How are tattoos removed?

There are several different types of laser available which will remove different colours based on the frequency of light generated. Variations in a person’s skin colour and thickness as well as variation in tattoo pigments, technique and depth, mean it’s impossible to exactly predict how many laser treatments are required to remove a particular tattoo. Treatments can usually be done without local anaesthetic using skin cooling devices to reduce discomfort, and are said to be marginally more painful than having the tattoo. Multi-coloured tattoos are more difficult to treat and often require multiple lasers or a single laser with different frequencies. Each treatment takes five to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the tattoo. Following treatment, the skin will immediately whiten and swell. This may be followed by weeping of the skin and crusting, which usually heals after 7 to 14 days. The pigment slowly fades over six weeks as the shattered ink particles are removed by the body’s immune system. Repeat treatments are usually performed six to eight weeks apart. Most tattoos require 6 to 12 treatments to fade, but sometimes up to 20. Unfortunately removal is often incomplete, leaving a subtle silhouette indicating where the tattoo once was. As the normal skin also contains coloured structures (such as melanin) that can also absorb the laser light, complications are possible. Pigment irregularity (where skin looks blotchy and uneven) is the most frequent complication, especially in people with darker skin. Laser tattoo removal is best done in well-equipped centres with appropriate laser devices and best performed by trained technicians who understand the complex interactions between laser science and skin biology. And if laser is not for you, there’s always the option of camouflage using high-coverage products such as Dermablend. Check out their YouTube video!  

How are tattoos removed?

There are several different types of laser available which will remove different colours based on the frequency of light generated. Variations in a person’s skin colour and thickness as well as variation in tattoo pigments, technique and depth, mean it’s impossible to exactly predict how many laser treatments are required to remove a particular tattoo.

Treatments can usually be done without local anaesthetic using skin cooling devices to reduce discomfort, and are said to be marginally more painful than having the tattoo. Multi-coloured tattoos are more difficult to treat and often require multiple lasers or a single laser with different frequencies. Each treatment takes five to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the tattoo.

Following treatment, the skin will immediately whiten and swell. This may be followed by weeping of the skin and crusting, which usually heals after 7 to 14 days.

The pigment slowly fades over six weeks as the shattered ink particles are removed by the body’s immune system. Repeat treatments are usually performed six to eight weeks apart.

Most tattoos require 6 to 12 treatments to fade, but sometimes up to 20. Unfortunately removal is often incomplete, leaving a subtle silhouette indicating where the tattoo once was.

As the normal skin also contains coloured structures (such as melanin) that can also absorb the laser light, complications are possible. Pigment irregularity (where skin looks blotchy and uneven) is the most frequent complication, especially in people with darker skin.

Laser tattoo removal is best done in well-equipped centres with appropriate laser devices and best performed by trained technicians who understand the complex interactions between laser science and skin biology. And if laser is not for you, there’s always the option of camouflage using high-coverage products such as Dermablend. Check out their YouTube video!