16/01/2023
Unwanted tattoos can be removed gradually over a series of sessions using a laser.
The energy from the laser breaks down the tattoo ink into tiny fragments, which are eventually absorbed into the bloodstream and safely passed out of the body.
Limitations
Tattoo removal has some limitations including:
- It can be uncomfortable
- Its a very slow process – 10 or more
sessions may be needed to remove the tattoo.
- Many tattoos cannot be completely removed.
- Its quite common to have some ink left in the skin
- Some colours do not fade as well as others.
You should not have a tattoo removed if you:
are pregnant – there's a small risk to your baby
have a suntan or fake tan – wait for it to fade
What tattoo removal involves
On the day, you'll be given special goggles to protect your eyes.
A handheld device will be pressed on your skin to trigger a laser. Some people say this feels like an elastic band snapping against your skin.
The session will take about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your tattoo.
The tattoo should become lighter with each treatment.
A gel is used to cool and soothe your skin, and it might be covered with a dressing.
Afterwards
Your skin may be red with a raised rash for a short while after treatment. Holding an ice pack to your skin may help. Try a packet of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel.
You may have some slight bleeding before your skin scabs over. Use aloe vera gel or Vaseline to help it heal.
Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 1-2 weeks after a treatment. Cover the area with clothing and use a sunscreen with at least SPF30.
You should avoid:
- Picking or scratching the scab
- Using soap or perfumed products on the area for the first 48 hours
- Strenuous physical activities for a couple of days
- Swimming and saunas until the scab has dropped off (they may slow the healing process)
Risks
Possible risks are:
-Some colours not completely fading yellow, green and purple ink requires more sessions to fade than black, blue and red
-A small chance your skin may become temporarily darker or paler than the surrounding skin
- A slight chance of permanent scarring (3 in 100 people develop a scar)
