How does tattoo removal work?

A laser that is used for tattoo removal is a highly focused laser that rapidly delivers a beam of light to the skin for the purposes of removing unwanted tattoos. The laser is attracted by darker colours found in the ink of the tattoo in preference to the lighter colour of the skin. When the beam of the laser strikes the ink in a tattoo it shatters the ink into very fine particles. These particles are then no longer visible to the eye and become small enough to be absorbed and removed by the body’s own natural filtration (lymphatic) system.    

The Ultralase Q-Switched Nd YAG Laser is specially designed for the purpose of tattoo removal. This laser allows very high-powered laser light to be delivered to the skin over a fraction of a second. This minimises any damage that could be caused by overheating the surrounding skin and hence any chance of scarring is greatly reduced

Our clinic offers treatments with the Ultralase Q Switched Nd YAG Laser which can remove tattoos containing black, dark and light blue, green and red pigments. By matching the colour of the laser to the colour of the unwanted tattoo ink, multi-coloured professional tattoos as well as single colour amateur tattoos can be removed safely and effectively. 

How many sessions will I need?

It is impossible to accurately predict the number of treatments necessary as it depends on the amount of ink used and how deep the ink was inserted. However as a guide most professional tattoos will require at least six to twelve treatments. The older the tattoo, the more treatments may be necessary and different colours and more intricate designs may also require additional treatments.

Follow up treatments are conducted at no less than 4-6 weekintervals. Further fading can occur for several months after each treatment

Below is a rough guide when planning a tattoo removal: 

Smaller tattoos:  3 to 4 sessions, between 18 and 32 weeks to achieve full removal.
Medium tattoos:  5 to 8 sessions, between 30 and 64 weeks to achieve full removal.

Larger tattoos: 10 to 13 sessions, between 60 and 104 weeks to achieve full removal.

In General

✓ With modern laser technology the risk of scarring is very low, however, it is not zero and aftercare is important.

✓ Black is the easiest colour to remove but some colours can be more resistant.

✓ It is possible to remove or significantly lighten tattoos, but it is not always possible to totally remove a tattoo.

How long do I need to wait between treatments?

For all tattoo removal procedures, it's best to wait 6 to 8 weeks between treatments for best results.

Waiting 6-8 weeks between treatments gives the ink enough time to be broken down and excreeted from the body by the lymphatic system.

This is also normally enough time for the tattoo to completely heal. If you notice the area is still scabbed or sensitive, then the area is still healing and you will need to wait until they are gone before you can have your next treatment.

Please note that the below prices are per session

2cm x 2cm tattoo              $99.00

4cm × 4cm tattoo            $149.00

8cm x 4cm tattoo            $179.00

10cm x 6cm tattoo          $209.00

12cm x 8cm tattoo          $239.00

15cm x 11cm A6 tattoo    $269.00

21cm x 15cm A5 tattoo   $349.00

21cm x 20cm tattoo        $369.00

21cm x 30cm A4 tattoo  $489.00

After care