Laser Treatment Tattoo Removal

The majority of our patients feel mild skin irritation and itching after tattoo removal treatment. This can last 1-3 days following each session. We advise the use of Aloe Vera gel or Antiseptic Cream to speed up the healing. Some patients experience swelling, redness, pin point bleeding, blistering and temporary skin darkening. These side effects are common and usually subside within 1-2 weeks.

Blistering is common, and it can be quite severe. Most patients will experience some blisters and/or light bleeding during the course of Laser tattoo removal treatment and this should be accepted as completely normal. In fact, if you do not see even a small blister during the course of treatment you are not being treated at high enough power or the Laser is not capable of delivering the required power levels. Consequently, the course will last much longer and cost far more than it needs to. Blistering is superficial and does not usually have any harmful or permanent consequences.

The most common complication following Laser tattoo removal is a reactive increase or decrease in skin pigment resulting in lightening or darkening of the skin in the affected area. This decreased or increased pigmentation, which is more likely to happen in Asian people or those who tan easily, usually lasts a relatively short time (usually 6 or 12 months) before it disappears naturally but you must be aware, sometimes it will become permanent.

Keloid and other forms of scarring are rare but nevertheless they are a risk that you must understand and accept prior to treatment commencing

Yes, Laser is very precise and accurate and can erase a very small portion of your tattoo.

Yes, Laser breaks down older tattoo ink much easier then fresh ink.

Black or dark blue tattoos are the easiest to remove and will require fewer sessions than tattoos of other colours or a mixture of different colours.

Green, purple, white, light blue and orange can be more difficult to remove and require more treatments.

Yes, it does. To minimize your discomfort we advise to have an application of EMLA Cream, a topical anaesthetic, at least 30-40 min prior your tattoo removal laser session; two hours is better. Ice cold forced air and an ice pack can be used to minimise discomfort during your procedure

After treatment the area will be sore. If you have used EMLA Cream this soreness will intensify as its anaesthetic effect wears off but in most cases you will be perfectly fit to drive and return to work.  You should remember the following:

1.The area will be sore for some days. Aloe Vera or Antiseptic Cream will be applied to the area after treatment and it should be continued for a few days.

2.Once the whitening of the treated area disappears it is not unusual for the skin to become quite red, swollen and appear inflamed. This may last for several hours or even a day or two. Any discomfort is minimal and may be controlled by using standard painkillers and by placing an ice pack on the affected area. Aloe Vera gel is beneficial in reducing inflammation.

3.Bleeding or blistering may occur in the treated area and the severity of the reaction increases when higher power levels are used in the later sessions of treatment. Higher setting are necessary towards the end of your course of treatment when the last vestiges of ink are being removed. A little pinpoint bleeding and/or blistering will heal very quickly and all this requires is a simple dry sterile dressing following the procedure.

4.The treated area must be kept clean and provided this is done properly it is rare for infection to occur. If this happens to you please contact us on 01892 22 22 22 in office hours or 07912 481 412 out of hours.

5.It is important to make sure that the areas of your tattoo that have been treated are not exposed to strong ultraviolet light or sunshine after the Laser procedure. We recommend the use of a minimum SPF50 sun protection cream, available at the clinic, or complete masking of the tattoo while in the sun during the whole treatment period and for a few months post treatment.

While all of this sounds quite complicated and may take a long time, we can offer you a very high level of success with little risk. All consultations are free so you have nothing to lose by coming in for a chat.