Laser Tattoo Removal
                               explained

Laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective method of breaking down tattoo ink particles in the skin using high-intensity laser light. The body's natural immune system then gradually removes these tiny ink fragments, causing the tattoo to fade over a course of treatments.

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The number of sessions required completely depends on the client's skin tissue and anatomy, the tattoo size, location, colour and depth. For body tattoos, we recommend 6-12 sessions for significant fading or removal. For cosmetic face tattoos, we recommend 3-6 sessions. These are average guidelines only and sessions required could be more or less. Sessions take place a minimum of 8 weeks apart, allowing healing and ink breakdown. Complete tattoo removal is possible but cannot be guaranteed.

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Some discomfort is to be expected with laser tattoo removal. The sensation is often described as similar to the snap of an elastic band on the skin. Treatment is quick, most sessions take between 5-20 minutes, depending on the size of the tattoo.

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A consultation and patch test is required before treatment can commence, During this, laser tattoo removal will be carried out in a small area of the tattoo to be removed.

 

Benefits of Laser Tattoo Removal:

• Safely fades or removes unwanted tattoos

• Targets most ink colours (best results with black, blue, dark green inks)

• Gradual fading allows for lightening in preparation for cover-up tattoos

 

 

The possible risks and side effects of laser tattoo removal include but are not limited to:

Common/expected

• Redness, swelling, warmth, or tenderness in the treated area (usually subsides within a few days).

• Discomfort - this is often described as an elastic band snapping against the skin.

• Soreness, tenderness, pin point bleeding, or a burning/sunburn like feeling may be experienced after treatment lasting several hours to a few days.

• Temporary whitening or frosting of the skin immediately after treatment.

• Scabbing, blistering, or crusting as the skin heals.

• Itchiness or dryness during healing.

• Bruising - a blue-purpose bruise may occur in or around the treatment area. This usually disappears in 5-15 days. As it fades, a rust discolouration may remain, but that will usually fade in 1-3 months.

• Temporary skin pigmentation changes - the treated area may heal darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) and fading over weeks or months are common.

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Less common

• Superficial wounds/ skin burns (from the heat of the laser) - usually temporary, but may increase scarring risk.

• Excessive swelling - sometimes occurs immediately after treatment, especially when treating the cheek, upper lip or eyebrow area. This usually subsides within 7-10 days.

• Prolonged skin pigmentation changes - the treated area may heal within changed pigmentation or colour. Such a change usually occurs with darker skin, after pregnancy, or when the areas have been exposed to sunlight. The changed pigmentation, which may include darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation), usually reverts to its original appearance in 3-6 months, although occasionally a pigment change may be permanent.

• Textural changes in the skin.

• Paradoxical ink darkening - in some cases, certain pigments (particularly cosmetic tattoo inks, reds, and light colours such as white or flesh tones) may react to the laser and become darker in appearance rather than lighter. This change may be temporary or permanent and, in some cases, further treatments may not reverse this effect.

• Laser tattoo removal outcomes vary. Complete clearance cannot be guaranteed, and some tattoos may only partially face, leaving behind a 'ghosting' (faint pigment traces) or skin textural changes. In some cases, pigment may not respond to treatment, or the skin may heal in a way that does not meet expectations.

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Rare

• Scarring - Rarely, abnormal scarring such as hypertrophic or keloid scars may develop, particularly in patients with a known history of such scarring.

• Melanin loss in hair - in some cases the laser beam can disable melanin (pigment) in the hair, and hairs appear white. Such a change is temporary until the hair has completed a full growth cycle. In very rare cases, this may be permanent.

• Infection - although uncommon, bacterial, fungal and viral infections can occur. Aftercare guidelines must be followed to reduce the risk of infection, and bacteria entering the treatment area. Signs may include but are not limited to, increasing redness, swelling, pus, or worsening pain. Cold sores (herpes simplex) can occur in individuals with or without a known history. Prompt medical attention is required for any signs of infection.

• Allergic reaction - although rare, can be triggered by the tattoo pigment being broken down. As the ink particles are disrupted, your immune system may react leading to itching, hives, swelling or rash in the treated area. Noted in some patients are superficial erosions, bruising, blistering, milia, redness and swelling which can last up to many months, years or permanently. Severe reactions are very rare, but patients should seek emergency medical attention if they notice widespread rash, difficulty breathing, feel increasingly unwell, or swelling of the face or throat.

• Eye hazards - lasers can cause serious eye damage if protection is not worn. You will be provided with protective goggles and must keep them on throughout treatment.

 

Compliance with the aftercare guidelines is crucial for healing.