How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Tattoo removal by laser is one of the safest, and proven effective methods used to help fade or completely remove your unwanted ink.

This procedure uses a short high energy pulse to break up the ink particles into smaller pieces that the body can readily absorb.

As the laser starts to break down the ink, a light grey frosting will appear on the treated area – signalling that the removal process has begun.

After several treatments, the unwanted ink will fade, without destroying the skin.

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How Long Does It Take To Remove A Tattoo with Lasers?

Typically a minimum of six sessions is required to remove a tattoo with lasers.

However, other factors should be considered that can impact how quickly the tattoo fades, such as:

  • Colour of the ink
  • Tattoo age
  • Tattoo size
  • Skin colour
  • Location of the tattoo
  • Amount of ink
  • Scarring or tissue damage

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Am I Suitable For Tattoo Removal?

Our team of experts will go into a thorough consultation, assessing your skin and tattoo to determine the best method of tattoo removal for you.

Things to Know About Laser Tattoo Removal

After

  • Wear clean loose clothing that won’t rub or stick to the skin.
  • Ensure the area is kept clean to avoid risk of infection (just warm water during the healing process, avoiding any harsh perfumed soaps).
  • Avoid picking or removing any scabs, as you will slow down the healing of the skin and risk complications.
  • Blisters are common and signal that the skin is healing. Do not soak these in hot tubs or hot showers.
  • Avoid sun-beds or tanning until your skin has fully healed.
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Before

  • Avoid any sun exposure and tanning four weeks prior to laser removal treatment.
  • Avoid taking any over-the-counter blood thinners such as aspirin or ibuprofen (these can increase your risk of bleeding).
  • Shave the area being treated.
  • Avoid any creams and lotions on the day of treatment.

During

Although downtime is minimal, you may experience some swelling, redness, a tingly sensation and blistering after you remove a tattoo with a laser.

Frequently Asked Questions

It can take around six to eight weeks for a tattoo to fully heal. So, we recommend waiting until then before planning your tattoo removal session.

To ensure a fast healing process, follow the after care provided by your practitioner. Each patient’s healing journey will be different, and other factors could delay the healing time.

On average it can take anywhere from four to eight weeks.

There might be some redness and swelling to the area treated. Minimal stinging may be felt for up to an hour. After 24 hours you may experience blistering in the area treated.

The skin treated might look lighter than the rest of the skin around it. Other side effects include infection, redness, soreness or scarring.

Yes. When carried out by trained professionals.

At My London Skin Clinic, we always provide a full consultation prior to any procedures. This is to ensure suitability for the treatment, and to develop a customised treatment plan.