Laser Tattoo Removal - The Facts                                                                   

Leading plastic surgeons and dermatologists regard laser as the superior method for the safe removal of tattoos.

How does the laser work? Tattoo ink particles are too large for the body's immune system to remove naturally. By passing a very short pulse of high power laser light through the skin, the tattoo ink is broken into smaller particles, which the body is able to remove.

How many treatments are required to remove a tattoo? Most amateur tattoos require 3 to 5 treatment sessions at monthly intervals. Most professional tattoos require 8 to 12 treatment sessions at monthly intervals.

What are the costs likely to be? The cost of each session depends on the size and colour of the tattoo. The total cost of the tattoo removal depends on the number of treatments needed and this varies considerably from patient to patient. Prices generally start from £60 per session.

Do all tattoos respond to treatment? In the majority of cases we are able to remove most tattoos. No one laser can remove all types of tattoo ink; this is why we use 2 different laser wavelengths to ensure optimal results.

How long does it take and does it hurt? Typical treatment sessions last between 5 and 40 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo. The lasers do cause discomfort during treatment, similar to being "snapped" with a rubber band. Most patients equate the pain of tattoo removal with the pain of getting the tattoo.

Some areas are more sensitive than others, such as ankles and the shoulder blade. The pain tends to decrease as treatment progresses and the tattoo ink fades. Most patients tolerate the discomfort of treatment very well, but a local anaesthetic is available if required.

Are their any after-effects following treatment? Redness and swelling may occur, similar to sunburn. This settles within a few days. Some patients may blister, which is quite normal and does not indicate potential scarring. Blistering does not require treatment and will usually clear within days. The treated area should not be exposed to strong sunlight between sessions without the use of sunscreen.

Does the treatment scar? Our lasers are Q-switched; this 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.

Will the skin be normal when the treatment is finished? Both Ruby lasers and KTP lasers are absorbed by skin pigment as well as tattoo ink. Darker skinned patients may notice some lightening of the skin (de-pigmentation). This usually returns to normal in 6 to 12 months. That is why we recommend our Saturn Nd: YAG lasers as the risk of pigment change is lower.

Is laser treatment safe? There is no evidence to suggest that the treatment can lead to skin disorders or an increased risk of cancer.