Tattoo Removal
The ND YAG-Q-switched remains the desired technology for tattoo removal as the power produced creates the mechanical effect to shatter and remove the particles. Due to the risks of scarring from previous methods and the inability to completely remove tattoo inks, ND YAG remains the most effective method of tattoo removal.
Pricing
All prices are a rough estimate, please book in for a patch test and costs will be discussed at the appointment with no obligation
Very small tattoo
A tattoo roughly measuring around 4cm is £40 for 1 session of removal
Small tattoo
6-8cm tattoo roughly £60
Small to Medium tattoo
10-15cm size tattoo £80 for 1 session
Medium tattoo
£100 for 1 session
Medium to Large tattoo
£140 for 1 session
Large tattoo
This size tattoo and larger starts at £180
How does the ND YAG Q switch work?
When the laser comes in contact with a tattoo, the laser light is absorbed by the tattoo ink, creating a photo-accoustic shockwave that releases the heat from the tattoo and shatters it into minute particles. The shattered particles are carried away by the macrophages and leave the body through the lymphatic system.
Lasers without the Q switch cannot remove tattoos.
What colour tattoos can we remove?
The laser can remove all tattoos. Tattoos vary in colour, depth of ink and chemical composition so some may respond differently.
Immediate / normal side effects
As the ND YAG Q switch hits a tattoo, a loud cracking noise is heard when the tattoo ink absorbs the photo shock wave. This is normal and lessens as the tattoo fades over the course of treatments.
White gas bubbles may rise on the skin immediately. This is a good sign that heat has been released from the shattered ink particles. This dissappears within 20 minutes of treatment.
Pinpoint bleeding may occur and should stop within 20 minutes of the treatment.
There may be skin redness and temporary swelling.
All side effects are considered normal and should clear up within 20 minutes to a few hours after treatment.
Who can not be treated
- Heart Disease
- Burns / Grafted skin
- Live /Kidney disease
- Haemangioma
- Hormonal therapy steroids
- Aids
- Gold injections
- Haemophilia
- Pregnancy / Breastfeeding
- Cancer (radiation / chemotherapy)
- Keloid formation / Scars
- Epilepsy
- Vitiligo
- Lupus Disease
- Active tan for 30 days
- Pacemaker
- Clotting disorders
- Hives and Wheals
- Psoriasis
- Metal impants / Silicone implants
- Port wine stains
- Moles
- Photosensitive metabolic disorder / medication
- Use of Retin A in the last 6 months
- Use of Glycolic Acid in the last 6 months
- Use of Roaccutane in the last 6 months
- Taking Anti-inflammatory medication
- Taking Anti-coagulants medication
Letter is needed from the doctor if you have:
- Thyroid Hormone deficiency
- Diabetes
Wait 4 weeks after:
- Botox
- Filler
Patch Testing
We will perform 3 shots of the laser on your tattoo to assess skin reaction. You will need to wait 20 minutes before leaving to ensure any pinpoint bleeding has stopped. If there is no adverse reactions you may have the tattoo removed a week after patch testing.
How many sessions are needed?
You will see a reduction after the first treatment. However, full tattoo removal will potentially take 3-5 sessions with six week intervals. This all depends on the ink colour and how deep it is in the skin. More sessions may be necessary.
How long does the treatment take?
Treatment duration depends on the size of the tattoo; a small tattoo might take 5 minutes; a large tattoo or multiple tattoos could take an hour or more.
Does it hurt?
Pain depends on the person, and where the tattoo is located. Some describe it as an elastic band flicking against the skin. Numbing cream can be applied to help alleviate the discomfort of the treatment.
Does the laser cause scarring?
In most cases. scarring is not a significant risk for tattoo removal with the ND YAG laser. Previous laser machines were very aggressive and carried a high risk of scarring. The ND YAG does not heat the surronding skin like the old lasers so reduces the risk of scarring. The risk oof scarring is mainly associated with a genetic predisposition to forming scar tissue. This is why we carry out an extensive medical evaluation.