Tattoo Removal
Recent developments in laser therapy have finally made it possible to remove tattoos.
Leading plastic surgeons and dermatologists, regard the Q-Switched Ruby Laser as the superior method for the safe removal of both amateur and professional tattoos.
Leading plastic surgeons and dermatologists, regard laser as the superior method for the safe removal of both amateur and professional tattoos. Why is a tattoo so difficult to remove?Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is a tattoo so difficult to remove?
- How do the lasers work?
- How many treatments are required to remove a tattoo?
- Do all tattoos respond to treatment?
- How long does it take and does it hurt?
- Are there any after-effects following treatment?
- Does the laser treatment scar?
- Will the skin be normal when treatment is finished?
- Is Laser treatment safe?
A tattoo results when the skin is punctured and pigment is inserted into the lower layer of skin. The body's own immune system reacts to this 'injury' but is unable to cast out the larger particles of pigment.
Tattoo ink particles are too large for the body's immune system to remove naturally. By firing a beam of light through the skin in extremely short pulses the light is absorbed by the tattoo ink creating a reaction, which breaks it down into very small particles. The body's immune system then gradually removes the pigment.
The number of treatments required will depend on the body's immune system and how effective it is. As a guide, most Indian ink amateur tattoos require 3 to 5 treatment sessions at monthly intervals. Most coloured professional tattoos usually require 8 to 12 treatment sessions at monthly intervals.
Yes in the majority of cases, although it is impossible to give an absolute guarantee as some pigments can resist treatment. No one laser can remove all types of tattoo ink, so this is why we use 3 different lasers to ensure optimal results.
A typical treatment session can last between 5 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the tattoo.
The treatment stings and may cause some minor discomfort which will start to subside when the session is over. This is tolerated well by most patients but a local anaesthetic cream is available if required.
Redness and swelling may occur, which settles within a few days. Some patients may blister. This is quite normal and does not indicate potential scarring. No specific treatment is required and it will usually clear within a few days. A dry dressing may be applied to avoid contact with clothes, etc. When bathing or showering, the area should be patted dry and not rubbed. If blistering occurs, prolonged immersion in water, e.g. swimming, should be avoided.
Between treatment sessions the treated area should be protected from strong sunlight or sun beds with sun block (SPF 30).
Our lasers are Q-switched, which means the lasers deliver high power in a very short pulse (25 billionths of a second!). There is normally no lasting damage to the skin. Very occasionally, mild changes in skin texture may occur.
Since Laserase Croydon was set up in 1992, we have treated many thousands of tattoos with the vast majority of people being delighted with the results. Although scarring is a possibility, we have found the chances of this occurring to be very low.
During treatment with Ruby and KTP lasers, it is quite normal for the tattooed area to become paler and any freckles may disappear. This is because the lasers are also effective at removing natural skin pigment (depigmentation). Once all the treatments have been completed, the pigment should slowly return. This may take anything from 6 months to several years. Darker skinned patients are generally limited to treatment with the NdYAG laser as the risk of pigment change is less.
A tattooed area which is particularly hairy should be shaved prior to treatment. The hair should grow back normally but in some cases may be slower than expected.
Yes. There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the treatment can lead to skin disorders or an increased risk of cancer. Furthermore, every precaution has been taken to ensure the safety of the patient. Having met all the necessary conditions, each Laserase Centre is registered with the Healthcare Commission. The lasers are also subject to periodic checks by the Regional Radiation Physics & Protection Service.
The treatment is carried out only by qualified and fully trained doctors and nurses. Patients are required to wear approved protective goggles at all times.