How does it work?

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).

Why this is the right choice for me?

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.

What type of tattoo’s can be removed?

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.

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

1. Primarily the area being lasered will be cleaned and shaved and the correct settings will be inputted into the machine.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Some bleeding may also occur, again this is completely normal and will cease within half an hour of the treatment being completed.
5. Skin can also appear red or raised temporarily following treatment.
6. 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.
7. 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.

Consultations – what do they involve?

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.

How long does there need to be between treatments?

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.

How many sessions will be needed?

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.

How long does the treatment take?

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.

Does it hurt?

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.

Will I have scarring after treatment?

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.

How does it work?

The light source produced from the handle is attracted to melanin which is found in hair. Prior to the treatment an optical coupling gel is applied to the relevant area, this helps to aid the light into the skin and helps to protect the skin from burning. The applicator is pressed on to the skin and the energy is absorbed into the root of the hair causing a heat reaction to destroy the follicle.

Can anyone be treated?

As there is more melanin in darker hair, the darker the hair, the more effective the treatment, but this treatment is suitable for anyone. Hair removal treatment cannot however be performed over existing tattoos.

Consultations – what do they involve?

Consultations will be carried out for every client for every treatment, without exception. This ensures the very best treatment is given and ensures clients 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 area will be lasered to ensure that there are no adverse reactions, the results will be monitored prior to leaving the studio.

Does it hurt?

The treatment sensation does vary from area to area and for each individual client. As the sensation comes from the absorption, clients with dark hair and darker skin tend to experience a stronger feeling from the treatment. The sensation should not be unbearable and only lasts for a few seconds whilst the treatment is being carried out. Treatment can be more painful on male clients on the face and neck due to the large concentration of thicker hair, in this area pimples can also appear and these can be treated with an antiseptic cream such as Savlon and will disappear within a few days.

What do I need to do pre treatment?

The area that is being treated must be shaved on the day of the treatment, or when arriving at the studio straight before the treatment. If the hairs are too long, the energy will be absorbed by the hair on the outside of the body and will not treat the root of the hair. Hairs can also curl up during treatment and cause burns on the skin and cause unnecessary discomfort.

Will the hair be gone straight away?

Straight after the treatment a visible difference will not be obvious as the heat from the treatment kills the hair, but any remainder will remain in the follicle. Hairs will start to fall out over the course of the next 1-3 weeks as the follicle is renewed. During this time it might appear as though the hairs are still growing, when actually this is the old hair being pushed out.

Can I do anything to speed up the process?

If the hair is an annoyance whilst this process occurs then the area can be shaved 4 days after the treatment and this can be repeated over the next few weeks whilst shedding. Gentle exfoliation or a body brush can also be used to encourage this process and helps to keep your skin soft.

Are there any side effects?

The most common side effect is a redness in the treatment area which will subside within a few hours to a few days after treatment.

How many treatments are needed for permanent hair reduction?

In most cases 3-6 treatments are required with 6 weeks between treatments. Top up treatments will be needed annually on average when the required reduction is reached. Male clients requiring treatment on the face and neck will usually need more treatments, up to 8, as this thicker hair can be more stubborn.

What is Pigmentation Therapy?

Pigmentation therapy is the treatment of skin that has uneven skin tone due to age spots, sun spots or hyper pigmentation, this treatment fades and removes excess pigmentation restoring the skin to an even, clearer tone. This treatment will also refresh the complexion as well as giving a collagen boost within the skin.

How does it work?

The heat from the light is attracted to the melanin / oxy-haemoglobin in the blood. The heat reaction breaks down the melanin and coagulates the blood within the treatment area. This leaves the body through the lymphatic system (through the kidneys and out through urine) and leaves skin with a clearer complexion. The heat also created within this area makes the skin react as if it has had an injury, this causes blood and collagen to rush to the area improving the complexion. Any hair will need to be shaved from the area prior to the treatment, this can be done on the day of treatment at home or just before treatment at the studio. Areas can turn darker after the treatment with a light crust and slightly ‘dirty’ look which will be present up to 10 days after treatment.

Consultations – what do they involve?

Consultations will be carried out for every client for every treatment, without exception. This ensures the very best treatment is given and ensures clients 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 area will be lasered to ensure that there are no adverse reactions, the results will be monitored prior to leaving the studio.

Does it hurt?

Sensation does vary from client to client, but is usually described as a hot sensation and can feel like light sunburn after the treatment.

How many sessions are needed?

On average 1-6 treatments are needed at 4 week intervals for the best results. Top up treatments could be needed in the future to maintain results.

Are there any risks or side effects?

Particularly to consider with male clients, some unwanted hair removal could also occur alongside treatment.

How does it work?

The laser picks up the darker pigmentation in the skin and works to remove/reduce to match the rest of your skin tone.

Why is this the right choice for me?

This laser method is the only effective option for the reduction or removal of birthmarks, freckles and rosacea.

What type of areas can be removed?

This procedure can be carried out anywhere on the body, apart from very close to the eye due to the risk this poses to sight loss.

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

1. Primarily the area being lasered will be cleaned and shaved and the correct settings will be inputted into the machine.
2. When the laser first hits the area it makes a loud cracking noise, a little bit like a Christmas cracker being pulled, this is due to the area absorbing the shockwave and is completely normal.
3. 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 finishing.
4. Some bleeding may also occur, again this is completely normal and will cease within half an hour of the treatment finishing.
5. Skin can also appear red or raised temporarily following treatment.
6. 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.
7. 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.

Consultations – what do they involve?

Consultations will be carried out for every client for every treatment, without exception. This ensures the very best treatment is given and ensures clients 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 area will be lasered to ensure that there are no adverse reactions, the results will be monitored prior to leaving the studio.

How long does there need to be between treatments?

Following the test patch, a full treatment can be carried out 48 hours after as long as no adverse effects have occurred. There will then need to be a minimum of 3 weeks between each treatment until the desired result is reached. 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.

How many sessions will be needed?

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

How long does the treatment take?

This varies depending on the size of the area. A square inch area can be covered within about a couple of minutes.

Does it hurt?

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.

Will I have scarring after treatment?

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.