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How Does it Work?
For our laser tattoo removal we use Q-switched lasers, these lasers use high-energy but short pulses, which are typically only a nano-second long. This creates a photomechanical effect on the skin. Q-switched lasers are great for treating tattoos and pigmentation. The short but high-energy pulses cause rapid heating, generating a shockwave that breaks down the pigment.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
Unwanted tattoos can be removed over a series of 6-15 sessions using a laser tattoo removal machine. The energy from the specific laser breaks down the ink particles into tiny fragments, which eventually absorb into the bloodstream and safely pass out of the body.
The science behind the laser technology
A quality-switched laser (Q-switched) is a high-intensity pulsed beam of energy that is applied to the skin at a specific wavelength. This energy/light lasts merely a billionth of a second and is absorbed by the pigments in the skin, such as acne spots, age spots, freckles, scars, etc., which break down into smaller fragments and are then naturally disposed of by the body.
The power and intensity of this laser can be customized and set to various frequencies/levels as per the condition of the skin, the procedure, or the results that are expected.
Benefits of Q-switched Laser Treatments
Contrary to common belief, a treatment done with the help of Q-switched Nd Yag Laser technology is completely safe and non-invasive. The most popular one is the Q-switched laser toning, which improves the appearance of the skin in both the short term and the long term.
Types of lasers used for tattoo removal
Q-switched Nd: YAG Lasers
These lasers were traditionally used for corrective eye surgery, removal of skin cancer and dentistry. This type of laser uses intensive laser energy; it heats up and breaks apart the tattoo ink into tiny particles that the body can absorb. They are super effective at removing tattoos of specific colours and skin tones.
PicoSure Tattoo Removal
Picosure is different from Q-switched lasers; these use laser energy to burn ink particles into even smaller pieces. This method of tattoo removal doesn’t use any heat; it uses ultra-short “picosecond” pulses that bombard the ink particles at super high pressure, shattering them into small dust particles. These are, like the Q-switch, easily absorbed and eventually eliminated by the body.
Factors that affect the success of laser tattoo removal
General Health
Laser tattoo removal uses heat to break down the ink particles in your tattoo. The particles must still be cleared by your body. The more active your immune system is, the more effectively these broken-down ink particles are carried away.
Ink colour
Typically, black and other dark inks are easier to remove. While green, red, orange, and white inks tend to be more challenging.
Tattoo Age
Older tattoos are prone to poor pigment and fading. In this case, it will be more easily removed in comparison to newer inked tattoos.
Professional vs Amateur Tattoo
Professional tattoo artists tend to use more quality inks, which are placed deeply into the skin. Amateur artists, in some cases, uses less ink, but they sometimes press harder, so their tattoos have a higher risk of scarring.
Smoking
Smoking is very likely related to poor wound healing. Therefore, the tattoo will take longer to heal.
Skin Color
Laser tattoo removal, in most cases, is more effective for individuals with lighter skin. This is because lighter skin doesn’t absorb laser light, most of the laser energy is focused on the tattoo pigment. Dark skin siphons a portion of laser light from the tattoo.
Amount of Ink
The amount of ink used has a huge effect on how effective tattoo removal will be. Professional tattoos generally have greater density/volume of pigment placed deeper in the skin.
Risks and side effects of laser tattoo removal
Tattoo removal using Q-switched lasers is the safest; however, complications can occur with any laser treatment. Complications include pain, blistering, crusting, swelling, and pinpoint haemorrhage.
Preparing for laser tattoo removal
Avoid sun exposure for as long as possible, use sunscreen, and cover up for two to four weeks prior to and after laser tattoo removal treatment. A tan might look good but will be more prone to adverse reactions. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing over the area to be treated.
What to expect during a laser tattoo removal session
Before going ahead with Norwich laser tattoo removal, we require a consultation and patch test. This allows you to come along, see the clinic and machine, meet our fabulous team, test your skin’s sensitivity to our laser, and talk through any questions you may have.
An individual treatment plan will be created and discussed in full detail, along with the pre and post-care.
Images will be taken for our records to allow us to track your progress. You can see examples of before and after having laser tattoo removal on this page.
During the patch test, you will lie comfortably on the treatment couch, with a small area of the tattoo will be exposed and cleaned. You and our Laser Tattoo Removal specialist will apply a pair of protective goggles each. The laser specialist will use a specific laser setting, and the laser will be placed close to the skin and applied to a small area at the edge of your tattoo. This will feel like very slight pins and needles.
During the complete treatment, as the laser energy is delivered into the tattoo, most clients compare getting tattoo removal to having a warm rubber band being flicked against the skin, similar to the sensation of having the initial tattoo.
Although we appreciate that this doesn’t sound too enjoyable, we can assure you that we have taken every precaution to make laser tattoo removal as painless as possible.
To ensure your tattoo removal experience is as comfortable as possible, we use a specialist laser cooling system before, during and after your tattoo removal treatments to provide pain relief and protection for your skin. This counteracts the sensations of heat that you would feel from the laser.
Aftercare for laser tattoo removal
Your treated skin will be the most tender the first few days after receiving your tattoo removal procedure at The Norwich Face and Body Clinic. Our laser Tattoo Removal specialist will place a bandage over the treated area, and it is essential to leave this in place for 24-48 hours.
Avoid hot showers, baths or soaking your skin for 24 hours after the laser tattoo removal. When you do shower, try to keep the treated skin out of the direct stream of hot water.
These scabs commonly fall off between 10 and 14 days after your treatment. The area may be red swollen, and blisters may develop on the treated area between one and three days following the tattoo removal. This is normal still; do not pick or otherwise irritate these blisters, as they should drain and dry into scabs independently. We recommend to avoid unnecessary contact with the scabs to prevent scratching the skin.
Avoid sun exposure during the entire course of treatment.
Laser tattoo removal cost and considerations
Permanent Tattoos – from £45 per session, recommended course of between 6-15 treatments.
Semi-Permanent Make-up (Eyebrows) – from £65 per session, recommended course of between 1-3 treatments.
Both with treatments every 6-8 weeks.
Laser Tattoo Removal near me – prices differ depending on the size of the area. If the area is fully shaded, this would be classed as a larger area. If it is an outline with a lot less shading, then the price would be reduced.
Conclusion
We have successfully removed a range of tattoos on many of our lovely clients of all ages and even on some of our specialists.
Our Laser Tattoo Removal treatment uses the exclusive Q10 machine, CE, FDA-approved and medical grade. The Q10 is a high-power Nd: YAG laser with four wavelengths. This machine is like no other and an essential factor in laser tattoo removal. There are many machines on the market currently, all of which have different strengths. Due to this, the level of clearance and number of appointments will differ. So, if you have had an unsuccessful tattoo removal course, please do not feel disheartened; every machine is different, as is the amount of clearance.
If you have been searching for “Tattoo Removal near me”, look no further. Get in touch with The Norwich Face and Body Clinic to book your tattoo removal today!
