LASER tATTOO REMOVAL
When you get a tattoo, the ink is deposited less than 1mm into the dermis (the middle layer of your skin). White blood cells called macrophages are first on the scene. They see the ink as a foreign body and try to remove it, but the particles are too big. The macrophages encase the ink and trap it in the dermis instead. And voila! Your tattoo is permanent.
Laser tattoo removal directs energy into the skin to break down the chemical bonds inside the ink pigment. This fractures the ink into tiny particles through a combination of photothermal (heat) and photoacoustic (light) ablation. Now, these ultra-small ink particles can be absorbed by new macrophages and naturally clear through your lymphatic system.
The process is repeated until all the ink is removed. On average it takes 8-12 sessions to fully clear a tattoo.
It’s a clever system. And it works.
What happens in a tattoo removal appointment?
It’s ok to feel a little apprehensive about starting laser tattoo removal. You don’t know what to expect - but we do, and we’re here to help.
We love a before and after photo, so you’ll receive regular imaging throughout your tattoo removal journey. These photos are incredibly satisfying for both you and us, we use them to track your progress and are a reminder of how far you’ve come.
In the treatment room, your consultant will talk through the process and create your bespoke treatment plan. We use a aloe gel to cool the skin during laser treatment, and your consultant will talk you through the session so you always know what to expect.
Once the treatment is complete and aftercare has been discussed, You’ll receive an aftercare card with our key tips for looking after your skin in the days following treatment.
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Some tattoos scar whilst being completed by the original tattoo artist, these will feel raised when you rub your fingers over your existing tattoo, these may be present when your tattoo is removed, but after many successful treatments the laser itself has never left scars.
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The laser removes black ink and a wide range of colours. Darker colours - black, blue, green, and deep purple - absorb a broader spectrum of light and are therefore easier to remove. Whereas lighter colours, which absorb a narrow range of wavelengths, are more difficult to remove with the laser. Yellow and white inks are particularly recalcitrant.
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Yes, we can successfully fade tattoos for cover-ups and we do partial removals as well. We usually recommend five sessions for tattoo fade, though this can vary between different tattoo styles, colours, and designs.
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The procedure feels like an elastic band being pinged onto the skin wit a little bit of heat, certain areas will be a little more sensitive than others. Everyone’s pain threshold is different, you will get an idea of the treatment when having a patch test, that was you can determine your tolerance
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You might experience some redness during the 24 hours that follow the treatment, but thanks to the technology’s inbuilt cooling system, there is no risk of skin damage.
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You will receive after-care advice as well as what can and can’t be applied to the skin immediately afterwards.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
The laser shatters the molecular bonds between the ink in your skin. After a laser treatment, the ink is not removed, just broken down. This allows your body to remove the pigment just like any other waste product in your body – through your lymph drainage system and out through your wee!
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
The sensation of laser tattoo removal has been described as having an elastic band snapped against your skin, but I think it’s more like when you’re cooking and fat spits at you from the pan – hot, sharp and temporary. On a scale of 1 to 10 I think it resembles the pain of a tattoo itself. Something to note is that laser tattoo removal is much quicker than tattooing itself, so something that took two hours to tattoo will only take about 20 minutes to laser.
OUR RESULTS
FAQS ABOUT LASER tATTOO REMOVAL
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What Are the Side Effects of Laser Tattoo Removal?
Following laser tattoo removal treatment, it is common to see redness and swelling on the surrounding skin. This usually subsides within a few hours of treatment.
It is also common to see hypopigmentation, or temporary lightening, of the skin. Skin color usually returns to normal within about two weeks.
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It is common to see some bruising within the hours immediately following treatment, but that usually subsides quickly.
As the skin starts to heal, you may also see blistering. Do not pop them. Popping blisters can cause scabs, cause scarring, and increase the likelihood of infection.
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Laser tattoo removal can be done on any tattoo, regardless of how big or small it is. The larger the tattoo, the longer each session will take.
If the tattoo is larger than the size of your hand it will have to be done in sections 6 weeks apart due to ink poisoning.
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The number of laser treatments you need depends on a couple factors:
• Tattoo size
• Tattoo location
• Ink colors
• Type of tattoo ink used
• Age of the tattoo
• Your skin type
An estimated amount of sessions will be given on your consultation
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It is important to stay out of the sun and avoid all sorts of tanning in the weeks leading up to treatment. You should also avoid shaving, waxing, and exfoliating prior to laser treatment.
If you are a smoker, you should quit smoking, as non-smokers tend to heal faster.
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It is important to follow a strict aftercare plan. After treatment you’ll need to avoid sun exposure and minimize your exercise routine for several days. It’s also important to decrease alcohol consumption and drink lots of water.
Lack of water and excess alcohol can cause dehydration, which will slow down the healing process and increase your risk of getting an infection.
You’ll also need to avoid hot tubs, long baths, high water pressure, and shaving the treated area for several days.