Our ServicesQ-Switched Laser Tattoo Removal

Q-switched lasers produce very short bursts of high energy laser light. The light is absorbed by the large ink particles, generating heat that shatters the tattoo pigment into minute particles which the body removes naturally through the immune system. Because the laser energy is selectively absorbed by the tattoo ink, the surrounding skin doesn’t overheat and there is no lasting damage. Multiple treatments are required to remove a tattoo.

Treatment varies from patient to patient depending on the age, size and type of tattoo, colour of the patient’s skin. The following steps will take place:

• Before any treatment we have a comprehensive consultation with the client to determine, their expectation, cost and skin typing plus a patch test
• All patients and therapist will be required to wear laser eye protection
• The laser headpiece is placed against the surface of the skin and then the laser is activated
• Many patients describe each pulse from the laser feels like the snapping of a rubber band against the skin
• Cooling of the skin, with ice packs and chilled air, after the treatment is required
• A dressing or bandage on the treated area if required after treatment

The number of treatment depends on the colour and size of the tattoo. Multiple treatments are required and this can range from 4 to 14 treatments. However on average this ranges between 8 to 12 treatments.

Each treatment will fade the tattoo, the first few sessions are more dramatic as the laser energy intensifies when it hits anything dark, and therefore it is very effective in the first few treatments. Treatments need to be taken every 8 - 10 weeks apart.

The skin will be hot, swollen, and tender, however, it will subside within a few days after the treatment. Some clients may experience mild blistering or pin point bleeding, this is perfectly normal and should heal within a few days. The skin needs to be kept dry as much as possible and covered with a dressing or bandage on the day of treatment.

Patients will experience temporary discoloration or reddening of the skin around the treatment site. Some patients may also experience a temporary lightening or darkening of the skin for a few months following treatment. The skin will typically resolve to normal pigmentation colour.

After care is an important part of success for Tattoo treatment removal and it is important to follow this advice.

• Apply aloe vera gel to the area to aid healing
• Wash the area gently
• Avoid restrictive clothing or excessive friction of the treated area for 48 hours
• Avoid contact sports or any other activity that puts you at risk of causing trauma to the treated area for 48 hours
• Avoid applying creams, moisturisers, make up, perfume or body lotions to the treated area until healed
• Avoid hot baths or getting the area wet for 12 hours
• Avoid heat treatments such as saunas and steam rooms as well as Jacuzzis for 48 hours
• Avoid going swimming as chemicals in the water may cause a skin reaction for 1 week
• Do not shave the treated area until healed
• Do not rub or scratch the treated area.
• Do not lie in the sun or use a sun-bed as this activates the melanin in the skin and can lead to pigmentation marks