Tattoo Removal Reading

During laser tattoo removal, your skin will be cleansed and you’ll be given goggles to wear to protect your eyes from the laser. The practitioner will cool the skin with our cooling system to ensure minimum discomfort throughout the treatment. 

The handheld laser will then be used over the surface of the tattoo (some people say this feels like an elastic band snapping against your skin). 

The session will take about 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your tattoo. The skin will need to heal completely before undergoing another session; this typically takes around 8 weeks. 

After treatment, patients are advised to take care of the skin, using a high factor SPF whilst the skin is still sensitive as well as a tissue repair cream. If you are experiencing any pain following treatment, over the counter pain medication will minimise this.

During the treatment, you will experience a pricking sensation - this is usually quite mild however some may find it more painful than others. Some people say this feels like an elastic band snapping against your skin. It's worth noting that laser tattoo removal can sometimes, be more painful than getting the actual tattoo itself.

We are able to use local anaesthetic creams on the area before the treatment to minimise any pain and discomfort.

The number of treatments that you need will differ depending on the colour of the tattoo and how large it is.

For larger and darker tattoos, a course of 6 to 12 treatments is usually enough to erase the tattoo, although you might need fewer/more treatments depending on the colour & depth of the tattoo.

For smaller tattoos, anything between 3-6 sessions is enough to erase the tattoo in it's entirety. Although results do vary per person/tattoo.

Generally, you’ll need treatments around every 8 weeks, so that the skin has time to completely heal in between sessions.

• Black tattoos are the easiest to remove as the pigment within them is easily broken down
• Tattoos with red in them are usually more difficult and different wavelengths of light will need to be used
• Treatment might be slightly more difficult and require more sessions if the ink in the tattoo has been put into the skin too deeply.

Laser tattoo removal may not be suitable for everyone. For example, if you are a darker skin type, some laser tattoo removal treatments can result in a ghosting' effect. This is where the skin is lighter than the surrounding area. Your practitioner will assess suitability in your consultation.

While it's possible to scar from laser tattoo removal, it's not very common. The likelihood of scarring depends on several factors:

• Skin type
• Tattoo ink
• Technician skill
• Aftercare

Yes, laser tattoo removal is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified professional. It's the most effective and widely used method for tattoo removal.

Yes, you can tattoo over laser tattoo removal. However, it's crucial to allow your skin ample time to fully heal before getting a new tattoo. If this is something you are considering discuss it with your practitioner and they will be able to provide personalised guidance. 

The time between laser tattoo removal sessions is typically 6 to 8 weeks. This allows adequate time for your skin to heal and your body to eliminate the ink particles broken down by the laser. Sometimes we may recommend shorter intervals, such as 4 to 6 weeks, for certain types of tattoos or for clients with faster healing times.

Side effects of laser tattoo removal can include redness, tightness, and a mild sunburn sensation.

Aftercare for Best Results:

• Keep the area clean & dry for 24–48 hours.
• Apply a healing ointment (e.g., aloe vera or prescribed cream).
• Avoid sun exposure & wear SPF 50 to prevent pigmentation issues.
• No swimming, saunas, or intense exercise for 48 hours.
• Do not pick at scabs or blisters—this can cause scarring.