Laser Tattoo Removal

Nd-Yag Q-Switch laser delivers specific-wavelengths of light extremely quickly (in nano-seconds) at a very high energy. These pulses are selectively absorbed by the tattoo pigment, shattering it into tiny fragments small enough for the body to recognise the particles as a foreign object, and over the next several weeks some of particles (in shallow cuticle) are discharged from the body and the other part (in deep tissue) are absorbed and digested by the body’s macrophages and removed out of the body by the immune system.

Since the specific wavelengths used can only be absorbed by pigment particles, no lasting injury happens to normal skin and normal tissues. The Nd-Yag Q-Switch laser systems can now remove all types of tattoo with little or no scarring, professional and amateur tattoos, as well as traumatic tattoos successfully.

Depending on the size of the tattoo the treatment time can take 1-15 minutes.

Laser tattoo removal typically does involve some level of pain. That said, many say that it hurts less than they expected. It’s a common belief that tattoo removal is excruciating, yet most patients say that the sensation of removal is comparable to having a tattoo applied. A key difference is that laser tattoo removal is much quicker – most treatments take between 30 seconds and 10 minutes for completion. Pain associated with the laser light is typically described like an elastic band hitting the skin.

Laser tattoo removal using Nd-Yag Q-Switch lasers are the safest; however, complications can occur. Acute complications include:- pain, blistering, crusting and pinpoint haemorrhage.

There should be no active or fake tan in the area to be treated. Avoid using sun beds or having prolonged exposure to sunlight for one month prior to treatment and an SPF 30+ must be used on the area between treatments. Suntans must be left to fade completely before treatment can start. On the day of your appointment, ensure that the area is clean, shaved and no lotions are used.

Avoid exposure to sunlight as much as possible after the procedure. Do not remove the scab before it naturally falls off, as this may lead to pigmentation.

In most cases, yes. Therefore, each tattoo fades at a different rate and sometimes a small amount of pigmentation may remain in the skin even after multiple treatments. This is acceptable to be considered a removed tattoo.

Yes! This is an essential safety measure to establish the optimum treatment settings to allow us to treat you effectively with minimal risk of side effects.

Unfortunately, we can never guarantee complete removal. Removing the tattoo does not cause any scarring, although the act of tattooing can cause a scar that is less visible while the ink is there. If your tattoo feels raised to the touch then when the ink is removed that will still be there.
Most patients will see improvement in the appearance after the first treatment. Sometimes this improvement is dramatic, and sometimes it can be subtle. It takes time for the immune system to fully absorb the treated ink.

No, we advise the tattoo to be at least a year old.

1-4 sessions will be ok, the effectiveness of tattoo removal depends on colour, size, age and area.

Yes, the laser has an infrared aiming beam for accurate treatment. You can also cover white cream on the area you don’t want to remove, it will protect no any damage.

For optimum results we recommend booking a course of a minimum of 6 treatments. However, during your consultation your tattoo will be assessed by a specialist who will advise you on your suitability, expected results and number of treatments likely.

It is important to wait until the skin is fully healed before doing another treatment. This means there are usually around 6 week intervals between sessions.

Yes we can, but as this is effectively two tattoos, it will take longer than a single tattoo as we will have to remove it layer by layer.

Definitely! topical anaesthetic cream can be applied to the area 15-20 minutes beforehand, this may significantly reduce the intensity and can make the treatment very tolerable.