251-929-7850
Laser
Tattoo
Removal
Laser Tattoo Removal
Whether you got a tattoo when you were young and wild or you have the name of an ex tattooed somewhere on your body, tattoo remorse is real. In fact, as many as 12 percent of people with tattoos want at least one or more removed. Laser tattoo removal in the past often meant painful procedures, a high risk of side effects, and the inability to really erase the tattoo completely.
At Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery, we are excited to offer Lumenis M22 tattoo removal treatments that are minimally invasive, safe, and effectively remove unwanted tattoos.
Are You a Candidate?
Lumenis M22 laser tattoo removal is ideal for men and women with tattoos they no longer want. This treatment option is safe and effective for all skin tones and all treatments are tailored to meet your individual needs. During your initial consultation, we will discuss potential adjustments necessary before your tattoo removal treatments, such as:
- Quitting smoking at least 2 weeks before treatment and for at least 6 weeks after treatment to allow for better healing and optimal results.
- If you take the medication Accutane, you must discontinue use and will need to wait 6 to 12 months before having a tattoo removal treatment in order to avoid potential scarring.
- Laser tattoo removal can increase the risk of developing cold sores, so if you are prone to these, you should talk with your primary care physician about taking anti-herpes medications before your laser treatment procedures.
Dr. Koehler
Educated at the University of Alabama and in practice for over 20 years, Dr. Koehler is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who is devoted to providing exceptional results.
Dr. Gardner
A triple-board-certified surgeon specializing in both cosmetic and venous procedures, Dr. Gardner brings a depth of expertise, compassion, and innovation to our practice.
Tattoo Removal with Lumenis M22
The Lumenis M22 laser includes Q-Switched Nd:YAG and CoolScan technology. Simply put, it is the most powerful laser currently on the market for tattoo removal. It works by targeting the tattoo ink pigments directly in the skin with high-powered pulses of light. These different light wavelengths break down the tattoo ink into small particles that the body’s natural filtering system can filter out of the body. This targeted treatment process reduces the risk of laser damage to the surrounding cells and tissue while providing you with optimal tattoo removal results.
Keep in mind that we offer a complete menu of med spa treatments, including several other laser treatments. You may want to think about a few other treatments to refresh your look while you are having tattoo removal.
We are excited to offer Pro-Nox pain relief that can be added to any of the in-office procedures we perform. Pro-Nox is an inhaled analgesic that gives our patients 100% control through self-administration. Get short-term pain, anxiety, and stress relief without having to “go under.”
Before and After Photos
What to Expect
Tattoo removal begins with an initial consultation at our office to evaluate your things like current skin type, tattoo location, the size of your tattoo, and the type of inks used, as well as your overall general health. This will help us design an individualized treatment plan, including the number of removal treatments necessary to fully remove your tattoo.
Before your treatment begins, we will number the treatment area with a topical anesthetic in order to provide a more comfortable experience. The desired area is then treated with laser pulses. This treatment can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes or more depending on the size of the tattoo being treated. You may experience a warming sensation during treatment as well as a pinching similar to that of a rubber band snap. After treatment, the skin may appear gray, pink, or frosted in nature.
Post-treatment care includes cold compresses, the application of a specialized ointment, and avoiding any sun exposure. The skin may develop a thick crust as it heals, similar to a scab, but this will resolve within a week or two.
Risks and Complications
Lumenis M22 tattoo removal is a safe and effective treatment. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, there are risks and potential complications to consider. Some possible risks include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Skin pigmentation changes
- Changes in ink color
- Hair removal in the treated area
- Immune reaction
Your New Look
With Lumenis M22 laser tattoo removal treatments, you can expect to see visible results after the first treatment. However, full-color removal may require anywhere from 2 to 10 treatments.
Written By: Dr. James Koehler
A board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Fairhope, AL, Dr. James Koehler earned his MD from the University of Alabama and completed several post-doctoral residencies, internships and fellowships. He returned to Alabama to be closer to family and serve patients in the local community with a full range of cosmetic surgery procedures for the face, breast and body.
More about Dr. James Koehler | Last Reviewed: October 14th, 2025
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