LASER TATTOO Removal

Laser tattoo removal is simple, safe, and produces fantastic results. The advanced technology works by allowing the light produced by the laser to pass through the skin and break up the tattoo ink into tiny particles. The body then disposes of these fragments via its immune system. It usually takes several treatment sessions to ensure success, with regular intervals between sessions.

The procedure can cause a stinging sensation, which can be eased by applying a local anaesthetic cream. Some people also experience a lightening or darkening of the affected skin, though in most cases this returns to normal after six months. Redness in the area is common after the procedure, but subsides quickly. The professionals performing the treatment will advise using a high-factor sun block while the skin is still sensitive, along with other tips on achieving the best results. It makes sense to take your tattoo to the experts!

How will I feel during treatment?

Apart from a mild pricking sensation, most people do not experience any high level of discomfort during the procedure. Local anaesthetic cream can be used and/or pain relief, such as paracetamol, can be taken to ease discomfort if needed.

Is it the right treatment for me?

Laser tattoo removal may not be suitable if you are a darker skin type; this is due to the potential of the area leaving a ‘ghosting’ effect. This is where the skin is lighter than the surrounding area. Your practitioner will assess suitability in your consultation.

How often will I need laser tattoo removal?

Typically, professional tattoos can be removed by between six and twelve treatments, depending on the age, colour and density of the tattoo. Amateur tattoos usually only require between one and six treatments, and those planning to replace their tattoo with another may only require a few treatments. The treatments are usually four to ten weeks apart.

HOW DOES THE TREATMENT AFFECT THE TATTOOED AREA OF SKIN?

For a short while, the skin will appear whitened, and the area may be red, tender and slightly swollen for the first two or three days. Occasionally, the skin may form some slight grazing. To protect against infection, it should be covered by a dressing if any bleeding occurs. The area must be allowed to heal naturally.

The tattoo will gradually fade as the defence system of the body works on it. To help the body’s natural processes disperse the ink, we recommend that you massage the area regularly with aloe vera, and drink copious amounts of water for three days after each treatment.

In very few cases, the skin tone may lighten or darken, or slight blistering may occur. There is rarely any change in texture or scarring, although this is possible, particularly if any grazes or scabs are not left alone to heal.

The treated area may lose some of its natural ability to tan, but this normally returns after a while.

Do all tattoos respond to treatment?
Unfortunately not; most pigments, especially blacks and blues, do respond very well to the Ruby laser with reds being more difficult. Green pigment can be quite resistant to treatment.

How will I know if there are any resistant colours present?
In most cases it will be apparent to the assessor whether there is likely to be a problem. Where there is any doubt, a test patch will be required to determine the likelihood of successful treatment. If required, a test patch will be carried out for a fee, as it is better to find out about potential problems before the whole tattoo has been treated and a larger sum of money has already been spent.

How long does the treatment take?
This depends on the size of the tattoo; a small tattoo might take 5 minutes, where a large, or multiple tattoos could take an hour or more of treatment. Again, the assessment will provide this information.