How does it work?
Contrary to popular belief the laser does not remove tattoo ink. Instead high intensity flashes of light is absorbed by the tattoo pigment. This light energy is then converted into heat energy, which causes the cells with ink in them to shatter into microscopic pieces. These tiny pieces of debris then picked up by a person’s immune system and removed through the body’s natural elimination process over a period of time. You will be able to see your tattoo fading away.
 
Will the laser remove the entire tattoo?
Laser tattoo removal is very effective at removing (dark) blue, black and red inks. Therefore in many cases the tattoo can be completely removed, if not completely removed it will be significantly lightened (approx 97% gone). Purple and orange also respond well. Colours such as (grass) green, (sky) blue and yellow are very difficult to remove.
 
How long does it take?
Usually a series of treatments is required to achieve satisfactory results. It depends on the method used for getting the tattoo – as a guide, Amateur (ballpoint or Indian Ink) tattoos require approximately 3-6 separate treatments whereas professional tattoos (where a gun has been used) require approximately 6-9 sessions.
 
Are there any side effects?
After the laser tattoo removal procedure, the area may be red or swollen and is similar to a mild sunburn, this is to be expected for five days to several weeks. Some pinpoint bleeding is associated with the treatment. Application of antibacterial ointment and a dressing is applied to the treated area of skin and normally heals within a few days.
 
Is there any risk of scarring?
Normally the risk is about 1% for chance of scarring. The biggest risk factor is broken skin, which can lead to infection which can then increase the risk of scarring. Therefore protecting the area after treatment considerably reduces the chance of scarring. Some hypo-pigmentation (lightening of the skin) or hyper-pigmentation (darkening) may occur during the course of the treatments but this usually fades away within 6 months of treatment completion.
 
Does it hurt?
The treatments can be painful. A local anaesthetic cream can be applied before each treatment to assist in reducing any discomfort. The good news is – your discomfort is dependent on the amount of ink. As it disappears, the discomfort becomes minimal.

How much will it cost?
Prices start from $70, although cost will be quoted during a personal consultation. The price of tattoo removal will depend on the size of the tattoo and if you elect to have anaesthetic cream.
 
What happens after laser tattoo removal?
The treated area should be kept clean with continued application of any ointment. Showers can be taken but you must keep the skin clean and dry for 5-7 days and the area that has undergone laser tattoo removal should not be scrubbed. A skin repair ointment can be used eg Bepanthon is ideal.
 
Will I be able to go back to work after treatment?
Yes most people do. It all depends on where the tattoo is, and what your occupation is. Eg if you have tattoos on your hands, and work with fluids, abrasives, toxic substances, or similar you would need to protect the treated area from the risk of infection or injury.
 
Why does the colour get darker after one or two days treatment?
When pigment pieces are broken by the laser with higher energy, Macrophages rushes to the site to start their cleaning up work. They will metabolize from stratum basale to stratum corneum, so it causes a darkening on colour for around seven to ten days, however after one month, the colour will gradually fade and then disappear
 
What is the downtime between treatments?
This of course depends on the size and complexity of the tattoo. Obviously black tattoos with simple outlining and shading are going to be a lot easier to do than full black colour tattoos. Most tattoos take from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. This is because the body needs three weeks to heal between laser tattoo removal sessions.