Laser Tattoo Removal
Tattoo Removal in Cornwall
Why are tattoos so hard to remove?
Tattoos are injected pigment to the lower layer or your skin, the dermis. The pigment is sealed into the skin through a tough collagen ring, which is very difficult to release again without damaging the tissues surrounding it.
This tattoo pigment can be removed via a skin graft or by chemically destroying the pigment using concentrated salts or acid. Both of these treatments are not only painful, but also damage the surround area and lead to significant scarring.
If this all sounds very painful with poor results – fear not. We use a specially designed “Q-Switch” Nd-Yag laser for optimal results.
Cost
from £20
No. of Sessions
varies
Duration
5 – 30 mins
How Does it Work?
The laser delivers energy to the carbon particles or dyes that make up a tattoo, this allows precise destruction of the “foreign” pigment (i.e. the colour in the tattoo trapped within the skin) while minimising damage to the surrounding skin.
This energy is absorbed quickly into the tattoo ink so that the foreign pigment is mechanically broken down into tiny fragments. These fragments are then removed by the body’s natural immune system which you pass naturally over the following few weeks.
Laser Tattoo Removal in Cornwall
with Senta Bodmin
How is a Q-switched laser different from other lasers for tattoo removal?
The Q-switched laser produces short pulses of high-energy light, which is strongly absorbed by the tiny particles of the tattoo, but not by the surrounding skin. The tattoo particles heat up and break down into minute particles that are flushed out of the body through its natural immune system.
The Q-switched Nd-Yag laser allows this very specific targeting, which means that the surrounding tissue is not heated up to such a high temperature, and therefore there is no lasting skin damage. Other lasers cannot guarantee this.
Can you treat all colours with the tattoo removal laser?
Not always. There are two wavelengths of light that are emitted from this laser – one is invisible infrared light (1064nm) and the other is visible green light (532nm). The infrared wavelength is preferably absorbed into black and dark blue inks, whereas the green light is absorbed by red ink. It is possible to treat some other colours although white, yellow and bright colours are difficult. This is not usually a problem however, as lighter colours cover very easily.
Are there any side effects from Tattoo Removal?
Very rarely the skin may become lighter or darker, or a small blister may form. Change to the skin texture and scarring is possible, though uncommon, and is more likely if any grazes are not allowed to heal naturally. There may be a loss of natural tanning ability in the area treated, which usually improves with time.
How does the skin look after Tattoo Removal treatment?
An instant whitening of the skin is seen after treatment, but this generally fades quickly. The area is likely to feel tender for a few hours and can be red and swollen for up to 48 hours. Some tattoos will form a graze which must be left to heal naturally. Initially the tattoo is unlikely to look any different but will fade over the next 2 to 6 weeks as the body disperses it.
What will I feel during the treatment?
Some patients describe this as the feeling of an elastic band being pinged against your skin. The feeling of heat and some redness is to be expected. The skin is likely to swell and blister, but this is normal and should die down in 24 hours.
How many Tattoo removal treatments are necessary?
There are several factors that influence the number of treatments required, these can be down to how easily you heal, how efficient you immune system is, how deep the ink is in the skin, and the types of ink that were used. Generally speaking the longer you have had the tattoo and the darker it is the easier it is to remove. Amateur tattoos can be quick to remove, taking 2 to 8 treatments, whereas professional tattoos vary considerably and some can take up to 16 treatments, although it is often closer to 10. Each treatment spaced at 6 weekly intervals.
How long does each treatment take?
Treatments can take from 5 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo. Larger tattoo may need to be treated as several smaller one to prevent too much trauma to the skin.
How soon can I get cover-up work on laser treated skin?
You will need to wait 3 months before any new ink is added to a treated area.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from as little as £20. But as every tattoo is different so is every price. Most tattoos are not a regular shape and every tattoo is made up of many elements so it’s impossible to make accurate predictions of cost for unseen tattoos. You will be given a price per session at your consultation. I also offer discounts for pre booking a series of pre-paid for appointments.
Will my tattoo disappear completely?
It is possible, but not guaranteed. This is due to many variables such as depth of the ink, skin type, type of ink, the skins ability to heal etc. Certain areas of your tattoo may therefore be harder to remove than others.
How do I get started?
Prior to a treatment you must first undergo a consultation where details about your medical history are obtained in order to confirm suitability for the treatment. Subject to this you will be asked to sign a consent form and undergo a test patch. Patch tests are required 4 weeks before the first treatment and are free of charge there is no obligation to continue with the treatment.
Tattoo Removal Aftercare
and general advice
Before Treatment
Avoid exposure to sunlight and sun-beds for at least 4 weeks and fake tan for 1 week.
If the tattooed area is covered in hair, please shave the area 1 day prior to treatment.
Avoid caffeine (coffee) before treatment, as this will make you more aware.
Eat before treatment if around meal times.
Ladies try to make appointments around your monthly cycle (not a few days before or during) as you are more sensitive during this time.
After Treatment
If the skin has not broken, a dry sterile dressing will be placed over the treated area to protect it.
The ears will become raised and feel hot and can be cooled with the use of a cold compress, ice pack or a pack of peas from the freezer wrapped in a clean cloth (DO NOT apply ice directly to the skin as this can cause burns).
As long as the skin is unbroken cooling products such as Aloe Vera gel can be used to give relief to the sunburn type feeling of the treated area.
E45 cream or Aloe Vera gel can be used to relieve the itching which normally occurs 3-5 days after the treatment.
Whilst Healing
Avoid restrictive clothing
Avoid perfume or body lotions to the area
Avoid hot baths or continuous soaking
Avoid heat treatments such as saunas and steam rooms
Avoid swimming
Avoid lying in the sun or using sun beds
Avoid picking at any scabs
Avoid allowing the area to become scrapped
Take care of the treated area in order to obtain the best results!!