FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
LASER TATTOO REMOVAL FAQ
Here we answer some of the most common Laser Tattoo Removal questions for you. Of course, when you arrive for your free consultation we will be in a better position to carefully consider your best treatment options and advise accordingly.
WILL THE TATTOO BE REMOVED IN ONE TREATMENT?
No, the light can only shatter a certain amount ink in one treatment, so several treatments are needed at 6 weekly intervals to work through the layers. You will notice the tattoo fades more and more with every treatment you have. A test patch will be performed before a full session goes ahead to check how you react to the treatment. A professional tattoo can take an average of 10 treatments (or more) although some Indian ink and amateur tattoos can be removed within 6 treatments and sometimes only take 1 or 2. There are several factors that influence the number of treatments required, these can be down to how easily you heal, how deep the ink is in the skin, and the types of ink that were used.
DOES IT HURT?
The treatment feels similar to a small elastic band being snapped at the skin and is easily tolerated by most people without any need for anaesthetic.
HOW LONG DOES A TREATMENT TAKE?
Treatments can take between 10 seconds to 30 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
It is not uncommon for bleeding and/or blistering to occur, there are varying reasons why this happens but it is very short lived and in our experiece, is never cause for concern.
HOW DOES THE SKIN LOOK AFTER TREATMENT?
An instant whitening of the skin is usually seen after treatment, but this generally fades quickly. The area is likely to feel tender for a few hours and can be red and/or swollen for up to 48 hours.
WILL THE LASER SCAR MY SKIN?
No. If bleeding or blistering does occur it is very important not to pick any scabs that may result when the skin is healing – this could cause scarring, and should be avoided as scar tissue can make further treatments more difficult.
WHY DOES THE INK STAY IN THE SKIN WHEN YOU HAVE A TATTOO?
When you have a tattoo the particles of ink are too large for the body to destroy, so instead, it encapsulates the particles of ink with a network of collagen fibres as the skin heals, and there the tattoo remains.
HOW DOES THE TATTOO REMOVAL LASER WORK?
WHY IS IT DIFFICULT TO TREAT COLOURS OTHER THAN BLACK?
Light is measured in nanometres and there are two wavelengths of light that are emitted from this laser – one is invisible infrared light (1064nm) and the other is visible green light (532nm). The infrared wavelength is preferably absorbed into black and dark blue inks, whereas the green light is absorbed by red ink. It is possible to treat some other colours although white, yellow and bright colours are difficult. This is not usually a problem however, as lighter colours cover very easily. If you wish to cover-up an existing tattoo then the darker colours will be faded or removed, allowing you greater choice of size and colour of the cover- up design you choose.