Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal is an effective way to fade and remove unwanted tattoos. Our laser is a variable spot size, double rod ND Yag machine and is the very latest technology in treating your unwanted tattoos. The variable spot size ensures the most minimal damage is done to your skin and will spread the light energy over a larger area so as to cause the most minimal damage to your skin.

We treat all tattoos such as:

Amateur tattoos – usually formed with a single colour Indian ink and very superficial in the top layer of skin

Professional tattoos – Usually multi coloured tattoos using a machine a maple ink. Please be aware that greens, yellows and purples will usually fade slightly be will never be removed completely, or will need many more treatments to give a result.

Cosmetic tattoos – eyebrows, eyeliner and some lip liners which are permanently tattooed into the superficial layers of the skin.

If you have had an allergic reaction to tattoo ink, having laser treatment on the tattoo can greatly reduce your allergy symptoms.

Before you have your treatment we will patch test you, give you information and a through consultation to make sure you are suitable to undergo the laser removal process.

Frequently asked questions

How does the treatment work?

The energy sent by the laser heats and breaks down the tattoo particles into tiny fragments. Over a period of 6-12 weeks the bodies scavenger cells collect these fragments which will cause the appearance of the tattoo to gradually fade.

Are there any risks in laser tattoo removal?

*Changes in skin colour

Darkening of the skin also known as hyper pigmentation in the area treated is the most common risk of laser removal. This is more likely to happen if your skin Is darker than a Fitzpatrick 3. This will usually resolve itself after 6 months.

Whitening of the skin also known as hypo pigmentation, this will usually resolve itself after 8- 10 weeks but in some cases can be more permanent.

If your tattoo contains titanium dioxide (white pigments, usually seen in some cosmetic inks for permanent make up) the area can become darker and can turn black. A test treatment is always carried out and our laser specialist has a wealth of experience in both cosmetic tattooing and laser removal.

*Scarring

Our laser is very safe and we are careful to always use a larger spot size and the correct energy for your specific skin type and tattoo, and so scarring will be at an absolute minimal. You can also reduce the risk of scarring by not picking, scratching or aggravating the treated area such as removing a scab or blister as this will develop your risk of scarring.

*Not achieving desired result

We cannot guarantee clearance of any tattoo. Tattoo removal is a lengthy process which will need multiple well-spaced treatment wait times in-between to allow for the body to carefully break down the particles of the tattoo.

Will it hurt?

This treatment is painful and most people are not comfortable throughout. The good news is the speed of our laser. A large tattoo can be lasered in less than a minute. Usually most people are only being lasered for an extremely short time so the good news is that it is over very quickly.

Immediatley after the treatment

After your laser session you’re your skin will be red, slightly swollen and elevated. The tattoo will have a frosted appearance which will reduce quickly. Occasionally and not often there may also be some minor bleeding from the area. This will heal by itself and should not cause any worry.

You will be able to go home straight after the treatment. If your treatment was on a limb, this can sometimes feel quite tried or heavy afterwards so we do not advise you to drive yourself home.

laser tattoo removal summary

Procedure Time

1 – 5 minutes

ANESTHETIC

Can apply before treatment

full recovery

Immediately

sensitivity period

48 hours

no. of TREATMENTS

10 per area

results

Immediate

results – duration

Permanent

potential risks

Itching, redness, numbness, swelling, crusting, bleeding

Treatment care

PRE-TREATMENT CARE

The area to be treated must be clean-shaven. Unshaven clients will be rescheduled.
Avoid UV exposure 7 days prior to your treatment.
Clients who are sunburned or tanned must wait 2 weeks before being treated to avoid additional  skin damage.
Avoid sunless tanning products 7 days prior to your treatment. It is recommended that you  exfoliate the area to remove any residual colour.
If applicable, apply numbing cream 30 to 40 minutes prior to your treatment. All products must be completely removed prior to treatment.
Clients should come to appointments with clean skin in the area to be treated. All clients who are treating any part of their face or neck will be required to cleanse their entire face in the clinic.
Avoid chemical peels and other laser procedures in the area to be treated for 2 weeks prior and  two weeks after your laser treatment.
Avoid all alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxyl products (AHA/BHA), hydroquinone,  retinols/retinoid for 7 days before treatment.
Clients with any abnormal lesions, moles or spots on the area to be treated must be cleared by  a medical practitioner prior to treatment.
Clients must stop waxing, tweezing and chemical epilation 3 weeks prior to treatment.
If you are prone to cold sores, it is highly recommended to take an anti-viral medication prior to your treatment. Clients with active cold sores will not be treated.
Clients who have used Accutane or similar products within the last 6 months CANNOT have  laser hair removal treatments.
Client should not perform any physical activity that increases body temperature or blood  pressure within 2 hours before and after treatments.
If you have Anti wrinkle treatments or dermal fillers in the area to be treated, wait 14 days both before and after injection to receive treatments.
Antibiotics may increase photosensitivity. We recommend that you check with your personal  physician prior to receiving laser treatments if you are taking a long-term antibiotic. If you become ill and begin taking an antibiotic, you will need to be off the medication for 7 days before laser treatment.
Boots may not be worn immediately after leg treatments.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR TREATMENT

Check these diagrams to see exactly what will be included in your treatment areas.
Clients with red, grey or blonde hair in the area to be treated should consult with a Simplicity Laser Technician prior to receiving treatments, as the laser is less effective on these hair colours.
During your treatment you can expect slight discomfort, similar to a rubber-band snap on your skin. An over the counter numbing cream is available for purchase. Consult your laser technician with questions.
You may experience slight redness, bumps, and swelling in the treated area for up to 72 hours. If these conditions persist, topical creams such as Restorative Gel (highest recommended), aloe, calamine or hydrocortisone may be applied.
Allow a minimum of 7 to 14 days post treatment for hair to “fall out” or shed from the skin.
On average, clients experience up to 30% reduction after each treatment.
For best results, allow your technician(s) to customize your treatment schedule based on your needs.
- Be advised, clients may not bring children under the age of 12 to their appointments.

POST-TREATMENT CARE

Avoid extended UV exposure for 7 days post-treatment.
If blisters occur, do not puncture. If skin is broken, apply an antibiotic ointment until healed.
Over the counter medication is recommended for post treatment discomfort. You may also apply Restorative Gel (highest recommended), cool towels, ice packs or aloe vera to alleviate discomfort due to heat.
Avoid using seat warmers immediately after treatment.
Avoid any additional laser treatments or chemical procedures on the treated area for at least 2  weeks post-treatment or until healing has occurred.
Using a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 or higher is critical when receiving laser treatments and  is recommended ongoing for maintenance.
If you experience any side effects, such as hypo- or hyper-pigmentation, prolonged redness or  swelling, a histamine reaction, or blistering, call or come in for instructions on treatment.
To achieve the best results, complete the full treatment schedule at the intervals recommended  by your technician.
Exfoliate treated areas to minimize risk of ingrown hairs.

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