About The Treatment
Unwanted tattoos can be removed gradually over a series of sessions using a laser.
The energy from the laser breaks down the tattoo ink into tiny fragments, which are eventually absorbed into the bloodstream and safely passed out of the body.
A handheld device will be pressed on your skin to trigger a laser.
The session will take about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your tattoo.
The tattoo should become lighter with each treatment.
Contraindications
Do not have a tattoo removed if you:
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are pregnant
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have a suntan or fake tan - wait for it to fade
Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
The laser targets the ink pigments within the skin and breaks them into smaller particles using bursts of energy. This allows the normal immune system to absorb and dispose of the ink into the bloodstream to be expelled from the body.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions required to remove a tattoo depends on the colour of the inks, density and age of the tattoo. Some tattoos are removed in 1-6 sessions whereas some tattoos may take 15 sessions. Treatment sessions are staggered at 6-8 week intervals to allow skin to recover.
Does it hurt?
The treatment can be a little uncomfortable but most find it tolerable. It has been likened to have an elastic band flicked against the skin. A local anaesthetic cream may be used to numb the skin.
Are there any side effects?
Your skin may be red with a raised rash for a short while after treatment. You should try to avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for a week after a treatment. Cover the area with clothing and use SPF.
How quickly can I expect to recover?
The tattoo will appear white immediately after treatment but this will fade. The area can be tender, red and swollen for up to 48 hours. There may be some scabbing which must be left to fall away naturally. The tattoo itself should fade over the following 4-8 weeks as the immune system disposes of the ink.
Can anything else be treated with the laser?
Whilst tattoo removal is the most popular treatment, this laser can also be used to treat
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Freckles
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Lentigo
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Birthmarks
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Age spots
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Nevus of Ota
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Nevus of Ito
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Minor vascular lesions
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Other epidermal pigmentation conditions