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Dr's BLOG / Teacher's blog list

2025-10-11

What to do if you want to remove a tattoo? The pros and cons of tattoo removal

Hello!

My name is Ayuri Yokoyama, a cosmetic surgeon and cosmetic dermatologist.

 

 

I want to remove my old tattoos.
"I want to be invisible for marriage and employment."
"I want to go to a hot spring without any worries."

Do you have any such concerns?

Suitable for such people isPico laser tattoo removal.
But in reality,It is difficult to remove tattoos easily in a short period of time..
This is a long-term treatment that requires a long period of time, expense, and careful aftercare.

 

↑After 2 treatments

タトゥーとは
A type of body decoration in which ink attached to the tip of a needle is inserted into the dermis to create patterns and designs.

The key to tattoo removal is that the ink has penetrated into the dermis layer.

刺青とタトゥーの違い

There is no clear difference here.
However, there is a theory that the depth to which the needle is inserted into the skin varies.
Generally, tattoos are deeply inked and combine multiple colors to create complex, three-dimensional designs and letters. In many cases, tattoos are drawn over a large area of ​​the skin.

On the other hand, tattoos are characterized by shallow needle insertion, resulting in a flat finish.
In many cases, it is used as a stylish accent.

However, neither method clearly specifies how many millimeters below the skin the needle should be inserted.
What they have in common is that once they are introduced, they are difficult to remove.

In recent years, the psychological barrier to getting a tattoo has been lowered, and more people are getting one without hesitation.
But don't forget,
"Removing it is dozens of times more difficult than putting it in," and "there are risks such as infection and allergies."

Tattoo Removal Basics: Ink is Deposited in the Dermis Layer

To recap, tattoos are deep inside the skin.DermisBecause the ink is fixed to
It cannot be removed by surface skin care..
By destroying ink particles with a medical laser and allowing them to be absorbed and excreted by the body,
The basic principle is to gradually thin it out.

 

How Pico Laser Works

The latest pico lasers (PicoSure, PicoWay, etc.)
The ink is pulverized by an ultra-short shock wave of just a picosecond (1 trillionth of a second).

It can break down particles into smaller particles than conventional nanosecond lasers,
There is less risk of inflammation and scarringSuitable for multi-color tattoosAvailable

 

 Estimated number of treatments, duration, and cost

Tattoo removalIt won't disappear in one go.

 

In many cases, aboutRequires multiple visits every two months.
Costs vary depending on the scope,
Even for small areas, it can cost tens of thousands of yen per visit, and for large areas, it can cost hundreds of thousands of yen.In some cases, this may occur.
This is not a treatment that can be completed in one session,It takes a lot of time and moneyYou need to understand that.

 

Downtime and aftercare

Compared to regular lasers, tattoo removal requires a longer downtime and more difficult aftercare.
The progression of symptoms varies from person to person, but the following reactions are common:

・Redness, swelling, blisters, and scabs (approximately 1 to 2 weeks)

・Pigmentation and uneven skin tone

・Bathing, swimming pools, friction, and sunburn are prohibited for a certain period of time.

After irradiationApply ointment and gauze for 1-2 weeks

Additionally, to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
It is recommended to use oral medications (tranexamic acid, vitamin C, etc.) and topical medications (hydroquinone, etc.) in combination.

In other words, tattoo removal
"Time required to travel," "effort required for care," and "cost burden"The three points
It's important to start with a solid understanding.

Comparison with other treatments

Compared with other treatments,
For large tattoos, laser treatment may be preferable, although it requires more sessions and is more expensive.

If the area is small, surgical treatment is an option, but there is a risk of scarring.
It's best to understand that there are pros and cons.

■Realistic summary:It takes time, money, and patience

Tattoo removal with pico laser

It may take more than 10 times

The cost can be several hundred thousand yen or more.

・Aftercare and continued outpatient visits are essential

That is,Painful treatment"is.
Also, this may sound harsh, but even if you undergo laser treatment dozens of times, your skin will never become completely like your original skin.
During treatment, uneven discoloration may occur, making the condition more noticeable than before treatment.

On the other hand, if you receive the correct treatment at the appropriate intervals and provide thorough aftercare,
It is possible to remove tattoos to a certain extent(You shouldn't expect perfection.)

 

If you are interested, please come in for a consultation. We also welcome those who just want a consultation.

 

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【profile】

Cosmetic surgeon/cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ayuori Yokoyama

Japan's leading beauty, health and regenerative medicine clinic | BIANCA CLINIC GINZA/OMOTESANDO 

In his previous job, he was a cosmetic dermatologist and was involved in the establishment and opening of a clinic, serving as its director for three years.
He has treated the skin and faces of approximately 20,000 people and contributed to the development of the clinic.

In order to further expand her treatment area, she has now moved to BIANCA CLINIC, one of Japan's leading beauty, health and regenerative medicine clinics.

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

 

[Career]

Graduated from Hiroshima University School of Medicine in 2020

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 and served as director of Azabu Clinic

Joined BIANCA in 2025

[Affiliated academic societies/qualifications]

Japanese Society of Aesthetic Dermatology

Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine

Industrial physician qualification

[SNS]

Instagram account 

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

 

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