Laser Tattoo
Removal

Ultralase Q-Switched Nd YAG Laser

What is Laser Tattoo Removal?

A laser that is used for tattoo removal is a highly focused laser that rapidly delivers a beam of light to the skin for the purposes of removing unwanted tattoos.

The laser is attracted by darker colours found in the ink of the tattoo in preference to the lighter colour of the skin. When the beam of the laser strikes the ink in a tattoo it shatters the ink into very fine particles. These particles are then no longer visible to the eye and become small enough to be absorbed and removed by the body’s own natural filtration (lymphatic) system.

How does it work?

The Ultralase Q-Switched Nd YAG Laser is specially designed for the purpose of tattoo removal. This laser allows very high-powered laser light to be delivered to the skin over a fraction of a second. This minimises any damage that could be caused by overheating the surrounding skin and hence any chance of scarring is greatly reduced. Generally, treatments are quick and clients experience only minimal discomfort. The older the tattoo, the more treatments may be necessary and different colours and more intricate designs may also require additional treatments.

How frequent are the treatments?

Time is required between each treatment to allow the body’s lymphatic (cleaning) system to remove the ink that has been treated by the laser.

A minimum period of six 6-8 weeks between treatments is recommended.

Can the area be re-tattooed?

Yes, the area can be re-tattooed following laser removal. Whether you have had complete removal, partial removal or just lightening of the area will be able to be re-tattooed. The wish to replace an existing tattoo is a common reason for having laser tattoo removal.

How long after being tattooed can removal commence?

A minimum period of six 6-8 weeks is advised.

Your initial consultation can take place at any time during the 6-8 weeks.

How many treatments are needed?

It is impossible to accurately predict the number of treatments necessary as it depends on the amount of ink used and how deep the ink was inserted. However as a guide most professional tattoos will require at least 6-12 treatments. Follow up treatments are conducted at no less than 4-6 week intervals. Further fading can occur for several months after each treatment.

Will the tattoo completely disappear?

In many cases, there will be a 100% clearance of the tattoo. On average, 95% fading is considered a good result. The result depends upon the colour and type of ink used as well as the depth of penetration of the ink in the skin. Your therapist can discuss with you the likeliness of success during your initial consultation.

Can all tattoos be treated?

It is possible to remove or significantly lighten most tattoos. Black, blue and red tattoos tend to respond well. Aqua, green and yellow tattoos maybe more resistant and only partially fade. White tattoos reflect laser light and therefore do not respond to laser treatment.

After care?

Remove dressing after 24hrs.
Ensure you continue to apply aftercare cream such as solugel/bepanthen.
DO NOT pop any blisters, scratch, pick or rub the area.
STRICT avoidance of sun on the area is essential.
Wear SPF 30+ Sun Block & protective clothing, regardless of weather for 4-6 weeks.
Do not go in a spa/pool/sauna or anywhere that involves chlorine/chemicals or excessive heat for at least a week after.
Avoid gym or excessive exercise for 48 hours or more after treatment.
Avoid friction on the area.

In general

With modern laser technology the risk of scarring is very low, however, it is not zero and aftercare is important.
Black is the easiest colour to remove but some colours can be more resistant.
Anaesthetic creams can be used to numb the skin prior to laser treatment. You will need to apply this before you come in.
It is possible to remove or significantly lighten tattoos, but it is not always possible to totally remove a tattoo.