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General Info
We offer laser tattoo reduction, lightening and partial removal of tattoos.
An example of partial removal would be removing a name inside of a banner tattoo without disturbing the surrounding tattoo.
Many tattoo artists recommend that clients lighten existing tattoos before they apply a professional cover-up tattoo. Otherwise, the old tattoo can gradually become more and more visible (bleed thru like paint over wallpaper) under your new cover-up tattoo.
Although any tattoo can be covered with solid black ink, the lighter your tattoo is before cover up, the more flexibility and choices of color your artist will have.
We also recommend tattoo Names or Words be “distressed” before laser reduction. That means a few lines of tattoo ink are ADDED by your tattoo artist so the Name or Word you want obliterated in no longer readable and no longer has any meaning. Now it’s just a set of lines or symbols. Then, we can begin the laser tattoo reduction process AFTER your Name or Word is not readable from day one. Please consider this option for your tattoo reduction process if it is the meaning or words you want gone.
Please e-mail or call us if you have any questions.
Watch Dr. Dave in action!
Click here to watch a short video of Dr. Dave performing a laser tattoo removal procedure.
Prices / Special offers
The price of laser tattoo treatment is in the ballpark of $25.00 dollars per square inch for each treatment and varies somewhat with size of tattoo and number of treatments. In general, it is a few hundred dollars per treatment and averages range from $200.00 dollars all the way up to $1200.00 dollars per treatment for larger pieces.
* There is a base minimum fee of $200 dollars per treatmentfor any laser tattoo treatment.
Send your tattoo photo to Dr. Ores by e-mail and receive your FREE treatment price estimate. You can also visit the office in person for a FREE laser consultation, treatment plan and pricing.
Incarceration Tattoos and Gang Affiliation Tattoos
Dr. David Ores and Mr. Carlos Iansen have set up a community based tattoo reduction program called “Fresh Start”. Dr. Ores will treat and reduce these sort of tattoos on the hands, neck and face at no charge to the client as a community / public service.
Mario Barth (Starlight Tattoo Studios worldwide) approached me with this really great idea and related to me how these sort of tattoos can interfere with the growth and life progress of people trying to move on with their lives and remove markings of their former "past" life. Mr. Carlos Iansen approached me to continue and expand the project as “Fresh Start” at our New York City office.
We discussed how these tattoos could negatively affect job hiring, self-image and image in the community. It is already tough enough to get a new job without visible ink on your face and hands. Especially gang affiliation and incarceration tats which in some cases make people self conscious and more anxious about getting new work and starting a new sort of life.
For more information, please see the “Fresh Start” area on this website. Thank you.
FAQs
How much does it cost?
Our rate for laser tattoo reduction is very competitive at about $25.00 per square inch per treatment with a base $200.00 treatment minimum.
A tattoo of about 3 by 3 inches can cost around $200 to $400 dollars for each treatment. The price depends on the size of your tattoo and how long it takes to treat it. More colors require more than one "treatment" for the different colors. To return to original skin it can take as many as 10 up to 15 treatments. For cover up work, we usually apply an average of 3 or 4 treatments to lighten the tattoo enough your new cover up piece.
We also use the best and most expensive laser tattoo machine on the market today (the Medlite C6 / www.conbio.com) and an actual MD (Dr. Ores) performs all the treatments personally. As a licensed and practicing MD, Dr. Ores can also offer prescription strength topical pain control medications.
Please e-mail us a photo of your tattoo for a FREE estimate and treatment plan
Does it hurt?
Yes. It hurts. Similar to getting a tattoo, but the laser treatment is many times faster. We use several pain reduction techniques.
The three modes of pain control reduction are: A topical novacaine cream (EMLA) is applied to the skin, covered with an occlusive dressing, and left on for about two hours before treatment. This reduces a lot of the discomfort; An air-cooling machine called a "Zimmer Machine" which blows very cold continuous air over the tattoo during the laser treatment. This cold air also helps reduce discomfort even further; For large pieces (in some cases) oral medications can be used such as Valium and oxy type narcotics. These prescription analgesic medications are very strong and are only used for large pieces and in select patients.
You can e-mail us a photo of your tattoo for an estimate of the price and a treatment plan. You are also invited to schedule a visit to the office and we can discuss your treatment options and prices in person.
How long does it take to heal?
The treated tattoo takes 7 to 10 days to heal much like a tattoo. The inked area will be slightly raised and the area around the tattoo in a little red-ish and warm. Much like sunburn.
With higher energies you can expect some local swelling, small fluid filled blisters and small amounts of bleeding or scab. Over the next days the area will settle down and return to its original appearance. The ink then fades away over the next 6 to 8 weeks. Then fading of the ink continues for 6 to 8 weeks.
Any small "burn" blisters will heal and resolve exactly as burn blisters heal. The underlying skin will heal and return to normal. There is very little risk of scarring from this laser procedure.Gradually, over the next 8 weeks, the ink will slowly fade away as your normal skin cells take away the bits of ink and the tattoo lightens.
Always call or e-mail Dr. Ores if you have any question or concern about the healing process.
How many minutes does the procedure take?
Five to ten minutes. Depends on the size of your tattoo. The laser light has a "spot size" ranging from 3 mm up to 6 mm. Or about the size of a dime for the 1064nm laser light which is used for black ink. A wavelength of 532nm is used for red ink. The repetition rate can be single shot, five shots per second or even 10 shots per second depending on the wavelength, spot size and level of energy being used. At these high repetition rates, a tattoo of 4" by 4" can be completely treated in about one minute. However, we can go more slowly to allow more time for skin cooling. We can also treat a small one-inch bit at a time as we cool down that small area.
When can I tattoo over the old tattoo?
Whenever you and your tattoo artist believe the old tattoo is faded enough you can apply the new tattoo. Usually, this takes an average of three or four treatments about two months apart. Also, your tattoo artist may want certain areas treated more completely depending on the details of the next piece you have planned. We are always pleased to work closely with your tattoo artist to create the best treatment plan to suit your specific situation.
How much time is there between sessions?
It is best to wait about 6 to 8 weeks between your treatment sessions. That way you get the most ink reduction for your money, time and effort.
Can the laser remove all colors?
Yes. Some colors are reduced easier than others. The Medlite C6 laser machine has four laser wavelengths it can use to treat different colored ink. These lights are designed to remove black ink, red ink, sky blue ink and finally green inks. There are tattoo artists who mix colors two create an "in between" color. Like red and yellow to make orange. Or blue and yellow to make green ink. The laser light will tease out these different colors on a molecular level. The laser will remove the blue and the green ink molecules during the treatment. So nearly all colors and mixtures of colors can be removed.
Your skin color, the specific chemical make up of your ink and how fast your skin removes tattoo ink fragments are all factors.
Laser Machine We Use
Dr. Ores uses the newest and best tattoo removal laser available in the world today. The MedLite¨ C6 Laser by HOYA ConBio is the global medical standard and offers the best tattoo removal. Check out the ConBio corporate website at http://www.conbio.com.
The MedLite¨ C6 Laser can remove or lighten almost any tattoo ink color. The MedLite C6 laser is the machine that can help reduce or remove your tattoo as quickly as possible. The high energy, laser-pulsed technology allows your tattoo to be removed with minimal risk of scarring and less discomfort than any other laser treatment. The MedLite C6 laser is the best Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser on the market today. And the introduction of "Q-Switched" lasers permits the removal of most tattoo inks with a very low risk of scarring. All our cosmetic lasers have been specifically chosen because they offer the fastest results with the least amount of discomfort. This technology has been in use worldwide for over ten years and has been proven to be safe and effective. All of our laser machines are FDA approved and the best available.
No matter where you go to have your tattoo treated (and we hope you choose us) be sure to only use the Medlite C6 medical laser by Conbio. It is the best machine and allows the best result.
About the Tattoo Treatment Process
Some basic facts:
For a FREE estimate, please E-mail us a photo of your tattoo and answer a few simple questions and we will give you a price estimate and a time estimate. Then Dr. Ores will contact you and discuss a price estimate and a treatment plan.
Questions: Please tell us your name and contact numbers, your age, the age of the tattoo and what your tattoo plans are. For example, do you plan a cover up piece or do you intend to return to plain skin?
You are also invited to call our office anytime for a free "in person" consultation with Dr. Ores to discuss results, pricing and put together a treatment plan. Dr. Ores also works directly with your tattoo artist remove exactly the amount of ink needed for your planned cover-up.
Price is in the ballpark of $25.00 dollars per square inch for each treatment and varies somewhat with size of tattoo and number of treatments.
Be aware that the cold hard truth is that it can take anywhere from 10 treatments up to 15 treatments to completely remove a tattoo back to skin. Not two, three or four treatments.
Lightening a tattoo for cover-up is much easier and usually takes only 3 or 4 sessions.
We also like to wait 6 to 8 weeks between treatments you receive the maximum ink removal for your money.
Does it hurt?
The pain is similar to getting a tattoo when you factor in topical novacaine cream and our cold air jet machine. But, the removal time is only minutes and way faster than getting a tattoo. For larger pieces, since we are a "MD" Medical Office, oral pain control tablets can be dispensed in some cases. So we employ topical anesthetic cream, a special jet air-cooling machine and pain pills if needed as we plan the best way to reduce your discomfort to an absolute minimum.
In addition, for larger tattoos, it is also possible to prescribe a pain control pill and a sleep aid for the first night of recovery. After 24 to 48 hours post treatment, the discomfort is much reduced.
What happens in the office?
First, the skin over the tattoo is cleansed to remove any natural oils. Then we take a "before" photograph for your medical record. Next, we apply a topical anesthetic (novocaine), which minimizes the stinging effect of the intense laser light. We like to leave the novacaine cream on your skin for about two hours. You do not have to stay in the office for these two hours. You can leave and return later.
Two hours later, we wipe off the novacaine cream and apply the laser light. The laser moves over the tattoo without touching your skin. To further reduce discomfort and heating of the skin, we apply a continuous jet of very cold air directly on the treatment area during the procedure. This Zimmer cooling machine (www.zimmerusa.com/skin_cool.html) greatly reduces discomfort and minimizes the amount of heat transferred to your skin. Patients relate that this jet of cold air effectively reduces discomfort when the laser light is applied. Very few treatment centers offer the Zimmer cooling machine as a routine part of the treatment.
The size and color of your tattoo determine the length of treatment time and number of laser wavelengths that will be needed. Different ink colors require different wavelengths of laser light. The Medlite C6 machine produces four different wavelengths for different ink colors.
As an example, a tattoo roughly 4" x 4" in size would take approximately 3 minutes to treat. Most patients tolerate treatment well and report the treatment as feeling similar to rubber band snaps. After your treatment, a healing cream is applied and your tattoo is covered with a protective dressing for about 24 hours. There is swelling, puffiness and there can be small blisters and some small areas of bleeding / scabbing from the intense heat. You skin recovers from the laser heat injury in about a week. As the next seven weeks go by, your skin cells and other immune cells will slowly remove the tiny ink particles, which have been "broken up" by the laser treatment. Your tattoo fades away.
After about a week you will not need any sort of bandage, but you must avoid sun exposure every day of the year. Use #30 sun block everyday. Also, cover the area with clothing (if feasible) to reduce UV light exposure as much as possible.
What results can I expect?
The first week after your laser treatment are about healing. The can be some raised skin, a small amount of bleeding and there can also be blisters filled with fluid. Gently wash the treated area twice a day with warm soapy water and keep the area clean and dry with a paper towel dressing. After about a week the treated area will "heal". Then, over the next few weeks the tattoo will begin to slowly, day by day, fade away. The precise results and appearance of your tattoo vary from patient to patient. After each treatment session you will see the tattoo become lighter.
Due to variables such as color of ink, the chemical composition of ink, amount of ink injected into your skin when the tattoo was placed, your skin's immune ability to remove the disrupted ink particles and even your natural skin color. All these variables effect how quickly your tattoo will fade and how many treatments you will need. Also, a planned cover-up will need many less treatments than a patient who wants their tattoo "completely gone" and returned back to regular skin. To remove the last 10% or 15 % of ink takes more treatment sessions.
Lastly, if you are planning a cover-up, we prefer to work with your tattoo artist to decide how much fading is needed to allow your next tattoo to cover. Obviously, darker richer colors cover better than light wispy lighter colors. So you need to work closely with your artist to decide how far we have to go in terms of ink removal. Dr. Ores will also re-treat small; tiny bits or areas of your old tattoo, when requested by your tattoo artist to help you get the best possible cover up.
Pre Treatment Instructions
If there is hair over the tattoo, shaving before treatment is recommended. Do use any oils creams or make-up over your tattoo before treatment.
Aftercare Instructions PDF downloadable file
A healing cream ( Silvadene) and dressing will be applied to the treated area, which you need to leave on for 24 hours post treatment. You will need to avoid all exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light until your laser treatment is totally completed. Use a number 30 SPF sun block lotion everyday regardless of the weather. Gently wash the area as described above, twice a day. If you any after care questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Ores and we will be happy to help you.
Send an image of your tattoo directly to Dr. Ores as described above or call to make appointment to received a FREE estimate at the Lower Manhattan office location.
Testimonials
Scotty Kraus (client)
"Let me start by saying that the first time that I met Dr. Dave his personality and professionalism put me right at ease. I am in the
process of having Dr. Ores removes a tattoo on my arm and I couldn't be happier with the results. Thanks Dr.Dave"
Brooklyn NY - 2006
Heidi W. (Client)
"Dr. Ores' laser is state of the art. I am very pleased with the results. Waxing was painful, time-consuming, and temporary. Now, I never have to worry again about facial hair, my bikini line, or shaving. It is so liberating. I highly recommend Dr. Ores- a professional and thoughtful doctor."
New York City - 2006
Michelle Myles (owner of Dare Devil Tattoo on Ludlow Street and FunCity Tattoo Studio New York's oldest tattoo shop)
"Dr.Dave is the only person I would ever recommend clients to or go to myself for Laser tattoo removal. Dave is a true professional and is more qualified than any other practitioner I know of with his thorough knowledge of the latest laser technology, his very extensive medical background, and his first hand knowledge of the tattoo process. Dr.Ores has lightened an extensive piece for me quite successfully. I have seen horrific results of unskilled parishioners with severe blistering resulting from the use of improper, or out of date instruments. My visits with Dr.Ores left me with minimal trauma to the skin and great results. Dr.Ores is heavily tattooed he and treats his tattooed customers with a respect many medical professionals lack. We have worked with Dr.Ores for years and are relieved to have someplace to send people looking for help in lightening and covering up old or poorly done work."
New York City - 2006
Mario Barth (Owner Starlight Tattoo)
"Dr. Dave is such a professional."
New Jersey - 2006
Tattoo Studios & Related Links
How to make an appointment:
By telephone: call 212-353-3020 or my mobile 917 723 4206
By e-mail: use our e-mail address drdave@LowerEastSideMedical.com
Hours of Operation:
Dr. Ores is available for laser tattoo reduction by appointment only Monday through Friday. Saturday appointments are possible by appointment in some cases. Please call or e-mail Dr. Ores to get the process started. Thank you..
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