TATTOO REMOVAL - THE FACTS
Recent developments in laser therapy have finally made it possible to remove tattoos with a minimal risk of scarring. The vast majority of people are looking for a procedure which is safe, proven and effective. Unfortunately, in the past, a small number of laser clinics have attracted adverse publicity causing doubts in the minds of those seeking help. We hope the following fact sheet will help you make an informed choice.
Why is a tattoo so difficult to remove?
A tattoo results from the skin being punctured and pigment inserted into the lower layer of the skin. The pigment remains as it is too large for the bodies own defence mechanism to remove. Before the development of laser therapy, the only alternatives available to patients seeking to have their tattoos removed were surgical excision, skin grafts and the use of salt, acid and other cream’s and abrasives. Not only do these techniques cause considerable discomfort, they usually require a lengthy period of after-care and will typically replace the original tattoo with a scar.
How does the Q-Switched Laser work?
By firing a beam of light through the skin in extremely short pulses. The light is absorbed by the tattoo ink, shattering it into very fine particles, allowing the body’s defence mechanisms to take over. This results in the gradual removal of the pigment over time. Because each pulse is so short (typically 25 billionths of a second!) and is targeted directly onto the pigment, there is normally no lasting damage to the skin or surrounding tissue. The whole procedure is repeated several times, usually at around eight week intervals, sometimes longer, so giving the body time to remove the broken down pigment.
How many treatments are required to remove the average tattoo?
Due to the many variations in size colour and type, there is no such thing as an average tattoo. The number of treatments required will also depend on the body’s own defence mechanism and how effective it is. As a guide most Indian ink amateur tattoos should respond with between three and ten treatments. Coloured professional tattoos can take rather longer usually between eight and fifteen treatments
What are the costs likely to be?
The actual cost of a single treatment will depend on several factors such as the size, shape and position of the tattoo. The total cost will depend on the number of treatments required and this is determined by the physical make up of the tattoo which can vary enormously from patient to patient. Without first examining the tattoo, it is impossible to give an accurate guide to the cost. In general our costs range from £70 to £400 per treatment per tattoo though if more than one tattoo is being removed a discount may apply.
Do I pay for the Consultation?
No. The initial consultation is free of charge and without obligation.
Do all tattoos respond to treatment?
Yes, in the majority of cases, although it is impossible to give an absolute guarantee as some pigments are resistant to treatment. Dark blues and blacks are generally the first to respond and usually all the pigment will be removed. Bright colours, especially greens, are less predictable and may take longer to fade and in some cases may not go entirely. Some red, white and flesh coloured inks have been known to turn black in the early stages of treatment. People who have experienced any allergic reaction to their tattoo(s) in the past should inform the Doctor, as this may be relevant to their laser treatment.
How long does the treatment take and does it hurt?
A typical session can last anything between five minutes to an hour depending on the size and number of tattoos the patient wishes to have removed. The treatment stings and may cause some minor discomfort at the time of treatment. We make it more comfortable by keeping your skin cool.
Are there any side effects following treatment?
Some patients may blister. This is quite normal and does not indicate potential scarring. Rarely is any specific treatment required and it will usually heal within one week. A dry dressing may be applied to avoid contact with clothes, etc. When bathing or showering, the area should be patted dry and not rubbed. If blistering occurs, prolonged immersion in water, e.g. swimming should be avoided. Please refer to the blister advice sheet provided either at your initial consultation or before treatment commences.
Some people can develop hyper pigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypo pigmentation (lightening of the skin) following treatment although this is unusual and usually resolves over a period of time. During the course of treatment to remove the tattoo, the treated area should be protected from the sun by means of reputable sun blocking cream or by covering the tattoo. We recommend the use of sun block before, during and for six months after the period over which the tattoo is being removed. We will not treat an area that is sun tanned or covered by fake tan. Sun beds should be avoided completely.
Does the laser treatment scar?
Laser treatment is considered to be the safest method of tattoo removal. The risk of scarring is minimal however it also depends on the type of laser used. In the past, certain types of carbon dioxide and argon lasers were used to remove tattoos. Many of these induced localised burning of the tissue and so caused unsightly scars, which were cosmetically unacceptable and often left the patient more disfigured than the original tattoo. However, scientific research initiated in Glasgow in the 1980’s led to the development of a new generation of lasers, the most proven of which are the Q-Switched Ruby and the Q –Switched ND – Yag lasers. These lasers, which neither burn nor cut the skins surface, have been used extensively in medical practice for a number of years. Some people are very sensitive to the inks used in their tattoo which can lead to a severe inflammatory response during treatment. This may on rare occasions result in a scar.
Will the skin be normal when the treatment is finished?
During treatment it is quite normal for the tattooed area to appear slightly paler. Once all the treatments have been completed, the pigment generally slowly returns to normal, usually within six to twelve months. Very occasionally there may be some permanent loss of natural pigment. If this does occur, continued protection from strong sunlight and sun beds is recommended. A tattooed area which is particularly hairy should be shaved back prior to treatment. The hair should grow back normally but in some cases may be slower than expected.
Is Laser treatment safe?
Yes. There is no published evidence to suggest that treatment can lead to skin disorders or an increased risk of cancer. Every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of the patient. The lasers are regularly serviced and there is a laser service supervisor and Laser Protection Advisor appointed by NHS Grampian Radiation Protection Services. In our clinic, all treatments are performed by fully qualified and registered Doctors or senior nurses only. The patients are required to wear approved protective eyewear at all times during treatment.
Please note that the information given on this sheet is for guidance only and each individual may respond in a different way. At the time of a consultation you will be given the most current information available.
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