Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser Tattoo Removal 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 via its immune system. It usually takes several treatment sessions to ensure success, with regular intervals between sessions.

Because of the variety of different types of tattoos (e.g. amateur, professional, semi-permanent micropigmentation), it is important to find a practitioner experienced in treating a wide range. You must check the type of laser that a clinic is using for tattoo removal, as these should always be Q-Switched.

This procedure generally requires no special preparation beforehand, although you should have had no exposure to UV light (sun or sun-bed) for 4 weeks before any treatment.

An anaesthetic cream may be applied 20 minutes or so before treatment to help numb the skin; and you will be required to wear eye protectors. You may also be offered a cold air device to help cool the skin and avoid any discomfort.

You will experience a stinging sensation, often described as like an elastic band flicking sharply against the skin, when the laser is delivered to the treated area.
The entire procedure can last from 5 minutes to an hour depending on the size of the tattoo to be treated.

Repeat procedures
Repeat treatments will most likely be required, depending upon the type and extent of tattoo pigment to be treated. Whether a tattoo is an amateur (pen and ink) or a professional one will also affect the number of treatment sessions required to successfully remove the pigment. The colour of the inks used in the tattoo will also factor into the equation; dark blue/black tattoos tend to be much easier to remove than colours such as reds, yellows and greens.

Based on records from one clinic over a number of years, on average, an amateur tattoo takes 3 treatments, while a professional tattoo will take 10 treatments.

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 via its immune system. It usually takes several treatment sessions to ensure success, with regular intervals between sessions.

Repeat treatments will be required; 1 — 10 treatments for an amateur tattoo to 5 — 20 for a professional one; sessions will usually be 4 — 6 weeks apart.

Prices start from £50 - £300 per session, with total cost from a few £100s for very small, blue/black tattoos, to many £1000s for large multi-coloured tattoos.