Laser Tattoo Removal

 

If you have tattoos you regret, Dr. Geronemus’ expertise as a laser treatment pioneer is your best choice for safe and effective removal.

Call 212.663.0400

Laser Tattoo Removal Before and After Photos

Roy Geronemus MD Port Wine Birthmark Removal in New York
Roy Geronemus MD Port Wine Birthmark Removal in New York
Roy Geronemus MD Port Wine Birthmark Removal in New York
Roy Geronemus MD Port Wine Birthmark Removal in New York
Roy Geronemus MD Port Wine Birthmark Removal in New York

Our Laser Technologies for Laser Tattoo Removal

PicoPlus Laser

Best for black, red, orange, and yellow inks

Stimulate skin cell growth with this versatile picosecond laser system.

PicoSure Pro Laser

Best for black, red, orange and yellow inks

Offers ultra-precise treatment with additional skin-revitalizing effects.

    Q-Switched Ruby Laser

    Best for black ink.

    Remove even the most stubborn ink colors.

    All of our laser technologies share the same trusted advantages: minimal discomfort, fast results, and minimal downtime.

    Here’s what you can expect from every treatment:

    Downtime

    Expect about 1 week of downtime after the first session and 1–2 days of recovery near the end of the treatment process.

    Pain Level

    Treatments are very comfortable—most patients report little to no pain, thanks to our anesthetic options.

      Response

      You’ll notice gradual lightening beginning after your first treatment.

      Results Duration

      Most patients see significant fading within 1–2 treatments.

      Your Laser Tattoo Removal Experience 

      Consultation

      Meet with Dr. Geronemus to discuss your tattoo removal goals and receive a personalized assessment. During this time, he’ll evaluate your tattoo’s characteristics and outline a realistic treatment plan based on the ink colors and your skin type. You’ll get to ask any questions you have about the process before committing to the treatment.

      Treatment

      Dr. Geronemus performs all treatments using our advanced laser systems – including the PicoSure PRO, PicoPlus and the Q-Switched Ruby lasers. The device used will depend on your tattoo color. The session length will depend on the size of your specific tattoo, and we offer anesthetic options for larger tattoos.

      Post-Treatment

      Follow-up appointments are scheduled 4-6 weeks apart and the number of sessions will vary depending on the size and color of your tattoo. We’ll monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed while providing guidance for proper healing between sessions.

      Meet Dr. Roy Geronemus

      Dr. Geronemus is a pioneer in laser dermatology and a leading expert in acne laser treatments. With over 30 years of experience and contributions to cutting-edge laser technologies, he is committed to delivering the best outcomes for his patients.

      • Past president of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
      • Recognized as one of America's Best Cosmetic Dermatologists by Newsweek (#4 in 2023)
      • Castle Connolly Top Doctor, 1999-2025
      • Published over 450 research articles on laser dermatology
      Call 212.663.0400
      Dr. Roy Geronemus headshot

      Trust a Leading Laser Expert for Your Tattoo Removal 

      You’re in good hands with an industry leader in laser treatment and tattoo removal. Join the hundreds of patients, including Hollywood celebrities, who have benefited from Dr. Geronemus’ treatments.

       

      Publications

      450+

      Publications on dermatology and several published articles on laser tattoo removal.

      Track Record

      10k+

      laser treatments delivered.

      Experience

      30+

      Years of experience with laser technology.

      Permanent Makeup Removal Success Stories

      Kind, genuine, compassionate and an expert in his field! I feel so lucky to have been treated at his clinic again this year.

      Alannah Banovac 
      Google Review

      Dr. Geronemus is the pioneer of laser surgery and the office staff are very professional, attentive and friendly. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!

      Susie Sheffield Smith
      Google Review

      I had an excellent experience from the moment I entered the office until I left to go home.  I received a laser treatment on my face and the doctor was so gentle I could hardly feel it.  Dr Geronemus was exceptionally nice to me and the staff is very helpful.

      Harriet Moser
      Google Review

      IN THE MEDIA

      Frequently Asked Questions About Tattoo Removal 

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      Is laser tattoo removal safe?

      Laser tattoo removal is a safe, FDA-approved procedure when performed by board-certified dermatologists. Dr. Geronemus uses multiple advanced technologies and topical anesthesia to minimize discomfort and risks and improve patient safety.

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      Are there side effects to laser tattoo removal?

      Typical side effects include temporary redness, swelling, and mild bruising that resolve within days to a week. Rare complications can include pigmentation changes or scarring, which are minimized by our expert techniques.

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      Is laser tattoo removal right for me?

      Most individuals with tattoos are good candidates for removal. A consultation will determine your suitability based on skin type, tattoo characteristics, and overall health.

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      Will laser treatment fully remove my tattoo?

      Complete removal depends on factors like tattoo age, ink depth, and color. While we achieve significant fading, 100% removal isn't always guaranteed for all tattoos.

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      How many treatments will I need?

      The treatments are spaced 4-6 weeks apart, and the exact number varies based on tattoo size, ink colors, and individual skin response.

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      What is the largest tattoo you can remove?

      We can treat tattoos of any size using our advanced laser technologies. Larger tattoos may require more sessions and might take longer to achieve optimal results.

      Publications

      • Anderson RR, Geronemus RG, Kilmer S, Fitzpatrick R. “Cosmetic tattoo ink darkening. A complication of Q-switched and pulsed dye laser treatment.” Arch Dermatol. 1993; 129:1010-4.

      • Levine V, Geronemus RG. “Q-switched ruby vs. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in treatment of tattoos.” Cutis. 1995; 55(5): 291-6.

      • Geronemus RG. “Surgical Pearl: Q-switched Nd:YAG laser removal of eyeliner tattoo.” J Am Acad Derm. 1996; 35:101-2.

      • Bernstein L, Palaia D, Bank D, Geronemus RG. “Tattoo formation from synthetic suture and successful removal with the Q-switched ruby laser.” Dermatol Surg.1997; 22(12):1040-2

      • Ross V, Yashar S, Michaud N, Fitzpatrick R, Geronemus RG, Tope W, Anderson R. “Tattoo darkening and non-response after laser treatment: A possible role for titanium dioxide.” Arch Dermatol. 2001; 137:33-7.

      • Mafong E, Kauvar A, Geronemus RG. “Laser treatment of cosmetic tattoos.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003; 271-2.

      • Weiss ET, Geronemus RG. “Combining fractional resurfacing and Q-switched ruby laser for tattoo removal.” Dermatol Surg. 2011 Jan; 37(1):97-9.

      • Brauer JA, Reddy KK, Anolik R, Weiss ET, Karen JK, Hale EK, Brightman LA, Bernstein L, Geronemus RG. “Successful and rapid treatment of blue and green tattoo pigment with a novel picosecond laser.” Arch Dermatol. 2012 Jul; 148(7):820-3.

      • Reddy KK, Brauer JA, Anolik R, Bernstein L, Brightman L, Hale E, Karen J, Weiss E, Geronemus RG. “Topical perfluorodecalin resolves immediate whitening reactions and allows rapid effective multiple pass treatment of tattoos”. Lasers Surg Med. 2013 Feb:45(2):76-80.

      • Alabdulrazzaq H, Brauer JA, Bae-Harboe YS, Geronemus R “Clearance of Yellow Tattoo Ink with a Novel 532-nm Picosecond Laser” Lasers Surg Med. 2015 April; 47(4): 285-8

      • Feng H, Geronemus RG, Brauer JA. “Safety of a Perfluorodecalin-Infused Silicone Patch in Picosecond Laser-Assisted Tattoo Removal: A Retrospective Review” Dermatol Surg. 2018 Apr 16 [Epub ahead of print]

      • Jeon H, Geronemus RG. “Successful treatment of a traumatic tattoo in a pediatric patient using a 755 nm picosecond laser.” Pediatric Dermatology 2018 Nov;35(6):e430-e431

      • Feng H, Geronemus RG, Brauer Ja “Safety of a Perfluorodecalin-Infused Silicone Patch in Picosecond Laser-Assisted Tattoo Removal: A Retrospective Review” Dermatol Surg. 2019 April;45(4):618-621

      • Feng H, Christman M, Geronemus RG “Application of Cooled Hydrogel Dressing to Minimize Dyspigmentation from Laser Tattoo Removal” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Sep;81(3);e59- e60

      • Feng H, Christman M, Muzumdar S, Geronemus RG “Successful Treatment of Cosmetic Oral Mucosal Tattoos Using QS 694-nm Ruby Laser and 755-nm Alexandrite Picosecond Laser” Lasers Surg Med. 2020 Oct;52(8):705-707

      • Feng H, Christman MP, Muzumdar S, Geronemus. “Successful Treatment of Cosmetic Oral Mucosal Tattoos Using QS 6940nm Ruby Laser and 755-nm Alexandrite Picosecond Laser.” Lasers Surg Med. 2020 Oct;528):705-707. doi: 10.1002/lsm.23207. Epub 2019 Dec 30.PMID: 31885087

      • Kream E, Jairath N, Bajaj S, Orbuch D, Wang JV, Geronemus RG. Laser removal of eyeliner and eyebrow tattoos: Chart review, experiences, and learnings. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2023;16(11):47-9

      • Kauvar A, Geronemus RG. “Laser Therapy of Tattoos and Pigmented Lesions,” in Dermatologic Surgery, eds. Roenigk, Roenigk R. (Marcel Dekker, 1996), 51:1021-37.

      • Ashinoff R, Geronemus RG. “The Q-switched ruby laser in the treatment of traumatic tattoos.” Plast Reconst Surg. 1993; 91:841-6.

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