As a medical journalist, when I stepped into Ambrosia Aesthetics in Andheri West, I introduced myself as pooja , hoping to learn firsthand about Laser Tattoo removal in Mumbai. Dr. Niketa Sonavane welcomed me warmly into her consultation room. She is widely known in Mumbai’s aesthetic dermatology circles, and I was keen to understand not just the technical aspects of the treatment, but also the patient experience.
Dr. Niketa Sonavane – Qualifications, Experience, and Clinic
Dr. Niketa Sonavane leads Ambrosia Aesthetics and has over 17 years of experience in dermatology and cosmetic treatments. According to her Lybrate profile, she holds an MBBS, a DDV (Diploma in Dermatology), and an MD in Aesthetic Medicine. Her practice is backed by her association with professional bodies like the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL).
Her clinic, Ambrosia Aesthetics, is located in the Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West. During my visit, I observed that the setup is modern and carefully organized — a calm waiting lounge, separate consultation and laser rooms, and strict sterilization protocols.The equipment includes Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers and other advanced devices, suggesting that patient safety and technology are both prioritized.
How Laser Tattoo Removal Works
Dr. Sonavane explained that her go-to for tattoo removal is the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, operating at two key wavelengths (1064 nm for dark inks, 532 nm for lighter ones). The laser delivers brief, high-energy pulses that fragment the ink particles in the skin; subsequently, the body’s immune system clears them away.
She described the sensation during treatment as “slightly zappy,” but tolerable — often managed with a topical numbing cream. Sessions are spaced approximately a month apart, and the number of sessions depends on factors such as tattoo color, size, depth, and age.
She also walked me through typical post-session healing: immediately after a treatment, the area may appear white and fluffy; a brown crust often forms by the next day, and after about 7–10 days, scabs fall away to reveal a lighter (but not always completely erased) tattoo.
On cost, Dr. Sonavane shared that at her clinic, a small tattoo session starts at around ₹2,750, while larger or more complex tattoos can range from ₹3,750 to ₹5,500 per session.
Pros and Cons of the Treatment
Pros:
- Minimally invasive with no surgical excision required.
- Customizable based on tattoo color and skin type.
- Treatment by a qualified dermatologist reduces the risk of scarring or pigmentation issues.
- Transparent pricing and tailored treatment plans at Ambrosia Aesthetics.
Cons:
- Requires multiple sessions (six to ten or more, depending on the tattoo) to achieve satisfactory fading.
- Even after several sessions, some tattoos may leave faint “ghost” outlines.
- Post-laser care is essential; improper aftercare can lead to complications.
- Total cost can add up, especially for multi-colored or large tattoos.
Other Doctors Offering Similar Treatment in Mumbai
While Dr. Niketa Sonavane is a leading name, I also looked into other experienced physicians offering laser tattoo removal in Mumbai:
- Dr. Batul Patel – She heads The Bombay Skin Clinic, which uses the Spectra® XT Q-switched laser for tattoo removal.
- Pros: Uses FDA-approved laser, experience with a variety of ink colors.
- Cons: May require 5–10 sessions; healing time and aftercare are crucial.
- Approximate cost: While precise pricing isn’t publicly broken down, prices can vary based on tattoo size, color, and complexity.
- Aftercare/Precautions: Avoid sun exposure, use sunscreen, keep area moisturized.
- Dr. Lalit B. Rajpal – Cosmetic surgeon at his clinic in Andheri West, using Q-switched Nd:YAG and sometimes Alexandrite lasers for tattoo fading.
- Pros: Experienced surgeon, personalized treatment plan, uses ultrashort pulses for less heat and more precision.
- Cons: May cause temporary redness, swelling, or blistering; dark skin may need special care.
- Approximate cost: Not fixed; depends on tattoo size, number of colors, and sessions.
- Aftercare: Avoid sun, use prescribed ointment, maintain clean skin, avoid scratching.
Precautions and Aftercare Advice
Across the dermatologists I spoke to or researched, some consistent advice emerged:
- Sun avoidance: Before and after treatment, protect the skin with high-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- Skin healing: After a session, keep the area clean, apply prescribed antibiotic or healing ointment, and avoid picking at scabs. Dr. Sonavane advised gentle moisturization.
- Session spacing: Wait 4–8 weeks between sessions to allow the skin to heal and flush out fragmented pigment.
- Realistic expectations: Complete removal isn’t guaranteed for all tattoos. Multi-colored or very dense inks may leave behind light shadows.
- Professional supervision: Laser tattoo removal should be performed by a certified dermatologist or surgeon — improper use of lasers can cause burning, scarring, or pigmentation risks.
My Observations and Thoughts
Visiting Ambrosia Aesthetics and talking to Dr. Niketa Sonavane gave me a grounded sense of how laser tattoo removal in Mumbai really works — it’s science-driven, carefully managed, and patient-centric. While results are rarely overnight, when done by an experienced dermatologist, the risks are minimized, and the pathway to fading or erasing a tattoo can be far more reliable than many realize.
If someone is contemplating this journey, I would gently recommend considering a consultation with Dr. Sonavane — or at least another certified dermatologist like Dr. Batul Patel or Dr. Lalit Rajpal — to weigh the pros, understand the likely number of sessions, and plan realistically both for cost and aftercare.
If you’re thinking of getting started or want an honest chat about what to expect, drop us a message or give me a call — I’d be happy to help connect you.
📞 Call Us: 9930993600 | 9930992400
Email Us : dr.niketa@live.com
