Tattoo Removal Reading
Laser tattoo removal in Reading
Have a tattoo that no longer fits your style or memories you’d rather move on from? At DrBK Clinic in Reading, laser tattoo removal is carried out under the clinical protocols of Dr Bob Khanna, GDC-registered dentist, founder of DrBK Clinic, and one of the UK’s most established names in medical aesthetics.
We use the Harmony XL Pro, one of the most advanced laser systems available. It targets every ink colour with care, helping your tattoo fade safely over a course of sessions.
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Tattoo removal cost
Pricing: from £46
Discounts available for courses of 6 or 12 sessions
Pricing depends on tattoo size and number of sessions. View all pricing.
How laser tattoo removal works at DrBK
The Harmony XL Pro laser passes light through the skin to shatter tattoo ink into microscopic particles. Your body’s own immune system then clears these fragments naturally over the following weeks, so the tattoo gradually fades with each session.
Black ink responds fastest, as the pigment breaks down most easily. Red and other bright colours need different laser wavelengths and can take longer. Ink that’s been tattooed unusually deep into the skin might also need extra sessions. This is something your clinician will assess fully and explain at your consultation.
Is laser tattoo removal right for you?
Laser tattoo removal is safe for the majority of people, but it isn’t automatically right for everyone. It may not be suitable, or may need extra care, if:
- You have a darker skin tone; some lasers can cause a temporary “ghosting” effect, where treated skin appears lighter than the surrounding area
- Your tattoo is very recent (skin needs to be fully healed first)
- You’re pregnant or have certain skin conditions in the treatment area
Every consultation includes a skin and tattoo assessment before any treatment plan is agreed, so you know exactly what to expect before committing to a course.
Areas we treat
Laser tattoo removal at DrBK can be carried out on most areas of the body, including the arms, back, chest, legs, hands, neck and, with additional care, the face.
What to expect during your laser tattoo removal treatment at DrBK Clinic
First, you will attend a consultation, where your clinician will review the tattoo, your skin type and medical history, and agree a treatment plan with you.
For the treatment session itself, 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.
Laser tattoo removal aftercare
Your practitioner will give you detailed aftercare instructions following your tattoo removal. In general, 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.
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 as this can cause scarring.
Why choose laser tattoo removal at DrBK?
✔ Effective on all ink colors – from black to vibrant shades
✔ Safe for all skin types – tailored treatments for your skin
✔ Minimal discomfort – advanced cooling technology keeps you comfortable
✔ Efficient on larger tattoos – treat bigger areas faster
✔ Faster results than traditional methods – fewer sessions for a smoother finish
Tattoo removal before and after
Tattoo removal Reading FAQs
Does laser tattoo removal work?
Yes. Laser tattoo removal is the most effective and widely used method for reducing or removing unwanted tattoos, particularly for black and darker ink. Results build gradually over a course of sessions rather than in one visit. At DrBK Clinic, your practitioner will asses your tattoo at your consultation and advise on how many sessions will likely be required.
Can any tattoo be removed?
Most tattoos can be significantly faded or removed, but results depend on ink colour, depth, and how the tattoo was originally applied. Black tattoos respond best. Bright colours like yellow, white and turquoise are more resistant and may only fade rather than disappear completely.
Is laser tattoo removal painful?
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.
How many tattoo removal sessions will I need?
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 to 6 sessions is usually enough to erase the tattoo in its 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.
Does laser tattoo removal scar?
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
Is laser tattoo removal safe?
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.
Can you tattoo over laser 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.
How long between laser tattoo removal sessions?
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.
Are there any side effects from laser tattoo removal?
Side effects of laser tattoo removal can include redness, tightness, and a mild sunburn sensation.














