Tattoo Removal

How our Nd:YAG laser works

This particular laser produces a very high power in quick pulses. The light energy produced tends to pass through normally pigmented skin and specifically targets the pigment on the tattoo ink deep in the dermis layer. As the ink absorbs this light energy, the ink breaks down into smaller particles which is then evacuated from the body through normal immune response. As the ink particles are removed, the tattoo begins to fade.

Is the tattoo removal laser dangerous?

Tattoo removal lasers are very safe for use when used by a trained laser operator with proper safety equipment (goggles to protect the eyes).

The radiation emitted by a tattoo removal laser is non-ionizing and carries no risk of cancer or other abnormal cell growth.

What colours can you treat?

As we use a green light Nd:YAG laser we can treat a vast array of colours; black, red, brown, orange, blue, purple, and darker green hues. Difficult colours to remove are pastel colours such as; pale blue, turquoise and pink.

Colours we cannot treat; white, yellow, skin tones and UV ink.

Please note that we cannot treat GREEN, as we have a green light laser the ink deposited in your skin will not absorb the green light. However, some older tattoos that are green can possibly be treated as they often were blue and yellow in mixed together (we can lighten the blue and the yellow would be left in the skin).

What can I expect and what will happen during the laser treatment.

You will most likely experience some discomfort during the laser treatment and small amounts of pain in the area immediately after; this is due to the heat created from the laser when it shatters the tattoo pigment that is imbedded in the collagen fibres in your skin. The laser technician has ice packs available for you to use to cool down the treated tattoo. As you progress with the laser treatments you’ll find the discomfort and pain will decrease since there is less ink that shatters and creates heat in your skin.

Immediately when the laser is fired at the tattoo your skin will go white which we refer to as frosting of the skin. This happens due to the heat in created in the skin causes water in your skin to evaporate. The frosting of the skin will fade within 10-20 minutes after treatment. Some clients experience pinpoint bleeding and swelling during the treatment too, but it is quite rare.

The next 24-48 hours some clients experience blisters forming due to the heat; this happens mainly in tattoos that have a lot of solid black ink packed densely in the tattoo. If blistering occurs they are to be left alone as they work as your body on plaster to heal the skin underneath. Swelling of the area is to be expected for the first 24-48 hours.

Will the Laser Treatment leave me with a scar?

Not normally, It is very unusual to develop any scarring but possible, especially with poor aftercare (there is a reported 5% chance of scarring following tattoo removal treatments). The laser operated at our studio is specially designed for Tattoo Removals and Reduction. The light pulses it emits are only in contact with the skin for literally billionths of a second, there is not enough time for a significant build up of heat in the skin. Scarring following laser tattoo removal is often scars that was made when the tattoo was applied. This is why the laser technician will go through your tattoo and check it before starting any treatment on you. If there are scars present in your tattoo you will be notified of this.

Will my tattoo be completely removed?

Possibly, modern lasers can give fantastic results but there are no guarantees. Sometimes the total elimination of the tattoo is not possible despite the use of the most advanced tattoo removal equipment. The success of the treatments depends on more than just the type of tattoo ink used as mentioned in the previous question

There are many factors that can effect treatment results such as:

  • Age of tattoo
  • Application method
  • Type of ink used
  • Depth of ink
  • Area of tattoo
  • Your healing ability
  • Skin type

Tattoos that are carried out by professionals are usually more difficult to remove as they contain more pigment colours and there is usually much more detail in the design. Often with a professional tattoo, the pigment colours are applied more deeply into the skin, and because of this may take more treatment sessions.

This is not to say that amateur tattoos are not applied as deep as professional ones, sometimes amateur tattooists create pocket of inks that are too deep and extremely difficult to eradicate completely.

You may be surprised but there is no recognised international standard for the manufacture of tattoo ink, sometimes inks can be mixed with other unknown compounds. Sometimes these compounds react to laser light and oxidise.

Lightening of the tattoo may continue for several months after the last treatment session.

How much does it cost and how long does it take?

1. Prices are from £60 per session depending on size of the tattoo and colours used,

We will be able to provide you with a quote through an email consultation.  The time a treatment  takes depends on the size of your tattoo and how you wish to do your sessions So it varies from 20 minutes to an hour.

2. Consultations are free of charge.   The laser technician will sit down with you and go through a few questionnaires with you to see if you are suitable for treatment. There will also be a questionnaire to determine your skin type according to the Fitzpatrick scale; the Nd:YAG q-switched laser is only suitable for skin types 1-4.

3. If your are suitable for treatment, we will go through with a patch test which are. free. We do the patch test to make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions to the treatment and to see which settings suit your skin and tattoo the best. A patch test usually takes around 1 hour to 1.5 hours.

4. All appointments made require a non-refundable deposit of £30. This will be deducted from the cost of your last session.

If you do cancel your appointment with less than 48 hours notice or don’t show up on the day you forfeit your deposit and you would have to pay a new one if you wish to book in again.

 
If you still have some more questions; please don't hesitate to send me an email at martine@bromleytattooremoval.uk