HOW DO LASERS REMOVE TATTOOS?
Ink is a foreign substance which your body will try to remove as soon as it has been tattooed into your skin, however, the pigment molecules are too large. In the Laser Tattoo Removal process, Laser Light is used to penetrate the first layer of skin to reach the ink with little effect to the surrounding tissue. The energy from the laser pulse is absorbed by the ink molecules, causing them to shatter into smaller particles that your body is then able to remove.
The process that removes the particles is known as the Lymphatic System. This runs throughout the body and is an important part of our immune system. It plays a role in fighting bacteria and other infections and removing old or abnormal cells, such as cancer cells. The lymphatic system carries the smaller, shattered, ink particles away so that they can be flushed from the body completely.
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CAN LASERS BE USED TO REMOVE OR CORRECT SEMI-PERMANENT MAKEUP and MICROPIGMENTATION?
Yes. The same process can be used to remove and correct semi-permanent makeup and microblading pigments as well as other forms of micropigmentation including scalp micropigmentation and tricopigmentation, and the same rules apply. Our Laser Machines can be used to remove full areas, or make corrections, or just to fade so that new pigment can be overlayed. Depending upon the technique and pigment used as well as age and skin, the removal process may require fewer treatments and this can be discussed at the consultation process. As with permanent tattoos, any hairs covering the pigment should be removed by shaving or waxing prior to treatment.
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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REMOVE?
Variations such as skin-type, density, age, quality, and colour of the tattoo pigment mean that every tattoo removal will require a different treatment program. The location of a tattoo on the body also has an impact because the further the tattoo is from the heart and the major lymphatic centres, the longer it will take to fully heal and be removed. As a result, tattoos on the extremities will take longer to treat.
A number of treatments with regular intervals of about 6 weeks will be required to achieve the desired results. This will allow sufficient time for the lymphatic system to remove the particles that were created at your last treatment, and for the healing process to complete its cycle. Attempting to rush the process by reducing times between treatments is counter-productive and could increase the risk of scarring. In some cases we may be able to reduce the number of visits by employing the 'R20 method' and your technician will be able to offer advice on this following your consultation.
As a guide we expect medium density black ink tattoos to take between 7-12 treatments to remove. It is possible to remove some tattoos sooner and similarly some may take longer. In cases where 'fading', rather than removal is required, usually for a new cover-up tattoo, then this would normally take just 2-5 treatments depending upon the extent of fading required. in the case of semi permanent makeup, microblading, scalp micropigmentation and tricopigmentation, it is expected that less treatments would be required for both full removal or correction, than with permanent pigments. Your technician will provide a bespoke treatment program tailored to your individual needs following a consultation and patch test.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Every Tattoo is different and prices vary depending upon your skin-type as well as the size, design, density and colour of the tattoo. Because of this, a definite price can only be determined following a consultation and patch-test. The cost of this is £35, which will be discounted from your first treatment should you decide to go ahead.
Buy 5 Get 1 Free Discounts are available for packages and we offer 1/3 Off All Tattoo Removal Treatments and products for all Nursing Staff and Members of the Police, Fire Service, and Armed Forces (including armed forces veterans). We also provide a FREE service for the removal of cancer treatment tattoo spots.
Our tattoo removal prices start from less than £30 and a price guide with more information on our Tattoo Removal Offers and Deals can be found on our PRICES page. The cost of Semi Permanent Makeup, Microblading, Scalp Micropigmentation and Tricopigmentation removal and correction is assessed on a case by case basis at the consultation stage.
CAN I HAVE MY TATTOO FADED FOR COVER-UP, OR ONLY PARTLY REMOVED?
Yes, the area to be removed is entirely up to you. The laser beam is extremely precise and we are able to cover the area that is to remain untouched to ensure that only the area you specify is treated. This is particularly common for clients who are wanting to correct an element of their tattoo, semi permanent makeup, or micropigmentation without removing it all.
The level of removal, or fading can also be controlled and in cases where a new tattoo is being placed over an old one, we are happy to work with you and, where necessary, the tattooist performing your new tattoo to ensure that just the right level of fading is achieved. This would normally take just 2-5 treatments depending upon the extent of fading required.
In both cases your technician will be able to provide more information, specific to your requirements, during your initial consultation.
WILL IT HURT?
The sensation is likened to that felt during the original tattoo, or the snap of an elastic band against the skin and because it doesn’t last as long as the original tattooing process, it’s over almost before you know it.
At The Laser Studios we use the ‘I-Cool’ chilled-air cooling system to provide a cold stream of air to the surface of the skin which helps to reduce any pain and superficial redness or swelling as it occurs. Where possible we give our clients the handpiece so as to give them full control over this cooling effect.
We are also able to offer a topical anaesthetic cream which delivers a slight numbing to the skin and this can be discussed with your technician during your consultation or at any time thereafter.
IS THERE ANY PRE-TREATMENT PREPARATION?
The use of fake tanning products and sun beds or sunbathing must be avoided for a least 2 weeks before and in-between treatments so that the cells that produce the natural melanin in your skin aren't affected. If exposure to UV rays can't be avoided then the specific area to be treated should be covered or a total sunblock of factor 50+ should be applied. We recommend that the area of the skin to be treated should be lightly exfoliated and moisturised either the night before or the morning prior to the treatment. This will serve to remove any dead surface skin cells and so allow greater penetration of the laser light. The skin on and around the tattoo should also be shaved or waxed prior to treatment so as to avoid them being burnt during treatment
Low blood-sugar levels can create some light-headedness or nausea for some and so we recommend that something is eaten an our or two before treatment. Pre- and Post- Care advice is also available to view HERE at any time.
WHAT AFTERCARE IS REQUIRED?
Following the correct post-treatment care is crucial to achieving the best results and your role in this is vital. Drinking plenty of water, ideally at least 2 litres a day, will help to maintain healthy lymphatic drainage which will help to remove the shattered pigment particles.
Keeping the treated area clean and dry, and the use of topical creams that aid healing will form part of the advice. Using even standard moisturisers helps to prevent the temptation to pick at scabs and itching the area which will help the skin to recover faster and in its own time. Once healed, massage the area when applying creams and serums - this will stimulate blood flow in the area and could help to speed up the removal of shattered pigment particles. Soaking the skin such as swimming, prolonged bathing or excessive sweating should be avoided.
Your technician will explain the aftercare to you in depth and provide you with a list of do’s and don’ts to take away. The aftercare protocol is also available to view HERE at any time.