Say Goodbye to That Tattoo
Laser Tattoo Removal
Dr. Zelken & Miki Omori, RN · Discovery Pico · Newport Beach, CA
Using the state-of-the-art Discovery Pico laser, Dr. Zelken and Miki Omori, RN, remove unwanted tattoos of all colors — safely, precisely, and in fewer sessions than older technologies allowed.
Approach
Dr. Zelken's Philosophy
Dr. Zelken understands tattoo removal from both sides of the laser. Years ago, he trusted an inexperienced provider using a device never designed for tattoo removal — and was left with permanent scars on his shoulder. That experience made him deeply cautious about the risks of ineffective, poorly performed treatment.
Rather than rush the technology into his practice, he waited. Working alongside Miki Omori, RN, he treated his own tattoo until it was roughly 80% gone after six sessions — proof that the right laser, in experienced hands, truly works. Only then did he offer it to patients.
Today, that hard-won perspective shapes every treatment at the Zelken Institute for Aesthetic Medicine in Newport Beach. The philosophy is simple: the most advanced technology means little without the judgment to use it safely. Every plan is built around your skin type, your tattoo, and realistic expectations — never a one-size-fits-all setting.
The Procedure
What is Laser Tattoo Removal?
A tattoo is created by injecting ink deep into the dermis — the second layer of skin. Those pigment particles are too large for your body's natural cleanup system to remove, which is why tattoos are designed to stay put indefinitely.
Laser tattoo removal changes that. A concentrated beam of light is aimed at the pigment, which absorbs the energy and shatters into much smaller fragments. Over a series of sessions, your immune system gradually absorbs and clears those particles until the tattoo fades from view — and once it's gone, it doesn't come back.
At Zelken MD in Newport Beach, treatment is performed with the Discovery Pico, a second-generation picosecond Nd:YAG laser. Its high power, three true wavelengths, and ultra-short pulses break down pigment of nearly any size, depth, or color — including traditionally stubborn blues and greens — so patients reach their goal in fewer sessions than older, continuous-wave lasers required.
Tailored to You
Targeting Every Tattoo Color
Different wavelengths for different inks.
- 1064 nm Handpiece Targets dark blue, brown, and black pigments — the most common inks, treatable across all skin types and colors.
- 694 nm Handpiece Reaches sky blue, green, and purple inks that older lasers often struggled to clear effectively.
- 532 nm Handpiece Addresses warm tones — red, orange, and yellow — for fuller, more complete fading.
- Pico & Nano Pulses Firing in both picosecond and nanosecond pulses lets the laser shatter pigment of any size and depth.
- Skin-Sparing Design Unlike older continuous-wave lasers, the Discovery Pico protects surrounding skin while maximizing pigment breakdown.
- Beyond Body Art The same technology treats cosmetic tattoos, including tattooed eyebrows, and benign pigmented lesions.
Benefits of Laser Tattoo Removal
Permanently reduces and removes unwanted tattoos.
Treats all ink colors, including stubborn blues and greens.
Safe for a wide range of skin types and tones.
Little to no downtime — most return to daily life right away.
Well-tolerated, without oral sedation or pain medication.
Fewer sessions than older laser technologies required.
Is It Right For You
Are You a Candidate?
Laser tattoo removal can help nearly anyone who feels self-conscious about a tattoo or regrets it for personal, professional, cultural, or religious reasons. Dark blue, black, and brown inks can be treated safely across all skin types and colors.
Skin tone does matter to your plan. Because the laser targets concentrated pigment, and because richly pigmented skin carries a higher risk of color change, treatment is approached more conservatively for higher Fitzpatrick skin types (IV–VI). Colored inks in particular may call for pretreatment, a test patch, or, in some cases, may not be advisable — always a decision made carefully with your provider.
That's why a consultation comes first. Dr. Zelken or Miki Omori, RN, will assess your skin type, review your tattoo's ink and depth, and design a plan around your individual needs — often with same-day treatment for suitable candidates.
What to Expect
The Treatment Process
Every plan begins with a consultation to review your goals, skin type, and tattoo. On treatment day, photos are taken and a topical numbing cream is applied for about 30 minutes. Your provider then passes the Discovery Pico handpiece over the area, often with a cooling air device for comfort. Appointments range from a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on size and color.
Healing Timeline
Aftercare & Downtime
Minimal Downtime
- Most people return to normal activities right away; laser tattoo removal generally requires no real recovery time.
First Few Days
- Expect some swelling, redness, and occasional scabbing. Avoid hot showers, spas, saunas, and soaking for about three days.
Protect Your Skin
- Moisturize the treated area and shield it from the sun. Wear sunscreen daily until redness and swelling settle.
Between Sessions
- Treatments are spaced six to eight weeks apart, giving your body time to heal and absorb the pigment.
The Outcome
Results & Longevity
Laser tattoo removal delivers permanent results. Most patients need more than one session — as a rule of thumb, plan for six to twelve treatments, though meaningful fading is sometimes visible in as few as four. Larger, multicolored, or densely filled tattoos take longer than simple line work.
Because your immune system continues clearing pigment between visits, results keep improving over time — often looking better months after your final session. Factors like ink color and depth, tattoo quality, and your skin type all influence how quickly you reach your goal.
Every tattoo and every person is different, so Dr. Zelken and Miki Omori, RN, set clear expectations up front and build a plan around your specific tattoo. Once it's gone, it stays gone.
Transparency
Risks & Side Effects
The most common outcome to plan for is incomplete removal — many sessions are often needed. Typical side effects are mild and short-lived: discomfort, redness, and swelling that usually fade within a few days. Less commonly, blistering, scarring, or changes in skin color can occur. Choosing an experienced provider using advanced technology, along with any recommended pretreatment, greatly lowers these risks.
Explore More
Related Treatments
Begin Your Journey
Ready to Say Goodbye?
If you're ready to remove or fade an unwanted tattoo, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team at the Zelken Institute in Newport Beach.
Common Questions
Laser Tattoo Removal FAQ
Answers to common questions about laser tattoo removal at Zelken MD.
Dark blue, black, and brown inks can be treated safely in all skin types. Because the laser targets pigment, results tend to be strongest on lighter skin with darker tattoos.
Lasers make skin more sun-sensitive, so the low-UV winter months are ideal. Finishing then also means results are ready before warmer, skin-baring weather arrives.
Most commonly discomfort, redness, and swelling that fade within days. Less often, blistering, scarring, or color change. Incomplete removal is why multiple sessions are usually needed.
Minimal. Protect the area from the sun, wear sunscreen daily, moisturize, and avoid pools, spas, and saunas for a few days. Skip tanning beds entirely.
Yes. Results are permanent. The number of sessions varies from person to person, and fading often continues to improve for months after your final treatment.
Most patients need six to twelve sessions, though some see strong results in as few as four. Treatments are spaced six to eight weeks apart.