Question 1

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

When a tattoo is initially applied, it is placed in the dermis which is situated about 2-3mm within the surface of the skin.  The reason the tattoo remains where it is applied, is your body does not detect the tattoo as bacteria or a foreign object due to the size.  As the body decides the tattoo is too large, the tattoo heals and your body produces more collagen which surrounds and protects the tattoo. If you decide you no longer want a tattoo that has been applied, then having laser treatment is the most effective and only successful way of removal.  When the laser comes in contact with the tattoo, the light is absorbed which causes a shockwave that releases heat and shatters the tattoo into tiny pieces.  At this point these pieces, as they are now smaller, can be carried away by the body through the lymphatic system (through the kidneys and out through urine).

Question 2

Why this is the right choice for me?

Accepted Answer

Laser Tattoo Removal is the only effective option for the reduction or removal of a tattoo.  This treatment is perfect if you no longer want a tattoo or want to fade the tattoo with a view to get an alternative cover up design.

Question 3

What type of tattoo’s can be removed?

Accepted Answer

Professional Tattoos – usually colour and dark ink – these can sometimes be harder to remove depending on the colour and type of ink used. Amateur Tattoos – usually black and blue ink – easier to remove as these are not usually applied to the correct layer of the skin due to the limited experience of the person applying. Permanent Make Up – although not as deep as professional tattoos, the ink used can contain iron pigments that do not respond well to treatment.

Question 4

What can I expect from the treatment – how does it sound and feel?

Accepted Answer

Primarily the area being lasered will be cleaned and shaved and the correct settings will be inputted into the machine. When the laser first hits the tattoo it makes a loud cracking noise, a little bit like a Christmas cracker being pulled, this is due to the tattoo absorbing the shockwave and is completely normal. When the laser has entered the skin you will see the area turn into small white gas bubbles, this is a sign the treatment has worked and will disappear within half an hour of the treatment being completed. Some bleeding may also occur, again this is completely normal and will cease within half an hour of the treatment being completed. Skin can also appear red or raised temporarily following treatment. To minimise discomfort the skin will be cooled down using an ice pack prior to treatment and this method can also be applied following treatment.  A cooling aloe vera gel will be used after the treatment to soothe the skin. The treatment is often likened to an elastic band being pinged on the skin, or hot fat spitting on you when cooking.  Everyone’s pain threshold is different, but every measure is taken to ensure maximum comfort with plenty of time being allowed for each treatment to ensure breaks can be taken if needed.

Question 5

Consultations – what do they involve?

Accepted Answer

Consultations will be carried out for every client for every treatment, without exception.  This ensures the very best treatment is given and confidence from clients that they are fully briefed on the procedure prior to starting. During consultations: • Consent forms will be completed. • The procedure will be fully explained with an opportunity to ask questions. • The skin type of the client will be defined. • Ensure that there has not been high sun exposure 30 days prior or planned for after each treatment as this can give a risk of burning, blistering or permanent skin discolouration.  This includes sunbeds and fake tan treatments. • Medical history and medication will be checked and discussed. • If all the above is agreed, then a test patch will be carried out on the skin.  A small section of the tattoo will be lasered to ensure that there are no adverse reactions, the results will be monitored prior to leaving the studio.

Question 6

How long does there need to be between treatments?

Accepted Answer

Following the test patch, a full treatment can be carried out 48 hours after providing no adverse effects have occurred. There will then be a minimum of 6 weeks between each treatment.  During these 6 weeks the tattoo will continue to fade which means there would be no benefit in carrying out treatments more regularly than this. Once the white bubbles fade and any bleeding subsides, the area will start to scab and heal and may be itchy.  It is important that the area is not itched or picked as this can cause scarring.  This will then heal and the skin will go back to looking and feeling like normal.

Question 7

How many sessions will be needed?

Accepted Answer

This will differ between clients dependent on skin type, type of ink used, age of the tattoo and colouring.  Once treatment has begun and the first session healed, an estimate can be given on how many sessions are needed for the desired result.

Question 8

How long does the treatment take?

Accepted Answer

This varies depending on the size of the tattoo.  The process is much quicker than tattooing and a square inch area can be covered on average within a couple of minutes.

Question 9

Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

The treatment is often likened to an elastic band being pinged on the skin, or hot fat spitting on you when cooking.  Everyone’s pain threshold is different, but every measure is taken to ensure maximum comfort with plenty of time being allowed for each treatment to ensure breaks can be taken if needed. To minimise discomfort the skin will be cooled down using an ice pack prior to treatment and can also be applied following treatment.  A cooling aloe vera gel will also be applied after the treatment to soothe the skin.

Question 10

Will I have scarring after treatment?

Accepted Answer

As this is a medical treatment a risk of scarring is always possible, this would usually only happen if a client has a history of being prone to scar tissue (discussed in the consultation), or if aftercare is not properly followed, however scarring is not a usual or expected side effect of the treatment.