All you need to know about laser tattoo removal
If you are considering laser tattoo removal we are sure you have lots of questions. Below are some of the most common questions that we are asked, however we are always happy to provide further details or answer any additional questions you may have. We offer a free pre-treatment consultation to give you a better understanding of procedures during treatment and what can be achieved.
Will laser treatment hurt?
It feels like an elastic band being twanged against the skin! So whilst not painless, it’s quicker than getting a new tattoo, and the discomfort is probably no more than you experienced when you had the tattoo initially. Discomfort can be reduced by applying ice-packs before, during and after treatment.
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Is laser tattoo removal safe?
Yes! During laser tattoo removal the laser operates in short, fraction of a second bursts, targeted only at your tattoo. It does not affect surrounding skin.
Why does the ink stay in the skin when you have a tattoo?
When you have a tattoo the particles of ink are too large for the body to remove, so instead it encapsulates the particles of ink within a network of collagen fibres as the skin heals where the tattoo remains.
How does the laser work to remove ink?
The laser emits a pulse of light that is absorbed into the 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. The particles are then removed naturally via the body’s own waste removal system.
How many sessions are required?
Several treatments may be needed before the tattoo fades enough to no longer be seen. The number of sessions are dependent on the tattoo complexity, ink type, colours used, tattoo depth, tattoo age and skin colour of the client. 3-8 laser tattoo removal sessions may be required before the tattoo fades entirely. Session times vary dependent upon the size and complexity of the tattoo and patient sensitivity.
Can you remove a multi-coloured tattoo?
All colours can be removed with laser tattoo removal. Darker tattoo inks respond really well to laser removal. Lighter colours are more difficult to remove and may require additional treatments to remove them completely. RETHINK ME uses the AW3 Flash ink, an advanced laser that is ideal for all colours giving you the best results possible.
Should you fade a tattoo before a tattoo cover up?
Yes it is generally a good idea to have a few laser sessions first to fade the tattoo before getting a rework done as not every tattoo will cover well. Some tattoos require a little help from the laser in preparation for cover-up, giving a far superior result. A cover-up tattoo should always look good in its own right. Beware of promises to “cover it with black”. You may end up with a worse tattoo than the original. Even the best cover-ups are rarely 100% effective. If the original tattoo was very dark and strong it may seep back through in time.
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How long does a session last?
A standard session will last on average 10 minutes to 1 hour depending on the size of the tattoo being treated.
How long will it take to see the full results of the laser treatment.