Laser Tattoo Removal
Mill Creek Skin & Laser Center was the first clinic in Washington state to offer laser tattoo removal. Since 2009, our team has built a deep foundation of clinical expertise in this highly specialized field.
Laser tattoo removal should be approached as a medical treatment, not merely a cosmetic service. Tattoos involve unregulated ink, varying depths of pigment penetration into the dermis, and scar tissue that forms from the original skin trauma. These complex factors mean that a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective. To successfully remove a tattoo—while preserving the skin’s health for either re-tattooing or full restoration—a customized, multi-technology strategy is essential.
Drawing on years of clinical experience, Dr. Lin has developed his own specialized treatment protocol using a combination of PicoSure Pro® and other advanced laser technologies, selected based on ink color, depth, age, and the presence of scar tissue. This individualized approach allows us to target both pigment and scarring independently, minimizing damage to surrounding skin and delivering faster, more effective results with reduced risk of scarring.
Procedure
We treat tattoos of all sizes, colors, and types—including professional, amateur (homemade), traumatic, surgical, and certain cosmetic tattoos.
The sensation of laser tattoo removal is often described as similar to getting a tattoo. Discomfort can vary depending on the treatment area—fatty areas tend to be more comfortable, while bony areas may feel more sensitive. To maximize comfort and protect the surrounding skin, we utilize a cooling system throughout the procedure.
Most tattoos require multiple sessions, typically spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart—or longer if needed—to allow for adequate healing and pigment clearance. Factors such as ink quality, unknown pigment depth, and the presence of scar tissue all affect how the skin responds and how many treatments are needed.
We often treat patients who have undergone unsuccessful laser tattoo removal elsewhere, where they were promised a fixed number of sessions that failed to deliver results. In some cases, incorrect treatment has even trapped or “cooked” the ink into scar tissue, making future removal more difficult. These outcomes typically result from a lack of clinical knowledge and the misuse of a single-type pigment laser, which is rarely effective on its own.
At Mill Creek Skin & Laser Center, we use a multi-laser, medically guided approach that’s tailored to the unique characteristics of each tattoo—ensuring both effective ink removal and the preservation of healthy skin.
Benefits
- Treat using the world’s fastest and most current laser tattoo removal technology – the PicoSure Pro® Laser – combined with other lasers to boost treatment for optimal results
- We can treat any area of the body
- We can treat all skin types
- Faster results
- Safe and effective
Permanent Eyebrow Tattoo Removal
Dr. Lin is the most experienced physician in the region who specializes in the safe and precise removal of permanent eyebrow tattoos. Due to the sensitive location near the eyes, this procedure requires the highest level of skill and caution to avoid injury to the eyes while delivering safe, consistent results.
At Mill Creek Skin & Laser Center, eyebrow tattoo removal always begins with a test spot to determine how the ink reacts to laser treatment. This step is essential because cosmetic eyebrow tattoos often contain a mix of pigments customized to match your hair and skin tone. Unfortunately, due to the lack of regulation in tattoo ink manufacturing, some pigments can oxidize or shift color during laser exposure—turning shades of gray—and may even become permanently embedded and resistant to removal.
Our test spot protocol ensures that we approach each case ethically and with full transparency, so you understand how your skin and tattoo may respond before committing to full treatment.
Whether your goal is full removal or correction, Dr. Lin provides carefully customized treatment plans based on your skin type, ink behavior, and aesthetic goals.
Body Tattoo Removal
Each body tattoo is unique and requires careful evaluation. Dr. Lin has treated a wide range of body tattoos—from professional and amateur designs to traumatic tattoos caused by injury. Our focus is not only to remove the ink but also to restore the skin’s natural texture and tone, allowing for a clean canvas whether the goal is complete clearance or preparation for a cover-up tattoo.
While most patients do not experience scarring from laser tattoo removal, individual skin responses vary. We take every precaution to prevent scarring, and for those who do develop it, Mill Creek Skin & Laser Center offers advanced scar treatment options as part of our comprehensive care.
When it comes to laser tattoo removal, it’s difficult to predict exactly how many treatments will be needed because every tattoo is unique. Several factors affect how a tattoo responds to laser treatment, including:
- Ink color – We use a proprietary laser combination to treat all ink colors, but results depend on the ink’s components. Colors like red, green, blue, yellow, and white can be unpredictable and may cause permanent color changes, so we recommend a test spot first.
- Ink depth and quality – Professional tattoos are typically deeper and more saturated than amateur ones.
- Location on the body – Areas with better circulation tend to heal and clear ink more efficiently.
- Skin type and immune response – Your body’s ability to break down and clear ink is a major factor.
- Age of the tattoo – Older tattoos generally respond more quickly than newer ones.
At Mill Creek Skin & Laser Center, we go beyond what most clinics offer. We use a combination of advanced lasers to treat not only the ink, but also the depth and any scarring associated with the tattoo. By targeting multiple layers and conditions, our treatments are designed to deliver faster and more complete results than clinics that focus on just ink alone.
We’ll customize your treatment plan based on how your tattoo responds, and guide you every step of the way.
Recovery and Results
After treatment, you may experience slight redness, swelling, or pinpoint bleeding in the treated area. This feels similar to a sunburn and will gradually disappear within 48 hours. Please read the pre- and post-treatment information provided for further care instructions.
The treated tattoo will begin to fade over the next six to eight weeks as your body processes and eliminates the ink particles.
FAQs
When it comes to laser tattoo removal, it’s difficult to predict exactly how many treatments will be needed because every tattoo is unique. Several factors affect how a tattoo responds to laser treatment, including:
- Ink color – We use a proprietary laser combination to treat all ink colors, but results depend on the ink’s components. Colors like red, green, blue, yellow, and white can be unpredictable and may cause permanent color changes, so we recommend a test spot first.
- Ink depth and quality – Professional tattoos are typically deeper and more saturated than amateur ones.
- Location on the body – Areas with better circulation tend to heal and clear ink more efficiently.
- Skin type and immune response – Your body’s ability to break down and clear ink is a major factor.
- Age of the tattoo – Older tattoos generally respond more quickly than newer ones.
At Mill Creek Skin & Laser Center, we go beyond what most clinics offer. We use a combination of advanced lasers to treat not only the ink, but also the depth and any scarring associated with the tattoo. By targeting multiple layers and conditions, our treatments are designed to deliver faster and more complete results than clinics that focus on just ink alone.
We’ll customize your treatment plan based on how your tattoo responds, and guide you every step of the way.
The majority of patients who undergo laser tattoo removal do not develop any scarring. We take extreme precautions to prevent scarring. However, it is impossible to guarantee that no scarring will occur given the vast difference between individuals. Mill Creek Skin & Laser Center offers scar treatment as well.
Our clinic uses the most effective laser available, the PicoSure Pro, to break down the ink particles in your skin. Your body then gradually flushes these particles out through its natural immune process. We also use additional lasers to target the scar tissue and deeper pigments which allows us to achieve top-of-the-line results.
Most people describe the sensation as similar to the snap of a rubber band against the skin. Lidocaine 5% numbing cream can be used 20 minutes prior to treatment time to reduce discomfort. Our clinic provides cooling systems during the treatment.
When it comes to laser tattoo removal, it’s difficult to predict exactly how many treatments will be needed because every tattoo is unique. Several factors affect how a tattoo responds to laser treatment, including:
- Ink color – We use a proprietary laser combination to treat all ink colors, but results depend on the ink’s components. Colors like red, green, blue, yellow, and white can be unpredictable and may cause permanent color changes, so we recommend a test spot first.
- Ink depth and quality – Professional tattoos are typically deeper and more saturated than amateur ones.
- Location on the body – Areas with better circulation tend to heal and clear ink more efficiently.
- Skin type and immune response – Your body’s ability to break down and clear ink is a major factor.
- Age of the tattoo – Older tattoos generally respond more quickly than newer ones.
At Mill Creek Skin & Laser Center, we go beyond what most clinics offer. We use a combination of advanced lasers to treat not only the ink, but also the depth and any scarring associated with the tattoo. By targeting multiple layers and conditions, our treatments are designed to deliver faster and more complete results than clinics that focus on just ink alone.
We’ll customize your treatment plan based on how your tattoo responds, and guide you every step of the way.
Our clinic uses our proprietary laser combination treatment to effectively remove a wide range of colors, however, colors like red, green, blue, yellow, and white can be unpredictable, so we recommend doing a test spot treatment to see how your tattoo reacts. This helps prevent permanent color changes or cases where the ink does not respond to treatment at all.
Many tattoos can be removed entirely. Some tattoos may fade significantly but not disappear completely, depending on ink type, depth, and skin response.
Following aftercare instructions reduces the risk of side effects and complications. Temporary side effects can include redness or swelling, blistering, or slight scabbing. These typically resolve within a week.
Yes. We use lasers suitable for a variety of skin tones. However, darker skin tones may require more caution and potentially more sessions to minimize the risk of pigmentation changes.
Avoid sun exposure, tanning, or tanning products on the area. Do not pick at or irritate the tattoo site, and make sure the skin is clean and shaved if needed. Use hydroquinone pigment suppressant product if instructed to you during the consultation.
Yes, once the area is fully healed and six weeks after your last treatment, you can get a new tattoo over the same area. Many people remove or fade tattoos to make space for a cover-up.
The cost depends on the volume of the ink, size, color, and complexity of the tattoo. We offer personalized treatment plans and can provide a detailed quote during your consultation.
