Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser Tattoo Removal
Lasers remove by breaking up the pigment colors with a high-intensity light beam. Black pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, making it the easiest color to treat. Other colors can only be treated by selected lasers based upon the pigment color. The number of treatments you will need will depend on the age, size, and color(s) of your Microblading. The color of your skin, as well as how deep the pigment goes, will also affect the removal technique. Book a free consultation with our Specialist.
The better you care for your tattoo pre and post laser treatment, the better your results will be. Laser therapy is just the beginning of the removal process. The natural healing and ink clearance processes of your body will also work more efficiently if you maintain your general health before, during and after laser treatment. The healthier you are, the better the process will work. As much as you can, try to avoid or limit any toxins such as nicotine or alcohol throughout the process, as these substances will place additional burdens on the body’s immune system. Try to stay active and drink plenty of fluids, in order to stimulate the lymphatic and vascular systems and to assist in the removal of the ink from your bloodstream. You must avoid after laser treatment:
● Excessive heat in the skin (baths, saunas, spas, heated yoga etc.) for at least 48 hours after treatment. This also relates to your work environment, where you may be exposed to hot conditions in a commercial kitchen, bakery or similar. Try to keep your healing tattoo as protected from heat as possible, so as to minimize the chance of blisters. It can take up to 2 days for all of the heat to dissipate from your body after a laser treatment, particularly on large tattoos.
● Avoid soaking your tattoo in baths, saunas, spas, pools and the ocean whilst there is any scabbing on your tattoo. You may swim or surf for short periods as long as you avoid sun exposure, gently pat the tattoo dry afterwards, and adhere to any other relevant instructions within this guide.
● You may shower on the day of your treatment but try to avoid letting very hot or high pressure water hit the tattoo. In the first 48 hours after treatment, re-ice your tattoo after any showering and re-apply the Aloe Vera gel. ● Avoid direct or prolonged sun exposure at all times during the healing and ongoing treatment process, but particularly in the first 4 weeks after a treatment. Recovering from laser treatment is akin to recovering from sunburn, so to get sunburned on existing sunburn wouldn’t be a good idea. Not only does sun exposure heighten the chance of blistering, but it also heightens the chance of abnormal pigmentation (hyper-pigmentation or hypo-pigmentation) developing. This also applies to tanning beds, spray tans, tanning injections and any other form of artificial tanning. In the event that you cannot avoid direct and prolonged sun exposure after treatment, wear protective clothing over your tattoo or apply an SPF50+ sunscreen at all times. The more pale your tattoo skin is at each treatment, the more effective each treatment will be.
● Avoid excessive exercise in the first 48 hours after treatment, to allow the heat to escape from your body and to minimise the chance of blistering and any swelling. Gentle exercise is fine, as long as you ice the treatment area after the exercise.
● Avoid injury and abrasion to your treatment area at all times before and after treatment. The more you care for your skin throughout the removal process, the better your results will be.
● Avoid injury and abrasion to your tattoo at all times before and after treatment. The more you care for your skin throughout the removal process, the better your results will be.
● You will experience some very light scabbing on your tattoo in the days following treatment. These micro scabs (in the shape of squares) are from the fractional laser that we used on your tattoo at the end of your treatment to assist the healing process. These will feel like sandpaper and may remain for up to 2 weeks on areas of low circulation. Do not pick these. Allow them to fall off at their own speed and your skin will be nice and smooth again once they fall off. How to treat the area after laser:
● Ice the area as soon as possible after treatment and repeat this several times in the ensuing 48 hours. You can apply covered ice-packs directly, alternating at 15 minute intervals. The more you do this in the first 24 hours, the less swelling and discomfort you will experience.
● Do not use soaps, body lotions or the like on your tattoo whilst it is still healing. Apply Aloe Vera gel regularly (twice per day) for at least 48 hours immediately after treatment. This will soothe the area whilst letting it breathe and help to prevent any itchiness. You may keep your Aloe Vera gel in the fridge to provide extra soothing.
● Rest and elevation of the area in the first 24 hours following treatment will assist in the healing process and will help to minimize any localized discomfort and swelling. You may take over-the-counter pain relief medications like paracetamol (as directed on the packaging) if you experience any localised discomfort.
● You may take over-the-counter pain relief medications like paracetamol (as directed on the packaging) if you experience any localised discomfort. Try and avoid the use of aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
● It is common during the healing process to develop an itching sensation on your tattoo. This is a normal part of the healing process as your body starts to get rid of the ink particles and can also indicate dehydration. If this occurs, try not to scratch the area, apply a moisturising cream such as Vitamin E cream, and drink plenty of fluids.
● It is possible that you may experience some blistering after your laser treatment. Do not be alarmed by this. This bodily reaction is a normal part of the healing process. In the event do not puncture them. Continue to apply ice to them for up to 48 hours after treatment. If there is any crusting, scabbing or oozing from the blisters, do not pick at them or allow the skin to become scraped, as this may result in infection and scarring. Avoid shaving the area until it is completely healed.
