Who can perform laser tattoo removal? Only doctors if so what kind?

Laser tattoo removal is a specialty and the clinicians in our office are fully trained to minimize complications and maximize your results. It is best to be treated by experts in tattoo removal to help avoid complications. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles 

Hello,Tattoo removal, if not done correctly, can result in either scarring or ghosting.  Here are some tips:
Find a reputable office with a Pico laser. It produces faster results with less scarring than a nano alone.  Tattoo removal shops are not as reputable as a Doctor. Many of these shops close as quickly as they open, leaving you out of luck on pre-paid packages.Stay out of the sun— sunlight can be harmful to healing in after any laser procedureAvoid infections- This means keep your tattoo area clean (i.e. don’t garden right after a tattoo removal on your arm, etc), don’t pick scabs or blisters if they occur.  Follow our post procedure instructions. Avoid swimming for 48 hours as water can infect the treated areas.Allow healing between treatment sessions- typically 4-8 weeks.Be healthy- while the tattoo laser breaks up the tattoo particles, your body will actually eliminate the particles. Being healthy will help achieve this process faster and allow for consistent healing. Drink lots of water, get adequate sleep, and eat vitamin enriched foods.In our practice we utilize the currently most powerful Pico laser on the market called the PiQo4 by Lumenis.  The main advantage of a stronger tattoo laser (combining nano and pico wavelengths at greater power) is faster breakup of the tattoo.  The science of tattoo removal is complex but essentially the greater power will photo acoustically break up tattoo particles in smaller pieces.
Best,
Anil Shah

The technical answer to your question depends on state
law, which naturally differs from state to state. Laser tattoo removal is performed by a
variety of providers in certain areas, and only trained physicians in others.
Most of the physicians performing it are dermatologists.

Training is very important in operating lasers safely and effectively. Depending on the state that you live in, physicians, physician assistants under the supervision of a physician, nurse practitioners, nurses and some aestheticians under supervised settings can use lasers. In our practice, physicians, physician assistants and nurses use lasers in a physician run medical office. 

Hello,Only licensed doctors or registered nurses are able to operate laser equipment. However, a plastic surgeon and/or dermatologist would know more about aesthetics and skin care than the average doctor.Rosenberg Plastic Surgery