• A tattoo is a permanent mark or design made on the body when pigment is inserted into the dermal layer of the skin through ruptures in the skin’s top layer. Modern-day tattoos are applied by using an electric tattoo machine with needles that rapidly puncture the skin with an up and down motion not unlike that of a sewing machine. A skilled tattoo artist will deposit the ink at the epidermis/dermis junction.

• Therapists say they can’t predict the exact degree of removal because they generally don’t know which of the 100 tattoo inks available today were used. (The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently lists tattoo pigments as “color additives,” which are intended only for application to the top layer of the skin.) Very often we find that the ink has been deposited into the dermis and this complicates the removal of the ink. Consult with a removal specialist — be sure to take a list of questions along. This is a very long process if you do it correctly so as not to leave a scar. If the process is rushed scar tissue will be formed and it will take just as long to smooth the skin with the Fraxel Laser. Tattoo removal is a minimum of a year duration

• As early as the 1960s, lasers had been developed for industrial uses. When researchers developed lasers that emitted wavelengths of light in short flashes called pulses, medical use became viable. These lasers can effectively remove tattoos with a low risk of scarring, according to the American Academy of Dermatology . The type of laser used to remove a tattoo depends on the tattoo’s pigment colors. (Yellow and green are the hardest colors to remove; blue and black are the easiest.) The three lasers developed specifically for use in tattoo removal use a technique known as Q-switching, which refers to the laser’s short, high-energy pulses: A normal laser delivers the energy in milliseconds a Q Switched laser delivers the energy in nanoseconds. The Q-switched Nd: YAG, the newest system in this class of lasers and particularly advanced in the removal of red, blue and black inks. Laserderm only uses 1064nm and 532nm Q Switched ND Yag Lasers.

• Most tattoos can be removed completely with minimal or no scarring. Black pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, allowing for the quickest and easiest tattoo removal. Whilst black and darker-coloured inks can be removed more completely, other colours might leave a few pigments behind. Coloured tattoos can only be treated by selected lasers based upon the pigment colour. Multi-colour tattoos usually require the most sessions, as several lasers or laser settings have to be used for each colour. Please keep in mind that a tattoo is ink particles permanently embedded in the skin. In order to remove the tattoo, some form of trauma (such as a laser treatment) will have to be administered to the skin in order to break up the ink pigments into smaller particles which the body is able to dispose of. This superficial trauma will change the appearance of the skin structure – meaning there will be some form of scar tissue and/or difference in texture. The extent of skin changes will depend on the patient’s natural ability to heal and if the area was treated properly during the treatment and healing stages.

• Laser tattoo removal can be performed on basically any part of the body. How effective your tattoo removal treatment is, however, depends on the location of the tattoo on the body (the effectiveness of the lymphatic drainage of the treated area).

• Basically everyone with an unwanted tattoo can be a good candidate for laser tattoo removal. Patients with previously treated and not effectively removed tattoos can also be candidates for laser therapy.

• The size, the colour and the depth of the tattoo pigment will influence the duration and the outcome of the laser treatment. One laser tattoo removal treatment session can take anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes. If numbing creams are applied, this will involve an additional 60 to 90 minutes while the medication takes effect.

• Once you are deemed an appropriate candidate, your aesthetician will devise a treatment plan for you. You will be instructed on what (and what not) to do before your first treatment. This might include staying out of the sun or avoiding certain medications that may increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

• No. If the treatment is performed correctly and by an experienced practitioner, the laser shouldn’t burn the skin. Lasers are designed to target a particular pigment. In the case of Laser Tattoo Removal, the laser targets the dark pigment of the ink, not the skin. Wrong types of lasers will burn and cause scart tissue.

• There is no downtime after laser tattoo removal. Patients can return to normal activities immediately after the treatment. There are usually no burns or long recovery periods if the treatment is performed correctly. You might, however, experience a few side-effects immediately after the procedure such as redness, swelling and itching that may last a few days. Your skin might also be a little more sensitive. Blistering or slight bleeding might occur after laser tattoo removal treatment – this is very rare though and settles by itself. Other potential risks can include pigment changes and scarring in the treated skin. For fast and easy recovery, patients are advised to apply strong sunscreen after tattoo removal treatments to protect their skin.

• Depending on your tattoo’s size, colour, and age, you might need 4-12 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. If the tattoo artist has gone too deep into the dermis more sessions will be needed.

• You might experience a warm, prickling sensation, similar to slight sunburn, but we ensure your comfort throughout.

• Most tattoos can be significantly faded or completely removed, but results can vary based on ink depth and colour.

• Safety is paramount at Laserderm. We ensure that all procedures are conducted under strict guidelines to prevent any adverse effects. The ND Yag laser is FDA-approved, emphasising our commitment to providing safe and reliable tattoo removal services.
• Protective eye wear to be worn throughout the session.

• The ND Yag laser specifically targets tattoo pigments with a high-intensity light beam, breaking them down effectively without harming the surrounding skin. This technology stands out due to its precision and the ability to significantly reduce the appearance of the tattoo compared to other methods like dermabrasion or salabrasion.

• Yes, the ND Yag laser is capable of removing newer tattoos. However, the removal process may vary depending on the ink used and the tattoo’s age. It’s essential to have a personalised consultation to discuss the specific details of your tattoo removal.

• After a session, you may notice redness and swelling around the treated area. This is normal and should subside within a few days. Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.

• The ND Yag laser is highly effective for removing darker ink colours, such as black and blue. For lighter colours like greens and yellows, multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results. Each session gradually fades the tattoo, leading to significant reduction or complete removal.

Think about what area(s) you want to treat. Think of questions to ask your provider about treatment.

Before your procedure, you’ll meet with a trained, certified aesthetician who’ll evaluate your situation and inform you about the process. They’ll evaluate your skin and may ask questions that could include:

When did you get this tattoo?

Have you undergone any prior tattoo removal procedures?

Was the tattoo was applied by an amateur or professional?

Your provider will also measure the size of your tattoo and they might take a photo of it to record the results of your procedure. Your provider will choose a treatment plan based on the type and color of ink in the tattoo and the depth of the tattoo pigment in your body.

During laser treatment, your skin will turn a frosty white colour called frosting. This is caused by the carbon dioxide being released as a result of laser penetration and surfaces on the upper layer of the skin, which resembles a white frosting. A few hours after treatment your skin may begin to peel and blister which usually takes 3 – 14 days to disappear. These side effects are completely normal and expected as your body is quickly trying to heal itself, shedding the damaged outermost layer of skin. Some people may experience very light bleeding as well.

A few hours after treatment your skin may begin to peel and blister (do not burst the blisters) which usually takes 3 – 14 days to disappear. These side effects are completely normal and expected as your body is quickly trying to heal itself, shedding the damaged outermost layer of skin. Some people may experience very light bleeding as well.

After several days have passed, all physical effects have usually subsided. Now you’ll just play the waiting game as your body properly disposes of the ink pigments, which usually takes 4 weeks. Only after such time, laser treatment can be performed again. It is imperative that the aftercare is followed correctly.