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Tattoo Removal
- the facts |
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How
does the laser work?
Tattoo ink particles are too
large for the body's immune system to remove naturally. By passing
a very short pulse of high power laser light through the skin,
the tattoo ink is broken into smaller particles, which the body
is able to remove. |
How
many treatments are required to remove a tattoo?
Most amateur tattoos require
3 to 5 treatment sessions at monthly intervals. Most professional
tattoos require 8 to 12 treatment sessions at monthly intervals.
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What
are the costs likely to be?
The cost of each session depends
on the size and colour of the tattoo. The total cost of the
tattoo removal depends on the number of treatments needed and
this varies considerably from patient to patient. Prices start
from £60 per session. |
Do
all tattoos respond to treatment?
In the majority of cases we
are able to remove most tattoos. No one laser can remove all
types of tattoo ink, this is why we use 2 different lasers
on site to ensure optimal results. |
How
long does it take and does it hurt?
Typical treatment sessions last
between 5 and 40 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo.
The lasers do cause discomfort during treatment, similar to
being "snapped" with a rubber band. Most patients
equate the pain of tattoo removal with the pain of getting the
tattoo. Some areas are more sensitive than others, such as ankles
and the shoulder blade. The pain tends to decrease as treatment
progresses and the tattoo ink fades. Most patients tolerate
the discomfort of treatment very well, but a local anaesthetic
is available if required. |
Are
there any after-effects following treatments?
Redness and swelling may occur,
similar to sunburn. This settles within a few days. Some patients
may blister, which is quite normal and does not indicate potential
scarring. Blistering does not require treatment and will usually
clear within days. Please refer to the blister advice sheet. The treated area
should not be exposed to strong sunlight between sessions without
the use of sunblock (SPF 30). |
Does
the treatment scar?
Our lasers are Q-switched, this
means the lasers deliver high power in a very short pulse (25
billionths of a second!) There is normally no lasting damage
to the skin. Very occasionally, mild changes in skin texture
may occur. |
Will
the skin be normal when the treatment is finished?
KTP lasers are absorbed by skin
pigment as well as tattoo ink. Darker skinned patients may notice
some lightening of the skin (depigmentation). This usually returns
to normal in 6 to 12 months. We tend to limit treatment for
darker skinned patients to the Nd:YAG laser as the risk of pigment
change is less. |
Is
laser treatment safe?
There is no evidence whatsoever
to suggest that the treatment can lead to skin disorders or
an increased risk of cancer. Our laser center is registered
with the Healthcare Commission ensuring the highest level of
safety for the patient. |
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