How many sessions will it take to remove my tattoo?

 

It varies from person to person. However for a tattoo with black ink 5-8 treatments and more for coloured ink.

 

How long should I wait between Tattoo sessions?

 

You will wait 2 weeks after the patch test for your 1st treatment. Then we have 6 week gaps. This is to allow the body’s immune system to dispose of the broken ink.

 

Are there some ink colours that can't be removed?

 

Most colours can be faded with the Laser we use here at the clinic. However some colours can take a lot longer especially lighter colours and we use a different frequency setting for these.

 

Can permanent makeup be removed?

 

We do not treat facial makeup tattoos such as eyebrows lip liner and eyeliners.

 

I am dark skinned. Will Laser Tattoo Removal work on me?

 

Afro-caribbean skin types are not suitable for Tattoo removal as the natural melanin pigmentation can be removed leaving white blanched areas. Lighter tones of dark skin types must be assessed.,

 

Is Laser Tattoo Removal Painful

 

The treatment can be described as an elastic band flicking against the skin. Many clients find it to be tolerable for small areas. We use cooling packs on to ease discomfort.

 

Will it be ok to remove them during the summer?

 

We cannot treat you if you have a tan in the area around the tattoo. We recommend keeping it covered if you are likely to tan whilst on holiday or in the sun.

 

Can I still go to the gym after sessions?

 

No, you will need to wait for 48 hours after each treatment before getting the area wet including sweating, so plan ahead. 

 

Is there a cost for a patch test?

 

Our initial consultation and patch testing is free if you book your first treatment at the time and pay in advance, or if you are screened out from treatment due to medical history or other factors found during the assessment.

 

Will I get scarring?

 

A patch test is required to establish if your skin is suitable for treatment. This will also help us gauge how low the intensity of the laser should be to begin. We always begin at a lower intensity according to your skin type and the colour of the ink. We have strong guidelines for aftercare, including keeping the area dry for 48 hours (to reduce chance of infection). If followed this should reduce any risk of unlikely scarring.

 

How much does it cost?

 

It depends on size. Please take a look at our webpage for prices. We can also provide a good estimation of treatment sessions required after the initial consultation.

 

How old do i have to be to get laser removal?

 

You have to be 18 or over.

 

I use fake tan creams, is this important?

 

Yes. We cannot treat the tattoo if that area has fake tan on it, so avoid the tattoo and surrounding area.

 

Does the type of ink matter?

 

Yes different colours take longer to remove, and some inks from abroad can be very difficult to remove, we can advise upon consultation.

 

Can I still go on the sun bed during treatment?

 

The treatment will not be carried out if you have a tan in the area of the tattoo. We recommend a plaster over the tattoo and surrounding area if you intend to tan during treatments.

 

Can a tattoo on the ankle be removed?

 

yes it can.

 

Is an older tattoo easier to remove?

 

Yes typically they are easy as they have already begun to fade.

 

Does it matter where the tattoo is?

 

Yes, tattoos on skin that has a thicker layer of fat underneath are easier to remove, typically the chest, arms and legs.

 

Can I go on holiday to a hot sunny country and sunbathe after the treatment?

 

Protection and caring for the skin (especially from UV light) immediately after treatment is extremely important, whilst the skin repairs itself in the area where the tattoo has been removed. A minimum of SPF 30 is recommended.

 

Are there after effects?

 

Laser tattoo removal does not break the skin, so blistering or scarring is not typical. Occasionally the skin pigment will darken, but then fade after a few months.

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Are there certain conditions that mean i am ineligible for treatment?

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Unfortunately we are unable to treat clients experiencing any of the following treatments, illnesses, injuries, symptoms or diseases:

 

• Previous tattoo removal allergic reaction

• Blood thinning medication (except low dose Aspirin)

• Breast Feeding

• Rheumatoid arthritis “gold” therapy

• Thrombocytopenia

• Keloid or very thick scarring

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) within last 3 months

• Current treatment for pulmonary embolism / blood clot, leg ulcers or Phlebitis

• Graves Disease (Hyperthyroidism) / Hashimotos Disease

• Hypothyroidism and/or treatment with Thyroxine

• Multiple sclerosis

• Acute or chronic renal failure

• Malignancy

• Collagen vascular diseases

• Chemotherapy / Radiotherapy within last 3 months

• Active infections, signs of irritation or inflammatory skin conditions at treatment site

• Currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant

• Chronic disease (Crohn’s disease, IBD, etc.)

• Psoriasis or Vitiligo

• Bleeding abnormalities

• Anaemia

• Peripheral vascular disease

• Tanned or sunburned skin in vicinity of tattoo

• Users of St. John’s Wort (herbal remedy) in past 3 months

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A doctor’s note may be obtained for customers experiencing the following treatments, illnesses, injuries, symptons or diseases:

• Diabetes

• Herpes simplex (cold sores)

• Treatment with Ro-Accutane in the last 6 month

• Epilepsy

• Transplant anti-rejection drugs

• Dark spots after pregnancy or after skin injury

• HIV

• Implants, metal plates or pacemakers

• Taking any topical medication (e.g. hydro-cortisone)

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