Laser Tattoo Removal Considerations - for PHOTOS please scroll down
I can not provide you with laser treatment if you have any of following conditions:
- Previous Tattoo Removal Allergic Reaction
- Lupus or other auto-immune deficiency
- Currently Pregnant
- Breast Feeding
- Graves Disease(Hyperthyroidism) / Hashimotos Disease (Hypothyroidism) and/or Treatment with Thyroxine
- Bleeding abnormalities
- Blood thinning medication
- Keloid or very thick scarring
- Psorasis or Vitiligo
- Current treatment for Pulmonary embolism/blood clot, Leg ulcers or Phlebitis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis “Gold” Therapy
- Acute or Chronic Renal Failure
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) within last 3 months
- Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy within last 3 months
- Herpes simplex (Cold Sores)
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Treatment with Ro-Accutane® in the last 6 months
- Dark spots after pregnancy or after skin injury
- Implants / Metal Plates/ or Pacemakers at site of Tattoo
- HIV
- Hepatitis
- Transplant Anti-Rejection Drugs
- If tattoo removal is on the face: Chemical Peels, Dermabrasion, Laser Resurfacing or Face Lift
There are some conditions (look below) when you may undergo laser treatment after consultation and with written permission from your GP or Consultant, always ask your health provider when i doubt:
- Diabetes Type 2
- Pulmonary Embolism/Blood Clot/Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Recent Chemical Peels, Dermabrasion, Face lift, Laser Resurfacing at or near the treatment site
- Any medication or herbal therapy listed on the British Medical Laser document entitled "Drugs and Lasers/IPL"
- Herpes Simplex (cold sores)
- Epilepsy
I can not provide you with laser treatment if you have any of following conditions:
- Previous Tattoo Removal Allergic Reaction
- Lupus or other auto-immune deficiency
- Currently Pregnant
- Breast Feeding
- Graves Disease(Hyperthyroidism) / Hashimotos Disease (Hypothyroidism) and/or Treatment with Thyroxine
- Bleeding abnormalities
- Blood thinning medication
- Keloid or very thick scarring
- Psorasis or Vitiligo
- Current treatment for Pulmonary embolism/blood clot, Leg ulcers or Phlebitis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis “Gold” Therapy
- Acute or Chronic Renal Failure
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) within last 3 months
- Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy within last 3 months
- Herpes simplex (Cold Sores)
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Treatment with Ro-Accutane® in the last 6 months
- Dark spots after pregnancy or after skin injury
- Implants / Metal Plates/ or Pacemakers at site of Tattoo
- HIV
- Hepatitis
- Transplant Anti-Rejection Drugs
- If tattoo removal is on the face: Chemical Peels, Dermabrasion, Laser Resurfacing or Face Lift
There are some conditions (look below) when you may undergo laser treatment after consultation and with written permission from your GP or Consultant, always ask your health provider when i doubt:
- Diabetes Type 2
- Pulmonary Embolism/Blood Clot/Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Recent Chemical Peels, Dermabrasion, Face lift, Laser Resurfacing at or near the treatment site
- Any medication or herbal therapy listed on the British Medical Laser document entitled "Drugs and Lasers/IPL"
- Herpes Simplex (cold sores)
- Epilepsy
About Laser Tattoo Removal......
How the laser tattoo removal works:
When you have a tattoo the particles of ink are too large for the body to destroy, so instead it encapsulates the particles of ink with a network of collagen fibres as the skin heals, and there the tattoo remains.
How does the Nd:YAG laser work to remove it?
The laser emits a pulse of light that is preferentially absorbed into certain colours of ink. The light enters the skin at a speed that is too fast to heat the tissues (billionths of a second), instead, it produces a ‘shock wave’ effect and breaks up the ink particles into smaller pieces, the body then recognises these particles as something that shouldn’t be there and attacks it. The particles are then removed naturally via the body’s own immune system.
Can you treat all colours?
No. Light is measured in nanometres and there are two wavelengths of light that are emitted from this laser -one is invisible infrared light(1064nm) and the other is visible green light(532nm). The infrared wavelength is preferably absorbed into black and dark blue inks, whereas the green light is absorbed by red ink. It is possible to treat some other colours although white,yellow, green and bright colours are difficult. This is not usually a problem however, as lighter colours cover very easily. If you wish to cover- up an existing tattoo then the darker colours will be faded or removed, allowing you greater choice of size and colour of the cover-up design you choose.
Why is it difficult to treat colours other than red and black?
The light will only see the colour ink it is attracted to as different wavelengths absorb into different things. It is not possible to produce a laser that can see all colours as some wavelengths are too shallow when absorbed to affect the ink, others can absorb into other matter and damage the skin in the process. Another reason is that all ink pigments contain certain levels of heavy metals. Some pigments may have a higher concentration of some of these than others, and these heavy metals can react with the laser light and carbonise in the skin, turning the ink black. It is very difficult to remove the ink when this has happened so, if you have other colours you would like treating, the laser operator will perform a test patch for you to see if it is possible before proceeding.
How much will laser tattoo removal cost?
Initial consultations are free. When you come for your consultation, I will measure your tattoo, carry out a skin assessment, and let you know how much each treatment will cost. Usually 35.00 – 100.00 per session depending on size. Patch test costs 20.00. If you decide to continue treatment the cost of patch test will be deducted from the cost of first session.
How many treatments will it take to remove my tattoo?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of this procedure, it is impossible to predict exactly how many treatments it will take for complete results. It could take as little as 3 treatments for an amateur tattoo or as many as 10 treatments for a professionally applied tattoo. How quickly your ink fades will depend on several factors, such as the colours of your tattoo, the type of ink used and how your body responds to the treatment.
How far apart are the treatments?
Your body needs time to break down the tattoo ink pigments after each laser treatment. This is a slow process, therefore you will typically schedule each treatment a minimum of 6-8 weeks apart.
What will my skin look like after each treatment?
Your skin will most likely be red and feel like it has mild sunburn. This typically goes away after a couple of hours. There may also be some bruising. At times and with certain inks, there may be mild blistering that usually heals in about a week. After each treatment you will be given detailed instructions on how to care for your treated area.
Will the laser tattoo removal hurt?
Yes it does. Patients have reported that laser tattoo removal feels like a rubber band snapping quickly on your skin. I do not offer any anesthetics but if you wish to use numbing cream on your own it is fine.
Does tattoo removal leave scars?
The type of laser used leaves virtually no scars, however, in rare cases there is a risk of forming a scar.
Cover up after Laser tattoo removal
Although it is much easier to deal with unwanted tattoo when is faded by laser treatment, sometimes it changes skin ability to absorb an ink and more then one pass may be needed
How the laser tattoo removal works:
When you have a tattoo the particles of ink are too large for the body to destroy, so instead it encapsulates the particles of ink with a network of collagen fibres as the skin heals, and there the tattoo remains.
How does the Nd:YAG laser work to remove it?
The laser emits a pulse of light that is preferentially absorbed into certain colours of ink. The light enters the skin at a speed that is too fast to heat the tissues (billionths of a second), instead, it produces a ‘shock wave’ effect and breaks up the ink particles into smaller pieces, the body then recognises these particles as something that shouldn’t be there and attacks it. The particles are then removed naturally via the body’s own immune system.
Can you treat all colours?
No. Light is measured in nanometres and there are two wavelengths of light that are emitted from this laser -one is invisible infrared light(1064nm) and the other is visible green light(532nm). The infrared wavelength is preferably absorbed into black and dark blue inks, whereas the green light is absorbed by red ink. It is possible to treat some other colours although white,yellow, green and bright colours are difficult. This is not usually a problem however, as lighter colours cover very easily. If you wish to cover- up an existing tattoo then the darker colours will be faded or removed, allowing you greater choice of size and colour of the cover-up design you choose.
Why is it difficult to treat colours other than red and black?
The light will only see the colour ink it is attracted to as different wavelengths absorb into different things. It is not possible to produce a laser that can see all colours as some wavelengths are too shallow when absorbed to affect the ink, others can absorb into other matter and damage the skin in the process. Another reason is that all ink pigments contain certain levels of heavy metals. Some pigments may have a higher concentration of some of these than others, and these heavy metals can react with the laser light and carbonise in the skin, turning the ink black. It is very difficult to remove the ink when this has happened so, if you have other colours you would like treating, the laser operator will perform a test patch for you to see if it is possible before proceeding.
How much will laser tattoo removal cost?
Initial consultations are free. When you come for your consultation, I will measure your tattoo, carry out a skin assessment, and let you know how much each treatment will cost. Usually 35.00 – 100.00 per session depending on size. Patch test costs 20.00. If you decide to continue treatment the cost of patch test will be deducted from the cost of first session.
How many treatments will it take to remove my tattoo?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of this procedure, it is impossible to predict exactly how many treatments it will take for complete results. It could take as little as 3 treatments for an amateur tattoo or as many as 10 treatments for a professionally applied tattoo. How quickly your ink fades will depend on several factors, such as the colours of your tattoo, the type of ink used and how your body responds to the treatment.
How far apart are the treatments?
Your body needs time to break down the tattoo ink pigments after each laser treatment. This is a slow process, therefore you will typically schedule each treatment a minimum of 6-8 weeks apart.
What will my skin look like after each treatment?
Your skin will most likely be red and feel like it has mild sunburn. This typically goes away after a couple of hours. There may also be some bruising. At times and with certain inks, there may be mild blistering that usually heals in about a week. After each treatment you will be given detailed instructions on how to care for your treated area.
Will the laser tattoo removal hurt?
Yes it does. Patients have reported that laser tattoo removal feels like a rubber band snapping quickly on your skin. I do not offer any anesthetics but if you wish to use numbing cream on your own it is fine.
Does tattoo removal leave scars?
The type of laser used leaves virtually no scars, however, in rare cases there is a risk of forming a scar.
Cover up after Laser tattoo removal
Although it is much easier to deal with unwanted tattoo when is faded by laser treatment, sometimes it changes skin ability to absorb an ink and more then one pass may be needed
Tattoo Removal Aftercare Advice
The following notes are important. Please read them carefully.
Before Treatment
• Avoid exposure to sunlight, sun-beds and fake tan for at least 4 weeks.
• If the tattooed area is covered by hair, please shave the area 1 day prior to treatment.
• Do advise us of any change in medication.
After Treatment
• Normally there is erythema and edema immediately after treatment. Apply an ice pack after treatment to remove the heat from treated area and
reduce discomfort. DO NOT apply ice directly to the skin.
• If skin is unbroken, the area is best left alone completely for 24 hours.
• After 24 hours antiseptic ointment or 1 % hydrocortisone cream (available “over the counter” at most chemist) can be used up to 3 times a day
for 7 days. Aloe Vera gel can also help improve skin comfort.
• Sterile dressing will be used to cover area after treatment. It may be necessary to use a dressing for the duration of healing to protect the area if
there is a risk of rubbing on clothes.
• DO NOT pick or rub, picking at scabs or allowing the treated area to get scaped increases a risk of getting an infection and developing a scar.
• Your skin will be fragile for 2 to 3 days. Use gentle cleansers, but do not rub the skin vigorously and avoid hot water during this time. Skin moisturisers may be used and make-up can be applied if the skin is not broken.
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning creams during the entire course of treatments. Use SPF 30 or greater on the treatment area at all times.
• Avoid soaking for 24 to 48 hours. No hot tubs, whirlpools or baths, but showers are okay.
• Avoid excessive sweating for 24 to 48 hours. No saunas or vigorous working out.
• Keep areas well moisturised and allow scabs to fall off on their own. This is an expected occurrence with tattoo/pigment removal.
• Avoid irritants such as Retin-A, Retinol, Renova, glycolics, bleaching creams and exfoliants for one week.
• Refrain from alcohol for 3-7 days.
• It is best avoid smoking for a period of several weeks before and after your procedure, as smoking
constricts the capillaries and taxes the immune system, thereby slowing healing and results
Whilst Healing
• Avoid restrictive clothing.
• Avoid perfume or body lotions to the area.
• Avoid hot baths or continuous soaking.
• Avoid heat treatments such as saunas and steam rooms.
• Avoid swimming.
•Avoid lying in the sun or using sun beds.
• Avoid allowing the area to become scrapped.
Take great care of the treated area in order to obtain the best end result.
The following notes are important. Please read them carefully.
Before Treatment
• Avoid exposure to sunlight, sun-beds and fake tan for at least 4 weeks.
• If the tattooed area is covered by hair, please shave the area 1 day prior to treatment.
• Do advise us of any change in medication.
After Treatment
• Normally there is erythema and edema immediately after treatment. Apply an ice pack after treatment to remove the heat from treated area and
reduce discomfort. DO NOT apply ice directly to the skin.
• If skin is unbroken, the area is best left alone completely for 24 hours.
• After 24 hours antiseptic ointment or 1 % hydrocortisone cream (available “over the counter” at most chemist) can be used up to 3 times a day
for 7 days. Aloe Vera gel can also help improve skin comfort.
• Sterile dressing will be used to cover area after treatment. It may be necessary to use a dressing for the duration of healing to protect the area if
there is a risk of rubbing on clothes.
• DO NOT pick or rub, picking at scabs or allowing the treated area to get scaped increases a risk of getting an infection and developing a scar.
• Your skin will be fragile for 2 to 3 days. Use gentle cleansers, but do not rub the skin vigorously and avoid hot water during this time. Skin moisturisers may be used and make-up can be applied if the skin is not broken.
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning creams during the entire course of treatments. Use SPF 30 or greater on the treatment area at all times.
• Avoid soaking for 24 to 48 hours. No hot tubs, whirlpools or baths, but showers are okay.
• Avoid excessive sweating for 24 to 48 hours. No saunas or vigorous working out.
• Keep areas well moisturised and allow scabs to fall off on their own. This is an expected occurrence with tattoo/pigment removal.
• Avoid irritants such as Retin-A, Retinol, Renova, glycolics, bleaching creams and exfoliants for one week.
• Refrain from alcohol for 3-7 days.
• It is best avoid smoking for a period of several weeks before and after your procedure, as smoking
constricts the capillaries and taxes the immune system, thereby slowing healing and results
Whilst Healing
• Avoid restrictive clothing.
• Avoid perfume or body lotions to the area.
• Avoid hot baths or continuous soaking.
• Avoid heat treatments such as saunas and steam rooms.
• Avoid swimming.
•Avoid lying in the sun or using sun beds.
• Avoid allowing the area to become scrapped.
Take great care of the treated area in order to obtain the best end result.
Side Effects
A superficial burn wound can be created by the laser tattoo removal treatment, The immediate whitening of
the treated area is the inks reaction to the absorption of the lasers light energy creating steam within the
surface of your skin which usually last for several minutes.
You may experience;
• Swelling or Bruising
• Pinprick Bleeding
• Feeling of Sunburn
• Blisters
• Scabs and Crusts
• Pigmentation changes due to loss of skin pigment can occur (temporary except in rare cases).
• Dry itchy skin
• Temporary hair loss
• Infection
Although times can vary, complete healing usually takes 4-6 weeks. Some extreme cases can be up to 3 months to heal properly.
Scabbing and blistering routinely occur following treatment and usually occur 8-72 hours after the treatment, which can last 1-2 weeks or longer. When the scabs separates, the skin in the treated area may look pale or pink.
A superficial burn wound can be created by the laser tattoo removal treatment, The immediate whitening of
the treated area is the inks reaction to the absorption of the lasers light energy creating steam within the
surface of your skin which usually last for several minutes.
You may experience;
• Swelling or Bruising
• Pinprick Bleeding
• Feeling of Sunburn
• Blisters
• Scabs and Crusts
• Pigmentation changes due to loss of skin pigment can occur (temporary except in rare cases).
• Dry itchy skin
• Temporary hair loss
• Infection
Although times can vary, complete healing usually takes 4-6 weeks. Some extreme cases can be up to 3 months to heal properly.
Scabbing and blistering routinely occur following treatment and usually occur 8-72 hours after the treatment, which can last 1-2 weeks or longer. When the scabs separates, the skin in the treated area may look pale or pink.
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Tattoos and Laser Treatments
Unfortunately many clients end up unhappy with tattoos. Fortunately - something can be done about it. Most popular will be cover up. Sometimes cover up is not possible without some help - lighting up a tattoo. I do not use a word "remove" a tattoo purpously. I had personally laser treatments, and I've worked with many clients after laser treatments - there usually will something "left" in the skin. So...yes...lighting up an unwanted tattoo can help. There is many different types of laser - please refer to a link below if you want to know more - not all lasers are equal when it comes to deal with tattoos.
There is a few things I think you need to know before undergoing laser procedure (from my experience) - the best option is to consult first with a tattooist who will be doing cover up (if this option is desired) - often not a whole tattoo has to be lighten up - your tattooist can mark areas needed to be treated (to save you time, pain and money). Be aware of the fact that laser treatment can change structure of the skin making disposal of pigment harder - means - you need to come more then once to saturate skin with ink to a satisfactory level. It may be very challenging task especially if laser treatment caused a lot of trauma. And this is why some tattooists refuse to work on the skin after laser treatments. For more information please check a link below:
http://www.consultingroom.com/Treatments/Laser-Tattoo-Removal