Tattoo Removal

A tattoo may seem like a good idea at the time, but you might regret the decision later on. Laser treatment can safely and highly effectively remove your tattoo.

Q-switched Nd:Yag for removal of dark blue, black, grey & white ink

Q-switched KTP laser for red, purple, orange & brown ink

N.B. We only treat black ink at the moment.

For more information please email us on Tattoo Removal Treatments.

Tattoo Removal- The Facts

Leading plastic surgeons and dermatologists regard laser as the superior method for the safe removal of amateur and professional tattoos.

How does the Treatment work?

Tattoo ink particles are too large for the body's immune system to remove naturally. By passing a very short pulse of high power laser light through the skin, the tattoo ink is broken into smaller particles, which the body is able to remove. With each treatment the tattoo pigment becomes successfully lighter and will eventually fade completely.

How many treatments are required to remove a tattoo?

Most amateur tattoos require 3 to 5 treatment sessions at monthly intervals. Most professional tattoos require 8 to 12 treatment sessions at monthly intervals.

What are the costs likely to be?

The cost of each session depends on the size and colour of the tattoo. The total cost of the tattoo removal depends on the number of treatments needed and this varies considerably from patient to patient.

How long does it take and does it hurt?

Typical treatment sessions last between 5 and 40 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo. The lasers do cause discomfort during treatment, similar to being "snapped" with a rubber band. Most patients equate the pain of tattoo removal with the pain of getting the tattoo. Some areas are more sensitive than others, such as ankles and the shoulder blade. The pain tends to decrease as treatment progresses and the tattoo ink fades. Most patients tolerate the discomfort of treatment very well.

Are there any after-effects following treatment?

Redness and swelling may occur, similar to sunburn. This settles within a few days. Some patients may blister, which is quite normal and does not indicate potential scarring. Blistering does not require treatment and will usually clear within days.
The treated area should not be exposed to strong sunlight between sessions without the use of sunblock (SPF 30).

For more information please email us on Tattoo Removal Treatments.

Does the treatment scar?

There is normally no lasting damage to the skin. Very occasionally, mild changes in skin texture may occur.

Will the skin be normal when the treatment is finished?

The lasers are absorbed by skin pigment as well as tattoo ink. Darker skinned patients may notice some lightening of the skin (depigmentation). This usually returns to normal in 6 to 12 months.

Is laser treatment safe?

There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the treatment can lead to skin disorders or an increased risk of cancer. Our laser center is registered

Does this treatment leave pigmentation or Scarring?

There is a possibility of pigmentation changes as occasionally the skin has been damaged when the tattoo was applied. However skin pigment changes usually recover. Scarring is extremely rare although again the damage could have occurred at the point of tattoo application and only noticeable once the tattoo is removed.

How soon after having the tattoo can I have it removed?

It is recommended to wait at least 6 months after the tattoo completion before beginning tattoo removal treatments. This ensures the skin has healed properly

If I have had my tattoo for years can it still fade?

Tattoo clearance is dependant on the dependant on the depth and density of the ink and the professionalism of the application. There is no evidence to suggest that the age of the tattoo has any relation to the results.

How soon before I can go in the sun?

We recommend keeping the tattoo out of the sunlight while receiving the laser treatment. We recommend using a SPF of 15 to 30 on the treated area during sun exposure.

For more information please email us on Tattoo Removal Treatments.