which is good news for those who love their tattoos, but also the reason that many people struggle to remove them. The goal of laser tattoo removal is to break down those particles of ink enough for the body to naturally clear them out. The laser uses ultra-short pulses of energy to shatter the ink particles. After this, the lymphatic system processes the ink and eventually filters it out through the liver and kidneys. Each laser wavelength is calibrated to reach specific ink colors and depths within the skin.

Reasons for Treating Unwanted Tattoos

Career and Professional Goals

While many places are accepting of tattoos, some workplaces and industries maintain policies around visible tattoos. For some people, removal can eliminate a barrier and give you more freedom in how you present yourself professionally.

Outgrown Designs

A tattoo that felt meaningful at one stage of life may no longer feel like it represents who you are today. Personal style and values can evolve, and it is natural for your relationship with your tattoos to change along the way.

Faded or Damaged Ink

Sun exposure and natural aging can affect tattoos and make them look discolored or patchy. Some patients prefer to remove old tattoos when they start to look faded rather than revitalizing the tattoo and having the artwork touched up.

Making Room for New Art

Our patients aren’t always looking for a blank canvas. Some are looking to lighten a tattoo for a successful cover-up or to make way for a new design. Other people may only want to remove a portion of the tattoo while keeping other parts intact.

Tattoo Removal Treatment at U Laser Med Spa

We have selected our tattoo removal technology to provide results across a wide range of ink types and skin tones.

Hollywood SpectraTM Laser

The Hollywood Spectra laser by Lutronic is a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser that delivers powerful energy in a fraction of a second (measured in nanoseconds) to break down ink particles. The pulse is so brief that the surrounding skin doesn’t have enough time to sustain damage. The photo-acoustic effects break apart even stubborn pigment. It also has two different wavelengths, so we can address a wider range of tattoo colors.

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What to Expect During Your Tattoo Removal Journey

You will start with an evaluation of your tattoo’s size, color, age and location, along with your goals for removal. We will explain how the Hollywood Spectra laser works and give you realistic expectations for your results.

Before each session, we apply a medical-grade numbing cream to keep you more comfortable. The sensation can feel like a rubber band snapping against the skin, which can be uncomfortable but not intolerable. Sessions are also fast, with smaller tattoos taking just a few minutes. Larger tattoos may be treated in stages to allow your body to more effectively clear away the treated ink. Your skin may be more sensitive in the treated area, but you can return to most normal activities right away without any downtime.

Most patients need around five to ten sessions to get the amount of removal they are looking for. These treatments need to be spaced out about four to eight weeks to give the body time to heal and remove the ink particles. Between sessions, keep the area clean and dry and avoid sun exposure. Do not pick at or scratch the skin as it heals.

While ink fragments cleared during the treatment are permanently removed from the body, the process is gradual and requires patience. We will monitor your progress closely and adjust your treatment as needed to keep you on track.

Factors That Affect Tattoo Removal

  • Ink Color: Black and darker inks absorb laser energy most readily and tend to respond fastest. Lighter colors like yellow and green can be more resistant and may require additional sessions to break down fully. U Laser Med Spa is able to treat all tattoo colors.can U Laser L
  • Tattoo Age: Older tattoos have often faded naturally over time, which can make them easier to treat than newer ink. A tattoo that has already lost some of its original vibrancy will typically require fewer sessions to clear.
  • Ink Depth and Density: Professional tattoos use more ink applied at a more consistent depth than amateur work. The greater concentration of pigment can influence how many sessions are needed to fade the tattoo.
  • Skin Tone: The Hollywood Spectra laser is suitable for all skin types. However, treatment parameters are adjusted based on your complexion.
  • Location on the Body: Tattoos located closer to the heart and in areas with strong blood flow tend to clear faster. This is because your body can flush ink fragments more efficiently when circulation in the treatment area is strong.

Leave Unwanted Ink Behind U

An unwanted tattoo should not hold you back. At U Laser Med Spa, our team uses some of the best laser technology on the market to help you move beyond unwanted ink with fewer sessions and less discomfort. Contact us today at 858-250-0964 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a fresh start. Because when it comes to your skin, it is all about U.