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Laser tattoo removal

Laser tattoo removal

Tattoo ink is trapped in the deepest layer of the skin. When tattoos are applied, ink particles are inserted with a needle into varying depths of this bottom layer.

When tattoo removal laser light is applied to the skin, it heats up and shatters the ink that it reaches first within the skin. In other words, the shallowest layers of ink are removed before the deepest layers.

It takes multiple treatments to penetrate through all of the varying depths of ink in a tattoo. If a tattoo is particularly dark or bold, it will require more treatments to remove the ink compared to shaded tattoos with a lower density of ink

FAQs

The laser emits a pulse of light that is preferentially absorbed into certain colours of ink. The light enters the skin at a speed that is too fast to heat the tissues (billionths of a second), instead, it produces a shock wave effect and breaks up the ink particles into smaller pieces, the body then recognises these particles as something that shouldn’t be there and attacks it. The particles are then removed naturally via the body’s own elimination system.

Have you ever seen an old tattoo that is partially faded? Tattoos naturally fade over time because the body’s immune system recognizes that tattoo ink is a foreign substance and tries to remove ink particles.

We can treat black, blue, red, and green ink tattoos using the Q-Switch System. Unlike salon machines which can only reduce tattoos, our medical laser is powerful enough to fully remove them.

With all tattoo removal we have the added benefit of using the Cryo 6 cold air machine for skin numbing & patient comfort. The Cryo directs freezing cold air (-30°C) deep into the skin where the ink is located, mitigating any discomfort or pain associated with the laser. Unlike other cooling methods, the Cryo 6 can cool the epidermis before, during, and after laser treatment, making it the only cooling method that can be used during a laser procedure, for fast, prolonged numbing of the treatment area.

By simply blowing this cold air on the skin for a few minutes, the skin will be thoroughly cooled for the treatment – reducing pain and risk of thermal injuries.

Tattoo removal isn’t an instant fix, it usually takes several months commitment, The number of treatments required depends on the size of your tattoo, the quality of the inks used by the tattooist and the depth at which the placed the ink in your skin. Most tattoos take between 8 to 12 treatments, but some can take longer for complete removal depending on aa persons health & immune system, The sessions will be spaced approximately 6 to 8 weeks apart for the best results. If you are looking for a fade down of the tattoo as you are having a cover up in its place less sessions will be needed.

No. When using the q-switched Nd:Yag laser and following the “pre & aftercare instructions” provided, there is minimal to no scarring, from this procedure. However, in rare cases, those with scarring disorders, such as keloids, have an increased risk of forming a scar.

If you are thinking about laser tattoo removal, your most burning questions may be “Does it hurt?” and “How much does it hurt?”. Tattoo removal causes a certain amount of physical pain and irritation to the area being treated but it is not the same for everyone.

Laser tattoo removal has been likened by some clients to the feeling of having a rubber band snapped on your skin. Others describe it as a rapid succession of pricks. While some say it feels like someone scratching sunburn. Tattoo removal treatments on areas with more fat like the arms and buttocks are generally not as painful as areas where there is less fat or close to a bone like the neck, ankle or finger, with all my removal you do have the added bonus though of the Cryo 6 cold air machine for skin numbing & patient comfort.

Redness and swelling may occur, like sunburn. This settles within a few days. Some patients may blister, which is quite normal and does not indicate potential scarring. Please refer to the aftercare advice sheet.

The treated area should not be exposed to strong sunlight between sessions without the use of sunblock (SPF 30).

Pre & After Care
Pre A patch test is required.
  • You cannot be tanned at the session and tanning between sessions increase the risk of hypo/hyperpigmentation
  • If you tan between sessions, you will require another patch test on the tattoo
  • No fake tan on the area being treated prior to the treatment
  • No oil, moisturizer, perfume etc should be used the day of the treatment, the skin must be clear of products
  • Refrain from alcohol for 3 to 7 days (this may dilate the blood vessels in the treatment area?
  • It is best to avoid smoking for a period of several weeks beforehand after procedure as smoking constricts the capillaries and taxes the immune system, thereby slowing healing results.

Aftercare

  • Cold compress (no ice) and aloe vera may be useful to reduce swelling and erythema(redness) or general discomfort.
  • Erythema may last several hours.
  • a sterile non-stick dressing such as boots melolin may have been used on the treatment area to allow you to get home without clothing or belts etc rubbing the area, it is advisable to remove this as soon as your get home to allow the laseeed area to dry and heal naturally.
  • Do not soak the area for first 24 to 48 hours, no hot tubs whirlpools, or baths but showers are ok with tepid water.
  • the skin will be fragile for 2 to 3 days, use gentle cleaning – do not rub the area. Aloe vera applied can help air recovery.
  • Avoid sun exposure, sunbeds, and fake tan creams during the entire course of treatments. Use SPF 30 or above on the treatment area if you go into the sun.
  • Avoid excessive sweating for 24 to 48 hours no saunas or working out.
  • Keep areas well moisturised and allow any blisters to flake and fall off on their own, do not pick the blisters this is the most common cause of infections and scarring.
  • Avoid irritants such as retin A, retinol , renova, glycolics, bleaching creams and exfoliants for at least 2 weeks.
  • Refrain from alcohol for 3 to 7 days (may dilate blood vessels in the treatment area)
  • Keep well hydrated
  • It is best to avoid smoking for a period of several weeks beforehand after procedure as smoking constricts the capillaries and taxes the immune system, thereby slowing healing results.
  • Avoid photosensitivity inducing foods (celery leeks etc)
  • On occasion clients may experience honey coloured fluid (pus) oozing from the blistered skin, if it does occur the client should seek immediate medical attention from there GP who will probably prescribe antibiotic cream.
Who is not suitable for this treatment?

Every client will have a full consultation before we carry our any session this will determine your full medical history, some of the below conditions are an example of who will be excluded for tattoo removal

  • Anyone with a tan or darker skin types such as skin type v or vi
  • Anyone allergic to there patch test or previous tattoo removal reaction
  • Pregnant or breast feeding
  • Conditions effecting your immune system such as lupus, severe rheumatoid arthritis or any other disease effecting your immune function e.g., removal or spleen.
  • Liver disease such as hepatitis A B C
  • HIV
  • Bleeding abnormalities – such as haemophilia, Von Willebrand’s disease, thrombocytopenia.
  • Blood thinning medication
  • High doses of aspirin or ibuprofen
  • Skin condition – prone to keloid scaring, vitiligo or other pigmentation problems.
  • Cancer treatment and cancer medications
  • -kidney disease
  • Implants / metal plates or pacemaker directly under the site of tattoo removal
  • Any photosensitising medications

These next list wont fully exclude you, but further action will be required

  • Diabetes – letter from GP required confirming you can go ahead with the treatment.
  • Psoriasis – letter from GP required confirming you can go ahead with the treatment.
  • Thyroid disorders – letter from GP required confirming you can go ahead with the treatment.
  • Cold sores in the last 2 weeks – over the counter medication such as zovirax cream will need to be applied 1 week before your treatment to ensure this inactivates the virus.
  • Ro-accutane medication for acne- clients’ needs to be off this medication at least 6 months before laser can be carried out due to it thinning the skin
  • Dark spots on skin during/after pregnancy – client is at risk of having further outbreaks on the pigmented areas, these may or may not go away on their own, therefore you have to accept the risk if you proceed with laser.
  • Organ transplant – letter from GP required confirming you can go ahead with the treatment.
  • Current treatment for other infections or inflammatory conditions – must be completely healed/cured before laser commences.
  • If removal Is on the face no facial, peel etc can be carried out for 2-3 months until skin returns to normal.
  • Botox / fillers – if removal is on or near an area you have had these you have to wait around 12 weeks
  • Fever few or St Johns wart – both herbal photosensitising medications – must be out of your system 4 weeks before we can proceed.
  • Short term course of medications/antibiotics for 6 weeks or less, once finished course of medications must wait 6 weeks before can proceed with laser

Oral steroids – must be off these 6 months before can proceed

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