FAQs - Tattoo Removal
Frequently Asked Questions about Laser Tattoo Removal
1. How successful is laser tattoo removal?
2. How many laser treatments will be needed?
3. What side effects can occur with laser tattoo removal?
4. What laser is used for tattoo removal?
1. How successful is laser tattoo removal?
- This depends on the type and colour of the ink, the size and the depth of the tattoo. The effectiveness of treatment depends on how well the wavelength of laser light is matched to the absorption spectrum of a particular colour of ink.
- Amateur (ballpoint or Indian ink) tattoos are the easiest and quickest to remove, while multi-colour professional tattoos may be difficult to remove entirely. Some inks (yellows and some greens) are very resistant to treatment. At your free consultation the nurse therapist will give you an idea of the success you may expect, and you can then decide whether or not to proceed with the treatment.
2. How many laser treatments will be needed?
- Amateur tattoos may only need a few treatments, but complex, professional, coloured tattoos may need upwards of 10. It is, however, very difficult to predict the number, as experience has shown us that the different inks used by many different tattoo shops may react in many different ways.
3. What side effects can occur with laser tattoo removal?
- Serious side effects are rare. The treatment area is covered with a dressing, as it may blister or bleed slightly, but can be expected to heal in a few days. Treatment itself can be painful, but the discomfort can be significantly reduced by generously applying a local anaesthetic cream (obtainable from any chemist) an hour beforehand. Scarring is rare, and protecting the site from infection considerably reduces the chances of it occurring.
4. What laser is used for tattoo removal?
- Most treatment is done with Medlite II or IV laser. All our laser machines are FDA Approved, are regularly tested and certified.
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