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2025.10.11

How do I remove a tattoo? The light and dark sides of tattoo removal

横山 歩依里
Supervising Physician
Ayori Yokoyama

My journey into aesthetic medicine stems from a desire to help enrich and beautify lives beyond simply treating illness. My specialties include hyaluronic acid, Botox, and thread lifts. I provide treatments that enhance each individual's unique qualities and bring out an elegant, natural beauty. For concerns around the eyes that are difficult to improve with dermatology alone, I also perform surgical procedures. By integrating dermatology and surgery, I holistically balance the entire face. With three periods of overseas study, I am also able to provide consultations in English.

Hello!

I am Ayuri Yokoyama, a plastic surgeon and cosmetic dermatologist.

 

 

"I want to remove my old tattoo."
"I want to hide it for marriage and employment purposes."
"I want to go to the hot springs without any reservations."

Do you have any such concerns?

For those who are looking for,Tattoo Removal with Pico Laseris.
However, in reality,It is difficult to remove tattoos quickly and easily.is.
This will be a long-term treatment requiring significant time, expense, and meticulous aftercare.

 

After two treatments

What is a tattoo?
A type of body decoration that involves inserting ink attached to the needle tip into the dermis layer of the skin to create patterns or designs.

The crucial factor in tattoo removal is that the ink has penetrated into the dermis.

The Difference Between Tattoos and Tattoos

There is no clear difference between these.
However, there is a theory that the depth at which the needle pierces the skin differs.
Generally, tattoos are deeply inked, allowing for the use of multiple colors to create three-dimensional, intricate designs and characters. They are often applied over large areas of skin.

One type of tattoo is characterized by shallow needle insertion, resulting in a flat finish.
It's often seen as a stylish accent piece.

However, neither has a clear regulation specifying "how many millimeters the needle should penetrate the skin."
And what they have in common is that once they're in, they're difficult to remove.

In recent years, the psychological barrier to getting tattoos has lowered, and more people are getting them casually.
But I don't want you to forget that,
"Taking it out is dozens of times harder than putting it in," "and there are also risks like infections and allergies."
That's the thing.

Tattoo Removal Basics: Ink is Deposited in the Dermis Layer

To recap, tattoos are made by inserting ink deep into the skin.dermisbecause the ink has set,
Surface skincare won't remove it.
By using medical lasers to break down ink particles, allowing them to be absorbed and expelled within the body
The basic principle is to gradually make it thinner.

 

How Pico Lasers Work

The latest pico-second lasers (such as PicoSure and PicoWay)
It shatters ink using shockwaves of ultra-short duration—picoseconds, or one trillionth of a second.

Because it can break particles into finer particles than conventional nanosecond lasers,
with a low risk of inflammation or scarring,Also accommodates multicolor tattoosYes, I can.

 

 Estimated Number of Treatments, Duration, and Cost

Tattoo removalIt won't disappear after just one time.

 

In many cases, approximatelyMultiple visits to the hospital are required every two months.is.
Costs also vary depending on the scope,
Small areas start at tens of thousands of yen per session; larger areas can cost hundreds of thousands of yen.There are also cases where this happens.
Since this is not a treatment that can be completed in a single session,It will take considerable time and money.It is necessary to understand this.

 

Downtime and Aftercare

Compared to regular lasers, tattoo removal has a longer downtime and requires more intensive aftercare.
The course of treatment varies from person to person, but the following reactions are common.

・Redness, swelling, blisters, scabs (lasting about 1 to 2 weeks)

・Pigmentation・Uneven skin tone

・Bathing, swimming, rubbing, and sun exposure are prohibited for a certain period.

・After irradiationOintment and gauze protection for 1 to 2 weeks

Furthermore, to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Combination therapy with oral medications (such as tranexamic acid and vitamin C) and topical treatments (such as hydroquinone) is recommended.

In other words, tattoo removal is
"Commuting time," "Care burden," "Financial burden"the following three points:
It's important to start only after you have a solid understanding.

Comparison with other treatments

Compared to other treatments,
For extensive tattoos, laser removal is considered preferable despite the number of sessions and cost involved.

For small areas, surgical procedures may be an option, but there is a risk of scarring.
It's best to understand that there are pros and cons.

■Realistic Summary:Time, money, and patience are required.

Tattoo removal using a pico laser is,

・It may take more than 10 times

・The cost can sometimes exceed several hundred thousand yen.

・Aftercare and continued follow-up visits are essential.

such as “Treatment requiring patience”.
Also, I know this sounds harsh, but even after dozens of laser treatments, your skin won't be exactly the same as it was before.
During treatment, the skin may appear patchy and uneven in color, which can sometimes make it look worse than before treatment.

On the other hand, if you receive the correct treatment at appropriate intervals and thoroughly follow aftercare instructions,
It is possible to remove tattoos to a certain degree of cleanliness.(It's best not to expect perfection).

 

If you're interested, please feel free to come in for a consultation. We warmly welcome you even if you just want counseling.

 

Reservations can be made here.

Complete your reservation in 60 seconds ▶︎

 https://reservation.medical-force.com/b/d7bb811e-ebd5-4b93-93f8-588864b24f15

 

【Profile】

Plastic Surgeon/Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Ayuri Yokoyama

Japan's Leading Clinic for Beauty and Health Regenerative Medicine|BIANCA CLINIC GINZA/OMOTESANDO 

In my previous role, I was involved in establishing a clinic as a cosmetic dermatologist, from its inception to opening, and served as its director for three years.
Having worked with approximately 20,000 patients' skin and faces, contributing to the clinic's development.

To further expand the scope of treatment, I have now transitioned to BIANCA CLINIC, a leading aesthetic and regenerative medicine clinic in Japan.

We provide the latest aesthetic medical treatments for well-aging, encompassing not only cosmetic dermatology but also cosmetic surgery and internal medicine.

 

【Career】

2020 Graduate of the School of Medicine, Hiroshima University

2020: Worked at JCHO Tokyo Shinjuku Medical Center and affiliated hospitals (National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital, Tokyo Yamate Medical Center)

2022: Joined ELM Medical Corporation Served as Director of Azabu Clinic

2025: BIANCA joins the company

【Professional Affiliations/Qualifications】

The Japanese Society of Aesthetic Dermatology

Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine

Occupational Physician Certification

【SNS】

Instagram account 

https://www.instagram.com/dr.airi

 

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