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What is Laser Tattoo Removal?

 

The 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. 

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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 lymphatic system.  

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• With modern laser technology the risk of scarring is very low however, it can occur and aftercare is important.

• Black is the easiest colour to remove, some colours can be more resistant.

• Anaesthetic creams can be used to numb the skin prior to laser treatment.

• It is possible to remove or significantly lighten tattoos, but it is not always possible to completely remove a tattoo.

 

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How many treatments are necessary?

During your consultation we will examine the treatment area and can give you an approximate number of treatments that will be needed. Factors that are considered :

• Placement on the body

• Colours

• Layering

• Amount of ink

• Age of tattoo

• Scarring

However, as a guide most professional tattoos will require at least six to twelve treatments. Follow up treatments are conducted at no less than 4-6 week intervals. Further fading can occur for several months after each treatment.

 

Can all types of 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 may be more resistant and only partially fade. White tattoos reflect laser light and therefore do not respond to laser treatment.

 

What are the costs likely to be?

Treatment costs will vary depending on the size, colour and time required to treat the tattoo. This can be discussed during your initial consultation. 

 

How frequent are the treatments?

Time is required between each treatment to allow the body’s lymphatic system to remove the ink that has been treated by the laser.  A minimum period of 4-6 weeks between treatments is recommended.

 

How long after being tattooed can removal commence?

 

Removal can commence as soon as the tattoo has completely healed. Although it may appear healed within a week or two the tattoo will still require further time to completely heal prior to removal commencing. A minimum period of 6 weeks is advised. 

 

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 it will be able to be re-tattooed. 

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Please Note: This is only available at our Seymour location.

 

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