Tattoo reduction is performed with a laser machine and a local anesthesia is used.  The laser breaks up the pigmentation from the ink in the skin and the body picks it up.  It may take 1 to 6 or more treatments to reduce the color on a tattoo, depending on the size, the deepness and the color of the tattoo.  The procedure is performed in a day surgery center.  The patient may return to work and most activities following this procedure.  Healing time is approximately two weeks.