We understand that you probably have lots of questions regarding tattoo removal, we can discuss everything in more detail at your free consultation but here are a few of the most common queries. Please feel free to get in touch if there is anything you would like to ask prior to your consultation.
How does it work?
The Laser delivers light with very high peak energy pulses which are absorbed by the pigment in the tattoo and results in an acoustic shock wave. The shock wave shatters the pigment particles, releasing them from their encapsulation and breaking them into fragments small enough for removal by the body. These tiny particles are then eliminated by the body. (If you're wondering if the laser might also remove normal skin pigment, don't worry. The laser selectively targets the pigment of the tattoo without damaging the surrounding skin.)
Is the laser safe?
Q-Switch Nd:YAG laser is a non-ablative laser, it means no break in skin tissue continuity during the treatment. The newest system in this class of lasers and particularly advanced in the removal of red, blue and black inks. It is safe, effective, with no downtime and a low risk of complications for all skin types. Q-Switched laser technology offers high efficiency at very low risk. It enables successful tattoo removal with little or no scarring.
Can All Tattoos Be Removed?
Most dermatology surgeons caution that complete tattoo removal is not possible. Tattoos are meant to be permanent, so removing them is difficult. The degree of remaining colour variations or blemishes depends upon several factors, including size, location, the individual's ability to heal, how the tattoo was applied and how long it has been in place. For example, a tattoo applied by a more experienced artist may be easier to remove since the pigment was evenly injected in the same level of the skin. New tattoos may also be more difficult to remove than old ones.
Does it hurt?
The unfortunate thing about tattoos is that both getting them and having them taken off can be uncomfortable. The impact of the energy from the laser's powerful pulse of light has been described as similar to getting hot specks of bacon grease on your skin or being snapped by a thin rubber band. Because black pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, it's the easiest to remove. Other colours, such as green, selectively absorb laser light and can only be treated by selected lasers based on the pigment colour.
What are the side effects of tattoo removal?
Most side effects of laser procedures are temporary, generally few and are to be expected. Normal symptoms will subside within a week and may include;
Localised swelling and redness: The most common side effect, could feel similar to sunburn for a day or two.
Blistering: Blisters can be raised and cover up to the entire area of the tattoo; this is part of the normal healing process and the skin will heal nicely afterwards.
Infection: There is always a risk of infection to the area after treatment. A good level of hygiene is important.
Scabbing: If you do experience blistering and/or bleeding, when the scab forms it is very important not to pick or scratch as this could cause scarring and impair further treatments.
Hypopigmentation: The loss of colour in skin is because of the destruction of melanin; a temporary condition that resolves itself within weeks or months as melanin is reproduced and skin colour returns; somewhat prevalent in Skin Type V and VI (especially those of African descent).
Hyperpigmentation: An abundance of colour in the skin at the treated area. More common in darker skin types and patients with with fresh tans. Usually a temporary effect that responds to topical bleaching therapy and resolves over time.
Sunburn: It is important that you keep the area covered in a minimum SPF 25 sun cream if the area is not covered by clothing or a dressing.
Slight pin-prick bleeding or weeping: This is normal and nothing to worry about.
Allergic reaction: A rare but possible development, an allergic reaction to the tattoo dye as it is released into your system.
Scarring: It is very unusual to develop any scarring but it is a possibility, especially with poor after-care (there is a reported 5% chance of scarring following tattoo removal treatment).
Can anyone get a tattoo removed?
Certain medical conditions and medications would make exposure to the laser treatment dangerous for you. A few examples are shown below. A more detailed medical history is taken from you prior to treatment to see if you are suitable for tattoo removal.
Some conditions will only temporarily prevent you from undergoing laser treatment, medical contraindications will be discussed during your consultation.
How many treatments will I need?
Laser tattoo removal takes a long time. Treatments are scheduled several weeks to months a part and laser tattoo removal is not a process where you see immediate results after the 1st treatment session. Determining the amount of time it takes to remove a tattoo depends on:
How long will it take?
Laser tattoo removal sessions are scheduled 6-8 weeks apart from one another. It takes at least 2 weeks for the ink particles to clear the system after a laser session. You will not see immediate clearing of the tattoo right away. Gradual lightening of the tattoo will take weeks after a session. You may not even see results until after the 2nd or 3rd session depending on the factors mentioned above.
Scheduling laser tattoo removal treatments weeks apart allows the skin to fully heal. The laser can be quite traumatic on the skin so scheduling a month or two apart reduces scarring, hyper- and hypo- pigmentation.
The average person requires around 10 tattoo removal sessions to remove a tattoo to their satisfaction. Applying 6 weeks between sessions means 60 weeks, or 14 months to remove a tattoo.
How much does it cost?
It is impossible to predict the precise total cost of removing a tattoo, it depends on the size, the type of tattoo ink used, the age of the tattoo and your immune system, all these factors will have a bearing on the number of treatment sessions required. We can give you a quote per session during your consultation, prices start from £50.00 per treatment.
The initial consultation takes approximately 40 minutes, this is where we discuss everything and answer any questions you may have. This is free of charge. If you decide to go ahead then a patch test is required, this costs £40.00.
It can be quite expensive to remove a tattoo but we operate a 'pay as you go' system. No fees up front, you just pay at each treatment. Considering the treatments are scheduled at 6 weekly intervals it means that everyone can afford to remove their unwanted tattoos, not just the wealthy.
What can I do to look after the area after treatment?
More detailed aftercare advice will be provided as part of your consultation.
If you have any other questions or to see if you are suitable for treatment then please feel free to send us a message through the 'Contact' page or call us on 01485 600 828 or 07785 184135 or email us at: [email protected] where we will be happy to help.
How does it work?
The Laser delivers light with very high peak energy pulses which are absorbed by the pigment in the tattoo and results in an acoustic shock wave. The shock wave shatters the pigment particles, releasing them from their encapsulation and breaking them into fragments small enough for removal by the body. These tiny particles are then eliminated by the body. (If you're wondering if the laser might also remove normal skin pigment, don't worry. The laser selectively targets the pigment of the tattoo without damaging the surrounding skin.)
Is the laser safe?
Q-Switch Nd:YAG laser is a non-ablative laser, it means no break in skin tissue continuity during the treatment. The newest system in this class of lasers and particularly advanced in the removal of red, blue and black inks. It is safe, effective, with no downtime and a low risk of complications for all skin types. Q-Switched laser technology offers high efficiency at very low risk. It enables successful tattoo removal with little or no scarring.
Can All Tattoos Be Removed?
Most dermatology surgeons caution that complete tattoo removal is not possible. Tattoos are meant to be permanent, so removing them is difficult. The degree of remaining colour variations or blemishes depends upon several factors, including size, location, the individual's ability to heal, how the tattoo was applied and how long it has been in place. For example, a tattoo applied by a more experienced artist may be easier to remove since the pigment was evenly injected in the same level of the skin. New tattoos may also be more difficult to remove than old ones.
Does it hurt?
The unfortunate thing about tattoos is that both getting them and having them taken off can be uncomfortable. The impact of the energy from the laser's powerful pulse of light has been described as similar to getting hot specks of bacon grease on your skin or being snapped by a thin rubber band. Because black pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, it's the easiest to remove. Other colours, such as green, selectively absorb laser light and can only be treated by selected lasers based on the pigment colour.
What are the side effects of tattoo removal?
Most side effects of laser procedures are temporary, generally few and are to be expected. Normal symptoms will subside within a week and may include;
Localised swelling and redness: The most common side effect, could feel similar to sunburn for a day or two.
Blistering: Blisters can be raised and cover up to the entire area of the tattoo; this is part of the normal healing process and the skin will heal nicely afterwards.
Infection: There is always a risk of infection to the area after treatment. A good level of hygiene is important.
Scabbing: If you do experience blistering and/or bleeding, when the scab forms it is very important not to pick or scratch as this could cause scarring and impair further treatments.
Hypopigmentation: The loss of colour in skin is because of the destruction of melanin; a temporary condition that resolves itself within weeks or months as melanin is reproduced and skin colour returns; somewhat prevalent in Skin Type V and VI (especially those of African descent).
Hyperpigmentation: An abundance of colour in the skin at the treated area. More common in darker skin types and patients with with fresh tans. Usually a temporary effect that responds to topical bleaching therapy and resolves over time.
Sunburn: It is important that you keep the area covered in a minimum SPF 25 sun cream if the area is not covered by clothing or a dressing.
Slight pin-prick bleeding or weeping: This is normal and nothing to worry about.
Allergic reaction: A rare but possible development, an allergic reaction to the tattoo dye as it is released into your system.
Scarring: It is very unusual to develop any scarring but it is a possibility, especially with poor after-care (there is a reported 5% chance of scarring following tattoo removal treatment).
Can anyone get a tattoo removed?
Certain medical conditions and medications would make exposure to the laser treatment dangerous for you. A few examples are shown below. A more detailed medical history is taken from you prior to treatment to see if you are suitable for tattoo removal.
- If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant there is an unknown but possible risk of transfer of ink to your baby.
- If you are breast feeding, again because of the risk of transfer of ink to baby.
- If you have had chemotherapy or radiotherapy within last 6 months because of sensitivity to light and compromised status of your immune system.
- If you have taken Accutane within last 6 months.
- If you have tanned (either real or fake) or sunburned skin in area of tattoo.
- Active infections or inflammatory skin conditions at the treatment site.
- People with Type I diabetes.
- If you have a blood disorder.
Some conditions will only temporarily prevent you from undergoing laser treatment, medical contraindications will be discussed during your consultation.
How many treatments will I need?
Laser tattoo removal takes a long time. Treatments are scheduled several weeks to months a part and laser tattoo removal is not a process where you see immediate results after the 1st treatment session. Determining the amount of time it takes to remove a tattoo depends on:
- Skin Type - The darker the skin the more sessions and time it will take to remove the tattoo.
- Location - Tattoos located on your arms, legs and/or fingers will require more sessions and take longer to remove
- Colours - Black inks are the easiest to remove. Any additional colours will require additional sessions.
- Amount of Ink - amateur tattoos require less tattoo removal sessions, therefore should take less time to remove. Professional tattoos contain more ink and deeper ink penetration which require more sessions and take longer to remove.
- Tattoo Scarring - if there are scars from getting the original tattoo you will likely need more tattoo removal sessions.
- Cover-Ups - Layering of tattoos increases the amount of ink and the depth of the ink. Removing a cover up tattoo requires more sessions and times.
How long will it take?
Laser tattoo removal sessions are scheduled 6-8 weeks apart from one another. It takes at least 2 weeks for the ink particles to clear the system after a laser session. You will not see immediate clearing of the tattoo right away. Gradual lightening of the tattoo will take weeks after a session. You may not even see results until after the 2nd or 3rd session depending on the factors mentioned above.
Scheduling laser tattoo removal treatments weeks apart allows the skin to fully heal. The laser can be quite traumatic on the skin so scheduling a month or two apart reduces scarring, hyper- and hypo- pigmentation.
The average person requires around 10 tattoo removal sessions to remove a tattoo to their satisfaction. Applying 6 weeks between sessions means 60 weeks, or 14 months to remove a tattoo.
How much does it cost?
It is impossible to predict the precise total cost of removing a tattoo, it depends on the size, the type of tattoo ink used, the age of the tattoo and your immune system, all these factors will have a bearing on the number of treatment sessions required. We can give you a quote per session during your consultation, prices start from £50.00 per treatment.
The initial consultation takes approximately 40 minutes, this is where we discuss everything and answer any questions you may have. This is free of charge. If you decide to go ahead then a patch test is required, this costs £40.00.
It can be quite expensive to remove a tattoo but we operate a 'pay as you go' system. No fees up front, you just pay at each treatment. Considering the treatments are scheduled at 6 weekly intervals it means that everyone can afford to remove their unwanted tattoos, not just the wealthy.
What can I do to look after the area after treatment?
- A sterile dressing should be used to cover the treated area for at least three days. It may be necessary to use a dressing for the duration of healing to protect the area if there is a risk of damage from the area rubbing on clothes (e.g.on waistband).
- After 24 hours antiseptic ointment or 1% hydrocortisone cream (available 'over the counter' at most chemists) can be used if needed up to 3 times a day for 7 days.
- Aloe Vera gel can also help improve skin comfort and reduce swelling or post-treatment redness.
- Do not soak in water until all blisters and scabs are completely healed, it is okay to shower but you should keep the treated area out of the water as much as possible.
- Do not pick or rub, picking at scabs or allowing the treated area to get scraped increases your chance of getting an infection and also increases your chance of developing a scar.
More detailed aftercare advice will be provided as part of your consultation.
If you have any other questions or to see if you are suitable for treatment then please feel free to send us a message through the 'Contact' page or call us on 01485 600 828 or 07785 184135 or email us at: [email protected] where we will be happy to help.
