Cheshire Cosmetic

Tattoo removal

How does tattoo removal work?

Laser emits a wavelength of light which selectively heats and destroys its target. The pigment found in a tattoo (ink, dye, carbon) absorbs the light energy, which turns to heat and destroys the pigment without damaging the surrounding tissue. The Nd:YAG Q-Switched laser creates shock waves within the tattoo, fracturing the pigment into tiny particles which are eliminated by the body. Blue, black and green pigments absorb the light energy better, therefore are more receptive to laser removal. Yellow and red pigments do not absorb light well and are notoriously difficult to destroy with laser.

What does tattoo removal involve?

• Medical history to assess skin type and suitability for treatment
• Informed consent, pre treatment photographs and skin patch test
• Protective eye goggles are worn and cool gel applied to skin
• Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser handpiece applied to skin tattoo
• Each laser treatment shot feels like an elastic band flicking the skin
• Tattoo dye is disturbed immediately and edges look blurred
• The tattoo removal procedure takes 10-30 minutes to complete depending on size
• Treatment repeated 6-10 times at 6 weekly intervals

To enjoy the maximum benefits from the laser tattoo removal treatment and avoid any unnecessary complications, it is better to avoid sun exposure and tanning before and during the treatments.

Types of laser treatments for tattoo removal

• Q-switched Ruby Laser (QSRL)
• Q-switched Nd:YAG
• Q-switched Alexandrite Laser
• Flashlamp-pumped Pulsed Dye Laser

What are the side effects of tattoo removal?

• Redness and warmth at treatment site (COMMON)
• Blisters and swelling at treatment site (LESS COMMON)
• Burning and itching at treatment site (LESS COMMON)
• Post inflammatory pigmentation changes (RARE)
• Infection and scarring (VERY RARE)

Who should avoid laser hair removal treatment?

• Pregnancy and breast feeding
• History of diabetes or immune suppression
• History of skin cancer or keloid scarring
• Recent or planned sun exposure / tanning within 4 weeks
• Concurrent use of photosensitising drugs
• Skin type darker than tattoo colour
• Tattoo with Iron or Titanium oxide

Is the tattoo removal treatment painful?

Usually, the laser tattoo removal procedure does not need an anesthetic. However this depends on your pain threshold. The pain/effect of the laser treatment for tattoo removal is described as similar to that of a rubber band snapping against the skin. If your skin is more sensitive, you many need local anesthetic applied before the tattoo removal treatment.

How many treatments are necessary for tattoo removal?

To see significant results from laser tattoo removal treatment, you may needs to have several treatments sessions. It is better to have 4-8 weeks intervals between treatment sessions. Tattoo lightening may continue for a few months after the last treatment.

Contact Dr Raj Acquilla at Cheshire Cosmetic in Cheshire for more information on tattoo removal treatments available in Cheshire.

Tattoo Removal Prices