Some tattoos stop feeling like you. Maybe it was a phase that passed, maybe it was never right to begin with. Either way, if you’re ready to clear the slate, laser removal gives you an option that works, without tearing up your skin in the process.
Dr. Baker offers laser tattoo removal at Dermatology Realm. It’s safe, targeted, and designed to help your skin move on without a bunch of downtime or damage in our Germantown office.
How Laser Tattoo Removal Works
Laser tattoo removal is all about using the right wavelength of light to break up tattoo ink so your body can flush it out naturally. The laser targets the pigment without touching the surrounding skin. Once the ink shatters into smaller pieces, your immune system takes over and clears it over time.
You won’t see results overnight. Most people need six or more sessions, spaced several weeks apart, depending on the tattoo’s size, location, and color. With each session, that ink fades a little more, and your skin gets closer to a clean slate. Dr. Baker uses modern laser equipment to make sure each pulse is focused where it should be.
What Impacts How Fast It Fades
Laser removal doesn’t work the same for everyone. Some tattoos fade faster than others based on a few key things.
- Black ink breaks down the quickest. It absorbs laser energy more efficiently than lighter or mixed colors.
- Older tattoos often fade faster. Your body has already done some work breaking them down over time.
- Professional tattoos are usually deeper in the skin. That means more sessions compared to amateur ones, but also better results.
- Placement matters. Areas with better circulation, like the chest or upper arms, may heal and fade quicker.
Dr. Baker walks through all of this with you during your consult, so you know exactly what to expect before the laser even turns on.
Before and After Each Session
Each visit is quick, but the prep and aftercare still matter. Here’s what to know.
Before Your Session
- Keep the area out of the sun for at least two weeks beforehand.
- Don’t apply lotion, makeup, or numbing creams on the tattoo unless instructed.
- Avoid aspirin or blood-thinning meds that could increase sensitivity unless medically necessary.
After Your Session
The treated area might feel like a mild sunburn. Redness, swelling, and peeling are normal.
- Apply a clean, non-stick bandage and any topical ointment provided or recommended.
- Keep it clean and avoid soaking the area in water for a few days.
- Don’t pick or scratch at peeling skin—it slows healing and can affect results.
This isn’t a painful process for most, but if your tattoo is large or in a sensitive area, let the office know. They’ll walk you through comfort options ahead of time.
What Makes Laser Safer Than Other Options
If you’ve ever Googled how to get rid of a tattoo, you’ve seen the horror stories. Salabrasion, acid creams, and DIY devices. These outdated or unregulated methods damage your skin, leave behind texture issues, and usually don’t even work.
Laser removal is different. It doesn’t involve cutting, sanding, or chemicals. It just sends light into the ink and lets your body handle the rest. No one’s rushing the process. No one’s guessing at settings.
Dr. Baker focuses on safe, professional laser tattoo removal in a medical setting. You’ll know what’s being done, why it matters, and how to care for your skin every step of the way. That attention to detail makes a difference. Your skin should heal smooth and clear, without rough patches or damage that sticks around long after the ink is gone.
Questions That Come Up Often
If you’re thinking about laser tattoo removal, it’s normal to have a few questions before jumping in. The process is straightforward, but knowing what to expect can make things feel a lot easier. Here are some of the most common questions people ask before starting treatment.
Will it hurt?
It’s not pain-free, but it’s manageable. Most people compare it to the feeling of a rubber band snap. If needed, a numbing option is available, especially for more sensitive areas.
Will the tattoo be completely gone?
Some tattoos fade almost entirely. Others may leave behind a faint trace depending on color, depth, and how your skin responds. The goal is to fade it as much as possible while keeping your skin healthy.
Can I get a new tattoo over the same spot?
Yes, once your skin fully heals. A lot of people choose removal specifically to make room for a new design they feel better about.
Is it safe for all skin tones?
Laser settings are adjusted to your specific skin type and ink color. During your consultation, Dr. Baker evaluates how to treat your skin safely while still getting the best possible results.
Why This Isn’t Something to Rush
Tattoo removal isn’t instant, and it shouldn’t be. Each session builds on the last, and spacing them out gives your skin time to recover and respond. If someone promises total removal in one or two visits, they’re either overpromising or using a method that could damage your skin. Real results come with the right tools, the right pace, and someone who knows how to treat skin safely.
Pushing too fast doesn’t give your body the chance to clear the ink properly, and it increases the risk of scarring. The goal isn’t just to erase the tattoo. You should also protect your skin while doing it. A slower approach may take more time, but it leads to better healing, better fading, and better long-term results. It’s worth doing right.
When You’re Ready To Move On From Your Ink
No one needs to explain why they want a tattoo gone. Maybe it doesn’t fit anymore. Maybe it never did. Whatever the reason, you deserve a clean, safe way to move forward.
Dr. Baker offers laser tattoo removal with real care and clear expectations. You can reach out to our team at Dermatology Realm in Germantown to ask questions or schedule a consultation when you’re ready.