Laser Therapy for Tattoo Removal

Tattoos have always been a part of UK mainstream culture and the last decade has seen an explosion of tattoo mania. It is estimated that more than 5 million
Britons’ have at least one tattoo and tattooing is big business. However, in the last decade tattoo removal has become an even bigger business and it is estimated that more than 50% of individuals who
have a tattoo, later regret having it and want it removed. For the past 3 decades, tattoo removal was done using unsophisticated surgery techniques, all of
which left individuals with a lot of scarring and empty pockets. However, with the recent advances in medical technology, laser therapy has become the gold standard for removal of tattoos.

If you have a tattoo that you wish to have partially or completely removed, you should first consider your options and decide which method might be best for you.

How do lasers remove tattoos?
Lasers work by directing their action on the ink with highly concentrated ray of coloured light beams.These laser beam breaks up the ink particles into tiny
fragments which are later cleared up by the body’s scavenging cells.This process of fragmenting the ink particles requires numerous sessions depending on the depth of the ink level.The procedure is bloodless and no incisions are made.The laser selectively targets the pigment of the tattoo without damaging the surrounding skin. One has to understand that with deeper penetration of the skin and multiple sessions, the heat generated by the lasers also cause pain and blister formation. Even though laser technology is refined, the chance of scarring is always present with multiple treatments.

Before Treatment

After Treatment

Can All Tattoos Be Removed?
Unfortunately, not all tattoos can be removed completely, but the majority can be permanently removed or lightened.Tattoos are meant to be
permanent and with recent ink technology and professional tattoo artists improving their skills, tattoos done within the last decade can be very difficult to remove. Even with the best technique, some residual scarring remains in a few cases.

Who is a Candidate for laser tattoo
removal?
Those individuals with fair skin and superficially placed tattoos on the arms, chest, buttocks or legs are the
best candidates.Tattoos placed in dark skinned people who have tattoos placed on the ankles or fingers are the most difficult to treat and results are not as good.

What determines the success of tattoo
removal?
Complete removal of a tattoo is based on several things including the size, location, the individual's ability to heal, how the tattoo was applied and how long it has been in place.

Does Tattoo Removal Hurt?
The laser generates rapid pulses which feel like a needle sting.To minimize the pain, the physician may recommend taking paracetomol a few hours before
the procedure. During treatment cooling is applied to the treatment area which greatly reduces pain.

How long does each procedure take?
Laser treatment usually does not take more than a few minutes. However, multiple sessions are required to remove most tattoos.The multiple sessions are
split over 4-8 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo.

Does the procedure have any side effects?
Side effects of laser procedures are generally few but may include hyperpigmentation (excessive colour), or
hypopigmentation (excessive fading) of skin. Other possible side effects include infection and a small chance of permanent scarring.The area may be discoloured or red for a few months. In many cases
the skin returns to normal but for some there may be a permanent change in the skin’s texture or colour.

What is the cost for tattoo removal with
laser?
The cost depends on the size, colour, age and quality of the tattoo, but generally costs start at £50 per session.

How many laser sessions are required?
Most simple tattoos are removed in 2 - 4 treatments scheduled about 4-8 weeks apart. Removing complex and deep tattoos requires a series of treatments
spaced approximately 8 weeks apart or longer. Professional tattoos usually require 10 or more treatments and even then full clearance cannot be guaranteed.