Making Space for New Skin
A tattoo can tell a story, or sometimes, it tells one you’ve outgrown. Whether it’s a design chosen years ago, ink that’s faded unevenly, or artwork that no longer matches who you are today, professional tattoo removal offers a way forward. For patients across Orange County, unwanted tattoos can be cleared with confidence at Total Dermatology in Irvine.
Using advanced laser technology like PicoWay and Alex TriVantage, our providers offer safe, effective treatments for fading or complete removal of tattoo ink. Each case is evaluated individually, whether it’s a small amateur tattoo on the wrist or a colorful professional piece on the back, so patients receive a plan that matches their skin, their ink, and their goals.
Laser tattoo removal works by directing concentrated beams of light into the skin, breaking tattoo pigment into smaller particles. The body then processes and clears those fragments gradually, causing the tattoo to fade over a series of treatment sessions.
This procedure can be performed on nearly every area of the body and is considered one of the safest and most effective tattoo removal methods available. In recent years, advancements in laser technology have made it possible to target more colors (including blue, red, and even pink or brown) with fewer risks of scarring or changes in skin texture.
At Total Dermatology, we use two complementary systems, PicoWay and Alex TriVantage, so even tattoos that are difficult, layered, or applied at different depths can be treated effectively.
The PicoWay laser uses ultra-short picosecond pulses to shatter tattoo ink faster and more efficiently than older lasers. This technology is especially effective for stubborn shades like blue and green, which have traditionally been difficult to clear.
Patients often require fewer sessions with PicoWay compared to traditional systems, and the treatment is known for leaving the surrounding skin looking smooth and intact.
The Alex TriVantage laser is versatile, with multiple wavelengths that allow it to treat a wide variety of ink colors. It’s particularly effective on dark pigments like black and navy, but also addresses brighter tones such as red, orange, and brown.
This option is well-suited for both professional and amateur tattoos, giving patients a reliable path toward clearance.
For many, tattoo removal isn’t just about clearing unwanted ink. It’s about confidence and alignment with the life you’re living today. Because the treatments are non-surgical, downtime is minimal, and each session is tailored to your tattoo’s unique qualities.
Benefits include:
Tattoos on the arms or shoulders are some of the most common to remove. Both large designs and small symbols respond well to laser removal.
Larger tattoos on the back or chest may require more treatment sessions, but with PicoWay and Alex TriVantage, the process remains efficient and effective.
From bold thigh designs to small ankle tattoos, these areas can be treated comfortably, leaving patients free to resume daily life within hours.
Visible areas like the hands are frequently treated. With precise laser technology, even detailed ink can be cleared while preserving the quality of the surrounding skin.
When performed by trained providers, tattoo removal on delicate areas like the neck or around the eyebrows and lips can be managed safely.
Most adults with unwanted tattoos are candidates for laser tattoo removal. The ideal patient is in good overall health and has realistic expectations about the process, which requires multiple sessions for optimal results.
Contraindications may include pregnancy, certain medical conditions, or a history of poor wound healing. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your tattoo’s size, ink color, and depth to create a plan that’s both safe and effective.
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Every tattoo removal plan at Total Dermatology begins with a personal consultation. During this appointment, your provider will evaluate the tattoo, discuss your desired outcome, and outline the expected number of treatment sessions required.
Preparation is simple. Patients are asked to avoid sun exposure or tanning before their visit, follow all pre-care instructions provided, and share any health issues or medications so that the treatment can be adjusted for safety and optimal results.
Sessions typically last 15 to 45 minutes, depending on tattoo size and location. A topical numbing agent is applied to minimize discomfort, though most patients describe the feeling as a quick snap of a rubber band.
The laser energy passes into the skin, targeting the tattoo pigment without harming the surrounding tissue. After the procedure, the area may look frosted or slightly red, a normal sign that the ink is breaking down.
Tattoo removal is a process that happens over time. While some results are visible after the first session, complete removal typically requires multiple visits spaced several weeks apart.
Post-treatment instructions include keeping the treated site clean, applying ointment, and avoiding direct sun exposure. Temporary redness, swelling, or blistering can occur but usually resolves within days. With each session, the tattoo continues to fade, giving patients confidence that the treatment is working.
Pricing for tattoo removal in Orange County varies based on tattoo size, complexity, and the number of treatment sessions required. Smaller tattoos may cost less per session, while larger or multi-colored tattoos typically require more investment.
At Total Dermatology, we’ll provide a clear estimate during your consultation. While tattoo removal is rarely covered by insurance, most patients view the benefits as worth the commitment.
Since 1972, Total Dermatology has been committed to providing advanced laser services to patients across Irvine, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and the greater Orange County area. Led by Dr. Nissan Pilest, the practice combines decades of dermatology expertise with the latest in laser technology.
Patients trust us for our boutique, patient-centered approach, access to industry-leading devices like PicoWay and Alex TriVantage, and a long-standing record of successful tattoo clearance. Every treatment is focused on safety, subtlety, and achieving smooth, natural-looking results without unnecessary downtime.
If you’re ready to clear unwanted ink and move forward with skin that feels more your own, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Call (949) 727‑3800 or request an appointment online to begin your customized tattoo removal treatment plan at Total Dermatology.
Most patients describe the sensation as quick and tolerable. A numbing cream is applied to minimize discomfort.
Temporary redness, swelling, or blistering may occur. With expert providers, serious risks are rare.
Yes. Once the ink particles are removed from the body, they do not return.
Yes. Modern lasers are safe for most skin types, though settings are tailored individually.
Many patients see fading after the first few sessions, with full clearance requiring multiple treatments.
When it comes to your skin and your health, it really is all about what’s best for you. Total Dermatology understands this, which is why we offer versatile treatments with experienced and highly trained aesthetic professionals led by Dr. Nissan Pilest. Your Total Dermatology transformation awaits.
