Tattoo Removal

Tattoos can be meaningful, but it is also normal for your feelings to change over time. Laser tattoo removal offers a way to fade unwanted ink or remove a tattoo completely, depending on your goals. At Cleaver Dermatology and Aesthetics, we provide laser tattoo removal in Cumming and Dawsonville Georgia using advanced laser technology designed for precision and skin safety. If you are considering a clean slate or preparing for a cover up tattoo, our team can guide you through the process with a personalized plan.

Laser tattoo removal is a medical aesthetic treatment that targets tattoo ink beneath the surface of the skin. Tattoos are difficult to remove because ink is placed into deeper skin layers, where it becomes trapped in the tissue. Your body recognizes tattoo ink as foreign and tries to clear it. Smaller particles may be carried away through the lymphatic system, but larger ink particles are too big to move and remain visible.

Laser tattoo removal works by using controlled beams of light that concentrate energy into the pigment. This breaks larger ink particles into much smaller fragments. Once the ink is broken down, your body can gradually clear those particles through natural processes.

Cleaver Dermatology and Aesthetics offers the PICO Genesis FX system by Cutera, which delivers energy in very short pulses. This approach is designed to target pigment effectively while minimizing impact on surrounding skin.

Patients choose laser tattoo removal for several reasons. Some want a tattoo completely removed because it no longer fits their style, job requirements, or personal preferences. Others want to lighten a tattoo so it can be covered more easily with new ink. Many patients choose treatment at a dermatology practice because laser settings, skin safety, and aftercare matter, especially when treating darker ink, sensitive areas, or tattoos with multiple colors.

Patients also appreciate that laser tattoo removal is a non surgical approach with minimal downtime for most people, and that a trained medical team can adjust treatment based on skin tone, tattoo depth, and how the ink responds.

• Fading of unwanted tattoo ink over a series of treatments
• Ability to remove a tattoo fully or lighten it for a cover up
• Targeted treatment that focuses on pigment below the skin surface
• Non surgical option with minimal downtime for most patients
• Customized approach based on tattoo color, size, and skin type

What to expect during your visit

Your appointment begins with an assessment of the tattoo and the skin in the area. We will review factors that affect results, including ink colors, tattoo depth, how much shading is present, and your skin tone. Your provider will discuss the expected number of sessions and how treatments will be spaced.

During treatment, you may feel a snapping or warming sensation. After treatment, it is normal to have swelling, redness, and tenderness. These reactions typically improve as the skin heals. Sunscreen is important after treatment to protect the area and support safe healing.

How many sessions are needed

Tattoo removal usually requires multiple treatments. Black ink is often the easiest to remove, while some colors may take longer. Larger tattoos typically require more sessions than smaller tattoos. The spacing between treatments matters because your body needs time to clear ink fragments and the skin needs time to recover.

‍

• Avoid tanning and significant sun exposure for at least two weeks before treatment
• Do not apply self tanner to the area before your appointment
• Tell your provider if you have a history of keloids, poor wound healing, or pigment changes after procedures
• Let us know about any new medications, recent antibiotics, or skin conditions in the treatment area
• Arrive with clean skin and avoid lotions, oils, or makeup on the treatment area
• If you are prone to cold sores and treatment is near the mouth, ask about antiviral prevention

• Expect temporary redness, swelling, and tenderness after treatment
• Keep the area clean and follow the aftercare instructions provided by your team
• Avoid picking, scratching, or rubbing the treated area as it heals
• Avoid heat exposure and heavy sweating for the first one to two days if the area feels irritated
• Apply broad spectrum sunscreen daily once the skin can tolerate it to protect healing skin
• Avoid tanning between sessions to reduce the risk of pigment changes

Why are tattoos difficult to remove

Tattoo ink is placed into deeper skin layers. Your body can remove small ink particles, but larger particles become trapped in the tissue. Laser treatment is used to break those larger particles into smaller fragments so your body can clear them.

How does laser tattoo removal work

The laser targets pigment in the tattoo with controlled light energy. This energy breaks ink into smaller pieces that your body can gradually remove through the lymphatic system.

How long does it take to remove a tattoo completely

Most tattoos require multiple treatments. The timeline depends on ink color, tattoo depth, skin tone, shading, and tattoo size. Black ink often responds well, while certain colors may take longer.

Does tattoo removal hurt

Most patients describe a snapping or heat sensation during treatment. Your provider can discuss comfort measures and what you can expect based on the location and size of your tattoo.

Is there downtime

Most patients return to normal activities right away, but swelling and tenderness are common after sessions. You should follow aftercare instructions and protect the area from sun exposure.

Can all tattoo colors be removed

Many colors can be treated, but some colors respond more slowly than others. Your provider will review your tattoo colors and set expectations during your consultation.

‍