Ultimate Guide to Laser Tattoo Removal

Whether you have 1 or 100 tattoos, sometimes you fall out of love with them or wish you could amend a poorly done tattoo. Body art and tattoos have been around for centuries, however only in the 21st century do we have the technology to remove them accurately, safely and effectively. If you fancy creating space to fix or repair an existing tattoo or want it removed altogether, laser tattoo removal might be the answer.

In this guide we’ll be providing everything you need to know about laser tattoo removal and answering some of the commonly asked questions from our dermatology clinic in Southampton.

Let’s start with the basics and how laser tattoo removal works. You may be surprised to learn that having a tattoo removed is actually easier than you may think. Contrary to popular belief, tattoos are not entirely permanent and can be broken down and ultimately removed should you not want them anymore.

Unlike other lasers that use a continuous beam, our tattoo removal lasers produce pulses of light energy onto the targeted area. Rather than the laser moving in one motion like an eraser, the laser impacts the tattoo in targeted bursts.

With each burst, light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the tattoo ink beneath the top layers. As the ink particles absorb the heat and light energy they begin to break into smaller parts.

Once the ink has been broken down at a cell level, your body’s natural immune system breaks down the ink particles further, removing them away from the tattoo location. In the weeks following your treatment you will notice your tattoo getting lighter.

With each session of laser tattoo removal, more ink can be broken down, following this process until your unwanted tattoo is no longer visible.

As laser technology has advanced so has the effectiveness, safety and sensations associated with their treatments. You’ll be please to know that laser tattoo removal is not considered painful for most people, however you may feel some slight discomfort.

Each pulse treats an area approximately the size of a pea. Numbing creams are available should you need something to dull the sensation but most patients are able to relax and sit through the procedure without any problem.

Overall the treatment does not hurt and is bearable. The laser produces a slight stinging sensation on the surface of your skin, which can be uncomfortable but quickly goes away shortly after your treatment. Our previous clients have compared the sensation to an elastic band being snapped against the skin.

As with most dermatology treatments, it’s important for all of our clients to fully understand the risks and side effects before going ahead with treatment. At your consultation we will only recommend treatments that are safe and suitable for your skin.

The most common side effects for laser tattoo removal include:

• Redness
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Bruising

If any of your side effects go on for an extended period of time or become extremely painful, please see a doctor as soon as possible. Before any treatment we require a full medical consultation to discuss your medical history. This is to ensure that you are not recommended any treatments that you may not react well to or that could be considered harmful.

Immediately after your treatment, the area of the tattoo will turn white, with the surrounding area turning red and swelling slightly.

This white frosting usually fades within twenty minutes; however, the redness and swelling can last up to 48 hours. Keeping the skin cool and dry for the first day or two is the best way to speed up the healing process (apply an ice pack in 15-minute intervals to the treated area).

Over the next several days, blisters may form, and then a scab or a thin crust can follow. Often, the scab is the same colour as the tattoo because the superficial tattoo ink has been absorbed into the scab. The skin usually returns to normal in about 7 to 10 days after the redness and swelling subside.

The number of treatments it will take to remove a cosmetic tattoo depends heavily on the type of tattoo, the location on the body, the patient’s skin, and the ink colour and style used.

In most cases, the laser combined with your body’s natural cell repair system can remove all the ink from your tattoo. It is common for more than 95% of the tattoo may be eliminated. However, it is essential to know that over 100 multi-coloured tattoo inks are used in modern tattoos. Not knowing what type of tattoo ink, how deep or how much ink has been put in makes it impossible for one to predict the exact percentage of removal on any given tattoo.

For best results, we recommend a plan of 6-10 treatments depending on the size of the tattoo, ink used and the depth of the tattoo. Treatments will be between 4-8 weeks apart. During your initial consultation our experienced clinicians will be able to create the right plan for you to ensure you receive the best results.

As no two tattoos are the same, for this reason the duration of treatments depends on the tattoo. Depending on the size of the tattoo, the ink that was used and the depth of the ink will determine the duration of the session. Smaller and lighter-coloured tattoos are much quicker to remove than larger, darker tattoos.

Book a consultation with a tattoo removal specialist for a more accurate prediction and cost.

Many of our clients have this worry when having treatment for tattoo removal. If there is a scar there already then this will still be visible and will not be removed by the laser. However, the laser will not create any new scarring. We use industry-leading lasers that have been refined and improved for safety, effectiveness and reliability. You can be confident that your tattoo removal is being handled by an experienced professional using the best lasers available currently.

If you would like a treatment to treat scarring, a skin resurfacing treatment may be more suitable.

You absolutely can, and many people do! In fact, many of our clients use laser tattoo removal to partially remove part of a tattoo that they would like to have redone or retouched. Let our specialist team know which part of the design you would like removed and we can consult on the best removal process for you.

Pricing for laser tattoo removal is based on the size of the tattoo and the number of sessions needed for removal. A single session for a small tattoo starts at £50, a medium tattoo at £85 and a large tattoo at £120. As most tattoos will need multiple sessions, discounts are available when booked in courses of 3 or 6 sessions.

Speak to one of our specialists to book a consultation and have your tattoo assessed to receive an accurate price for your required treatment.

We’re a team of highly qualified and trained professionals with a vast amount of experience in the medical industry. We can answer any questions you may have and strive to give you the best experience possible. We only use the industry-leading Harmony Laser for all of our laser tattoo removals. This laser is specifically designed for effective, safe removal with minimal discomfort. Previous patients have been amazed at how simple this laser technology makes this treatment.

At our medical dermatology clinic in Southampton, we provide a safe and professional environment where you can feel at ease before, during and after your treatment. We understand how medical treatments can sometimes feel daunting, so making you feel comfortable is a fundamental part of our experience.

Contact us to book a consultation and discuss your tattoo removal with a fully qualified medical expert.