Laser Skin Care for Hair and Tattoo Removal in Fairfax County, Northern Virginia

From laser hair removal to tattoo removal, new technology at our Fairfax County plastic surgery center is ushering in new and exciting ways to repair flaws on the surface of the skin and treat a variety of skin conditions. We take full advantage of these dynamic and effective ways to bring youth and vitality back to the delicate skin on your face and body. Most procedures are virtually painless, with a topical anesthetic available for those with sensitive skin. The in-office laser suite where we perform procedures such as tattoo removal ranks among the most comprehensive in Northern Virginia. Dr. Goldberg and Dr. Krieger use sophisticated laser techniques in the following treatments:

Laser Hair Removal

Unwanted hair on the face, back, arms, or legs can be unattractive, embarrassing, and difficult to remove. Laser hair removal, offered at our Fairfax center, effectively removes unwanted hair on almost any part of the body. Featuring an advanced laser that targets the hair follicle and destroys it so that hair will not grow back, the procedure is relatively painless. Clearly, it's a step up from traditional methods of hair removal, which were often painful and laborious with short-lived results at best.

Dr. Andrew Goldberg and Dr. Mitchel Krieger offer laser hair removal at their Fairfax practice to treat both small and large patches of hair. Typically, our cosmetic surgeons perform laser hair removal on the back, shoulders, arms, legs, face, and neck. They can work on any area of the body where patients wish to have smoother, softer skin. In-office treatments with our LYRA XP or GentleLASE® Plus lasers can treat excess hair on almost any skin type. Your customized hair removal plan – including the number of treatments required to bring you the best results – will be developed at your initial consultation.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of laser hair removal, please contact our Fairfax office to arrange a consultation.

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Tattoo Removal

Those in need of tattoo removal in Northern Virginia can turn to Dr. Andrew Goldberg, Dr. Mitchel Krieger, and a staff skilled in laser procedures. If a patient wants to erase words or symbols that no longer apply to their life, or if someone wants to eliminate a tattoo that could hold them back professionally, we can help. Proficient in tattoo removal, our Fairfax County staff uses the finest medical laser equipment available to break up the inks and dyes that make up the tattooed image. After that, the body's natural cleansing system eliminates these substances from the skin's surface, usually over the course of several months.

By delivering a very strong and very precise beam of light onto the skin, either in a continuous wave or in pulses, the laser allows us to erase tattoos without harming the healthy skin cells that surround them. Our Spectra® QT Q-Switched YAG Laser is the premier option for safe, effective tattoo removal. If you reside in Northern Virginia and have a tattoo that you no longer find appealing, come see the professionals at Goldberg & Krieger Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. A series of treatments is usually necessary for complete removal.

In addition to performing complete tattoo removal, our Fairfax County staff can lighten or partially remove tattoo ink, which is an appealing option for patients who plan to alter their existing tattoos at some point in the future. We are happy to discuss whatever plans you might have for your body art. Please contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Frequently asked questions:

How does the treatment work?

Tattoos are treated with a specially designed laser that beaks up the pigment so it can be reabsorbed by the body. We use a Q-Switched Yag Laser which is generally regarded as the most effective laser for tattoo removal. The process is gradual occurring each time the area is treated. Tattoos are treated every 6-8 weeks until they have faded.

How many treatments are needed?

Patients typically require an average of 6-8 treatments. Some multicolored tattoos may require more while some single color black tattoos may respond more rapidly.

Can all tattoos be treated?

Yes. All tattoos can be treated although some may respond better than others. Black ink responds the best while bright green ink responds the least. Other colors will have varying degrees of response. All colors can ultimately be treated but may some colors may require more treatments.

Will the treatments cause scarring?

Most patients will not have any scarring from their tattoo treatments. However, some patients with darker skin may be at increased risk for minor scars or pigmentation changes to the skin in the area treated.

How much do the treatments cost?

Individual treatments vary depending upon the size of the area treated. Treatment cost start at $200 and increase with the size of the tattoo. Multiple tattoos or extremely large one may cost upwards of $1000 per treatment. The average cost for a typical treatment is about $300.

How do I get evaluated for tattoo removal?

Our office is one of the few offices in Northern Virginia that has an in office laser suite offering tattoo removal. Cosmetic consultations for tattoo removal are complimentary. You need only to call our office to schedule your appointment.

Can treatments be started the same day of my consultation?

We can usually begin your treatments on the same day as your consultation. Make sure you tell the appointment clerk you are interested in starting your treatments right away so that adequate time can be set aside for you visit.

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MicroLaserPeel™

If you would like a skin resurfacing procedure that goes deeper than microdermabrasion but not as deep as a chemical peel, then the MicroLaserPeel™ was designed just for you. This laser treatment that focuses on the outermost layer of the skin can be tailored to treat a number of conditions. Wrinkles, scars, acne marks, and discoloration are just a few of the problems addressed by the MicroLaserPeel™.

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Laser Skin Resurfacing

During this type of skin resurfacing procedure, a laser is used to gently lift damaged and wrinkled skin, layer by layer. Laser skin resurfacing not only removes imperfections in the skin's texture and coloring, but also tightens sagging skin – an added bonus for patients who might otherwise opt for a facelift in addition to the skin resurfacing. Depending on the type and depth of problem being treated, this outpatient procedure takes 30 minutes to two hours to complete but requires that you set aside some time for recovery. Dr. Andrew Goldberg and Dr. Mitchel Krieger can help you decide if laser skin resurfacing is right for you.

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Wrinkle Removal

Laser treatment for wrinkle removal is fast and effective. Depending on your skin type and goals, either the CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser or the Erbium laser may be used. Both fine and deep wrinkles can be minimized or completely erased with a course of laser treatment.

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Facial Wrinkle Reduction and Collagen Rejuvenation

One of the most valuable effects of laser treatment is the stimulation of collagen. Collagen is a compound made naturally by the skin that keeps it soft, full, and elastic. Laser treatments cause the existing collagen in the skin to become thicker and healthier, helping your skin to stay smooth and unlined.

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Vein Removal

Unattractive spider veins on the face and legs can be eradicated with laser treatment. As the laser is passed over the skin, the laser's energy causes these veins to harden and shrink. Within a few weeks, veins fade away completely. On average, two or three treatments are needed to achieve the best results.

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Treatment of Shaving Bumps

The painful condition known as pseudofolliculitis is a common problem for people with coarse or curly hair. As the shaved hair grows, its natural curl causes it to turn inward and grow back into the skin, leading to bumps, irritation, and even scarring. Lasers offer permanent, definitive treatment for razor bumps by either preventing hair growth altogether or causing thick, coarse hair to become thinner, finer, and less likely to cause irritation.

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Vbeam® Vascular Laser

Vascular lesions such as port wine stains, birthmarks, stretch marks, scars, or warts can be corrected with the Vbeam® laser. This innovative laser works by targeting the veins and vessels of the lesion that are darker than the surrounding skin, causing them to shrink and fade. Very dark lesions may need additional treatments to reach the desired improvement.

If you would like more information on laser hair or tattoo removal at the Fairfax County (in Northern Virginia) practice of Dr. Andrew Goldberg and Dr. Mitchel Krieger, please contact the plastic surgeons in Fairfax County today.

I consulted with five plastic surgeons before choosing Dr. Krieger. I chose him because he performs his procedures in a hospital (not a surgical center), uses an MD anesthesiologist, has a team in place at INOVA Fair Oaks Hospital that is constant, he is also a general surgeon, he is board certified in both general surgery and plastic surgery, practices in a hospital with a bariatric department in case of a related complication, has many years experience with plastic surgery for bariatric patients, is respectful of your body, is a true artist when he envisions how he can sculpt your body to look better and he has a remarkable staff. He is kind, accessable, follows up in the hospital, at home and weeks/months afterwards. He also purchases a 30-day insurance policy for complications following all surgeries that no other doctor that I know of does. He has never had a claim on those policies, but it is reassuring that he thinks enough of his patients to purchase it in their behalf. I had a lower body lift in Sept 2005 that could have been very painful; but Dr. Krieger is excellent with pain management and I had no problems. My new belly button is perfect (I worried I would end up with a "outie") . I returned to him in March for lipo my saddlebag outer thighs. He did an excellent job once again. His staff is competent and friendly. I cannot say enough about this doctor. He is a very talented plastic surgeon who insists on perfection in his work. You will not be disappointed.

~ (K.S.)