Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment at London Body Centre: Clear Skin Awaits

Unwanted tattoos can be removed gradually over a series of sessions using a laser. Laser tattoo removal works by firing laser light into the tattoo which breaks the ink into tiny pieces; these little pieces are then easy for the body to absorb. This allows the ink to be removed from the body naturally. Laser tattoo removal avoids damaging the surrounding skin while removing the tattoo, making it vastly superior to older, harsher removal methods.

Your tattoo will require multiple sessions before it’s fully removed. The number of treatments depends on how large your tattoo is, what sort of ink has been used, how old it is, and the length of time between your sessions. As a rough guide, a ‘professional’ tattoo will need between 8 and 12 sessions, whereas an ‘amateur’ tattoo might only require between 3 and 6.

What to Expect from Laser Tattoo Removal

We will be able to give you a more accurate idea of the number of sessions required at your initial consultation. Discover how the process works and how to properly prepare for your sessions.

How Does It Work?

During a laser tattoo removal procedure, the practitioner guides a laser over the area of the tattoo. Unlike a laser pointer that produces a continuous beam of light, tattoo removal lasers produce ultra-short pulses of light energy. Each pulse penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the tattoo ink. As the ink particles absorb the energy, they shatter into tiny fragments. Over the weeks following treatment, your body’s immune system flushes these fragments away via the lymphatic system, lightening the appearance of the tattoo.

Before the Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment

You must attend an initial consultation and patch test. We will assess your skin type and tattoo. Please note that certain lasers may not be suitable for patients with Fitzpatrick skin types V or VI.

Follow these guidelines unless your laser technician directs otherwise:

• Arrive freshly showered with completely clean skin, free of lotions, oils, creams, or fragrances.
• If there is excessive hair in the treatment area, please shave it prior to treatment.
• Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area and do not use UV tanning beds for four weeks before treatment.
• Discontinue self-tanners 4 weeks prior; any residual self-tanner must be scrubbed off.
• Do not use any topical products that cause photosensitivity (e.g., AHAs, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) in the treatment area for three weeks before treatment.
• Numbing agents may not be used in the treatment area beforehand as they can interfere with the efficacy of the laser, unless applied by our clinic.

During the Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment

Following a quick health history check, the treatment area will be cleansed. You will be required to wear protective eyewear. All areas of the body that will not be lasered will be covered.

We use a hand-piece to direct the laser. The feeling of each short pulse is usually described as feeling like the ‘snap’ of a rubber band on the skin. In the vast majority of cases, having a tattoo removed using the laser is less painful or at worst—only the same—as having the tattoo done in the first place.

After the Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment

A white-gray discoloration (known as “frosting”) may appear immediately following treatment and last for a few minutes. Erythema (redness), edema (swelling), scabbing, flaking, irritation, or blistering in the treatment area will most likely occur and can persist for several days.

• Cooling: Discomfort may be relieved by using ice packs in 20-30 minute intervals (never applied directly to bare skin).
• Cleansing: Once per day, use gentle water to cleanse the area and pat dry. Apply the advised “Fade the Itch” post-laser ointment twice per day and cover with a non-adherent bandage for 7-10 days.
• Do Not Pick: If scabbing or blistering occurs, do not pick, rub, scratch, or drain them. Allow them to dry and heal on their own to prevent scarring.
• Activity: Discontinue aerobic exercise for 3 days and rough physical contact sports for 10 days.
• Water Exposure: Do not immerse the treatment area in water (bathtubs, swimming pools, oceans) for the first three weeks, or until completely healed.
• Sun Protection: Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area completely for at least 6 weeks post-treatment.

Facts You Need to Know

Getting a tattoo might seem like a life-long commitment, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few facts about the procedure:

• Tattoos don’t go as deep as you think: The ink sits in the dermis layer of the skin, which the laser easily targets without cutting the surface.
• The rest of your skin will be protected: The laser specifically targets the pigment of the ink, leaving the surrounding un-inked tissue unharmed.
• Some colours are easier to remove than others: Black and dark blue inks are the easiest to shatter, while greens, yellows, and lighter blues can be more stubborn and require more sessions.
• Treatments often take just a few minutes: While the fading process takes months, the actual laser time in the clinic is incredibly fast—often just 10 to 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Tattoo Removal

Will laser treatment hurt?

Most patients compare the discomfort to the sensation of getting the tattoo originally, or like a rubber band being snapped against the skin. It is very fast, and we use cooling techniques to minimize discomfort.

Is laser tattoo removal safe?

Yes, when performed by certified professionals using medical-grade technology, it is the safest and most effective method for tattoo removal available today.

Will laser tattoo removal scar me?

The risk of scarring from the laser itself is very low. However, scarring usually happens if a patient picks at the scabs or pops the blisters that form during the healing process. Strict adherence to aftercare is crucial.

Will laser tattoo removal burn me?

The laser uses light energy that converts to heat to shatter the ink. You will experience a sensation of heat and temporary redness (like a sunburn), but severe burns are exceedingly rare when using the correct settings for your skin type.

How many sessions are required?

Typically, 8 to 12 sessions for professional tattoos and 3 to 6 sessions for amateur tattoos. Sessions must be spaced 8 to 12 weeks apart to allow the lymphatic system to flush the ink.

Is laser tattoo removal suitable for anyone?

It is suitable for most people, but it is contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals taking certain photosensitizing medications, and sometimes for those with very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI) depending on the specific laser used.

Can you remove a multi-coloured tattoo?

Yes, but it requires different laser wavelengths. Black is the easiest to remove, while vibrant colors like green, light blue, and yellow may take additional sessions to fully fade.

Can you fade a tattoo before a tattoo coverup?

Absolutely. Fading an existing tattoo makes it significantly easier for a tattoo artist to cover it with a new design without having to use heavy, dark, solid blocks of black ink.

How many sessions are required for a cover-up?

If you are just looking to fade the tattoo enough for an artist to easily cover it, you generally only need 2 to 5 sessions, rather than the 8 to 12 needed for complete removal.

Brief Overview of Your Treatment

PROCEDURE TIME: 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the tattoo.

DOWNTIME: 7 to 14 days of surface healing (scabbing/blistering), though you can return to most normal non-strenuous activities immediately.

TREATMENT INTERVALS: Sessions are spaced 8 to 12 weeks apart to allow the body time to expel the shattered ink particles.