Everything you need to know about Laser Tattoo Removal.
What is Laser Tattoo Removal?
Laser Tattoo Removal is a simple and safe procedure that produces fantastic results.
The advanced technology works by allowing the light produced by the laser to pass through the skin and break up the tattoo ink into tiny particles. The body then disposes of these fragments through the bloodstream and safely out of the body.
Tattoos can either be removed completely or lightened enough to allow for a successful cover up.
Laser Tattoo Removal is potentially a long process depending on if you would like the tattoo completely removed or lightened enough for a successful cover up tattoo. Usually, 6+ sessions are required for full removal, although up to 10+ may be required in some cases. The variability depends on many factors, such as the size, colour, location and age of the tattoo. After each visit, your tattoo should become progressively lighter.
If I do not think my laser machine will remove the colours desired, I will refer you to a different clinic registered with the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales to proceed with treatment where a more suitable laser machine will be used.
Laser Tattoo Removal must have 3-6 months between treatment sessions to ensure that treatment area has healed properly and fully. And you must have at least 6 months between your last session of Laser Tattoo Removal and a tattoo over the treatment area otherwise you're at risk of the new tattoo lightening.
Laser Tattoo Removal can be painful, with client's describing the feeling like an elastic band snapping at the skin or like hot oil spitting in a pan when cooking an egg.
I use the TITAN 3 Laser Machine here at the salon.
This is the fastest, most powerful laser in its class and provides complete tattoo removal with very little to no scarring.
Are there any risks?
There is a risk of eye damage from lasers, which will be minimised by the wearing of protective goggles during laser use.
There is a risk of patchy residual pigment, persistence of tattoo pattern, change or permanent lightening of skin colour, change in skin texture or hair loss/thinning, but these changes usually return back to “normal” over a period of 6 months to 1 year after final treatment.
There is a risk of blistering and pinpoint bleeding may occur and is totally normal. You should elevate the treated area above the heart and minimise activity while the area is healing if this occurs.
Pain, discomfort, stinging, discolouration, redness, bruising, swelling, blistering, and crusting are common, but infection is rare.
Scarring is a rare possibility. This is usually a result of the application of the tattoo before laser treatment has even begun, if the tattoo artist has gone too deep. This could also happen as a result of not adhering to the aftercare advice given post laser treatment.
Despite my best efforts there remains the possibility that not all of the ink will be removed. Certain colours and certain types of ink may be more difficult to remove and many may appear darker before getting lighter.
Previous treatment by any other method of Tattoo Removal may increase any or all of these risks.
What are the benefits?
Laser Tattoo Removal is the safest method of Tattoo Removal, is non-invasive and is highly effective!
Tattoos of all colours can be completely removed by Laser Tattoo Removal, although it may take a few sessions to achieve this and scarring is very rare when Laser Tattoo Removal is performed.
Laser Tattoo Removal is permanent and will not re-appear after any length of time.
Laser Tattoo Removal can be performed on all skin types, although it can be less effective on darker skin (Skin Type 4 or higher) and there are increased risks.
Laser Tattoo Removal means less compromise on what is possible to cover your old tattoo with and more options of preferred tattoo styles over the old tattoo.
Can I use numbing cream?
Absolutely! Although I use skin cooling pre and post treatment to help take the edge off, numbing cream works very well with tattoo removal as it's such a quick process!
I do not supply topical numbing cream to my clients before treatment but can advise you that you can purchase Emla Cream or Ametop Gel from your local pharmacy.
Apply the numbing cream to the treatment area 1/1.5 hours before treatment by stippling it onto the area – do not rub it in.
You will then need to wrap the treatment area in cling film as tightly as possible but not so that you're uncomfortable and I will remove the cream before your treatment commences.
Please ensure you patch test your numbing cream 48 hours before using it to ensure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.
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