Unwanted tattoos can feel like permanent reminders of choices that no longer reflect who you are. Whether it’s faded ink, a design that no longer fits your life, or a piece that brings emotional discomfort, laser tattoo removal offers a way to start fresh.

The Aesthetic Care Center offers state-of-the-art laser tattoo removal treatments to help clear your skin of unwanted ink. Using the advanced Cutera Enlighten™ laser, our team provides safe, precise and effective tattoo removal for patients in Lima, Celina, Findlay and surrounding areas. We were the first clinic in Ohio to offer Enlighten tattoo removal and the first in the nation to provide the latest Enlighten laser with all three wavelengths, which can remove tattoos of any color.

What Is Laser Tattoo Removal?

Laser tattoo removal is a noninvasive treatment that uses focused energy to break down and eliminate tattoo ink. This process fades the tattoo gradually across a series of sessions, without surgery or incisions.

Laser tattoo removal, when performed using advanced laser technology like Enlighten, is considered the safest and most effective method for removing unwanted ink of all colors and types.

How Enlighten™ Laser Tattoo Removal Works

Enlighten by Cutera uses powerful dual-pulse technology (picosecond and nanosecond pulses) to safely and effectively break down tattoo ink beneath the skin. The laser delivers ultra-short, high-precision bursts of energy that fragment ink into smaller particles, making it easier for your body’s immune system to naturally flush them away over time. Unlike older lasers that often struggle with dense or multicolored tattoos and require 10+ sessions, Enlighten is engineered to break down even deep, layered or previously treated ink.

Whether you want to fade a small black tattoo or remove a complex multicolored design, Enlighten offers reliable, predictable results with less downtime and improved comfort.

Enlighten™ stands out because of:

  • Three Wavelengths (1064nm, 532nm, 670nm): Effectively targets a full spectrum of ink colors, including stubborn shades like green, blue and yellow.
  • Precision Without Overheating: Minimizes heat exposure to protect surrounding tissue, reducing risks like blistering, scarring or pigment changes.
  • Safe for All Skin Tones: Treats fair to deeply pigmented skin with minimal risk.
  • Faster, More Efficient Treatments: Can reduce the number of sessions needed by up to 40% compared to traditional lasers.

Am I a Candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal?

The decision to remove a tattoo is as personal as the choice to get one. When considering tattoo removal, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Does your tattoo embarrass you?
  • Does it remind you of a painful experience, relationship or time in your life?
  • Does it no longer reflect your lifestyle?
  • Does it limit your wardrobe choices because you want to keep it hidden?
  • Have you tried other methods of removing your tattoo?
  • Has your tattoo changed in appearance due to age or sagging skin?

Candidates for tattoo removal should be in good health and have realistic expectations about results. If you had an allergic reaction to your tattoo placement (a typical side effect of red ink), we will discuss your treatment options at your initial consultation.

What to Expect During Treatment

01 /
Preparation

Before your session, the area will be cleansed and numbed using either a topical anesthetic, injectable lidocaine or both, depending on the tattoo’s size and your comfort level.

02 /
Treatment Process

The laser handpiece is passed over the tattoo, delivering rapid pulses of light that penetrate the skin without damaging the surrounding tissue. These laser pulses are calibrated to shatter the ink particles while preserving the integrity of your skin. Most sessions last between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the tattoo’s size and complexity.

Patients typically describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. While it may feel slightly uncomfortable, most patients tolerate it well, especially with numbing measures in place. During treatment, you may notice a temporary whitening effect called “frosting,” which is a natural reaction as the laser interacts with the pigment. This effect usually fades within minutes and signals that the ink has absorbed the laser energy successfully.

03 /
Post-Treatment

Once your treatment is complete, Dr. Aggarwal will apply Aquaphor and then dress the area with a non-adherent dressing. You may notice pinpoint bleeding for the first 24 hours, and some patients may also see small blood blisters. These are normal and should not be drained.

04 /
Recovery and Aftercare

Dressing changes can be completed at home and will need to be done daily for one to two weeks. If you experience any pain or discomfort, you can take over-the-counter medication. However, it is essential to discuss this first with the medical providersDr. Aggarwal to ensure your results or health will not be affected. Follow-up appointments are scheduled every 6-12 weeks for reassessment and treatment The area will require examination after two weeks, at which point you’ll come in for a follow-up appointment.

05 /
How Many Treatments Are Required?

The number of treatments required will depend on the ink colors, density, size and location of your tattoo. Tattoos on the fingers, toes or ankles usually require more sessions because the skin is thin, more delicate and also further from the heart.

Thinner areas of skin typically have less lymphatic tissue, which is responsible for discarding the ink from the body. However, the Cutera Enlighten laser is the most advanced laser available for tattoo removal, which means that regardless of the treatment area, you will require fewer sessions than other laser methods.

Black ink is the easiest and most effective to remove, followed by red. Yellow, blue and green tattoos are usually the most difficult for traditional laser methods. However, with Cutera’s newest wavelengths, these inks can be eliminated in two to six treatments.

While most tattoos can be erased, some colors are more resistant to laser therapy. Tattoos that were redone typically require more treatments. Additionally, home-made inks usually react differently from professional ink, so a test patch may be performed to ensure it is safe to proceed. Tattoo ink with glass is not treated through laser therapy due to the risk of scarring or an unpredictable reaction.

06 /
When Will I See Results?

Laser tattoo removal is a gradual process, with visible fading typically beginning after the first session. Most patients start noticing changes in their tattoo’s appearance within two to three weeks as the body begins clearing the fragmented ink. However, the most significant results accumulate progressively over multiple treatments, as each session breaks down additional layers of pigment.

Enlighten™ Laser Tattoo Removal vs. Traditional Methods

Older tattoo removal options like Q-switched lasers, dermabrasion or surgical excision often came with trade-offs: prolonged healing times, limited ink color removal and higher risks of skin damage. Traditional Q-switched lasers, while once the gold standard, rely on nanosecond pulses and are less effective at breaking down dense or multicolored tattoos. Patients typically needed 10 to 15 sessions, often with visible scarring or pigmentation changes.

In contrast, Enlighten laser technology represents a major leap forward. By combining picosecond and nanosecond pulses with three precise wavelengths, Enlighten can target even the most difficult pigments while protecting surrounding tissue. The result is a more comfortable experience, fewer sessions and safer outcomes for all skin types.

Begin Your Journey to Clear, Tattoo-Free Skin

Unwanted ink? We can fix that! Laser tattoo removal is just one of the many services offered at the Aesthetic Care Center. Manu B. Aggarwal, MHSA, MD, is a board-certified and aesthetic-laser-certified family physician who has been treating patients in Lima, Celina and the surrounding areas of Hancock County, OH, for more than five years.

Please contact us today by calling (419) 227-4472 to schedule your tattoo removal consultation.

DeviceFDA Clearance SummaryReference / Source
Enlighten® Cleared by FDA for tattoo removal, benign pigmented lesion treatment, and acne scars (with Micro Lens Array). Cutera – Enlighten

Friendly, knowledgable staff. I love video recapping what to do to prep for surgery (in advance) & after. Super helpful!

E. B.

Love it all good staff.

M. S.

Very courteous and friendly staff. Doctor – very knowledgeable about conditions & options for treatment.

H. M.

This is why I always come back. Thank you for all that you do! Everyone is great to work with.

J. P.

All of the staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. Dr. Aggarwal was excellent and competent. I will recommend this office to others.

G. S.

Glowing Results,
Glass Skin

Advanced Vein Treatment at Our Specialized Medical Center

Vein Care Center, our comprehensive vascular treatment facility headed by Dr. Aggarwal, offers state-of-the-art solutions for venous and lymphatic conditions using the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies available. From spider veins and varicose veins to more complex vascular issues, our medical team provides minimally invasive treatments focused on both improving your appearance and addressing underlying circulatory concerns. Schedule a consultation to discover how our personalized treatment approaches can help relieve your discomfort and restore healthy circulation.

Visit Our Vein Care Center

Turn Back the Clock

Pamper yourself with expert treatments for a youthful glow.