A: Tattoo ink particles are too large for the body's immune system to remove
naturally. By passing a very short pulse of high power laser light through the skin,
the tattoo ink is broken into smaller particles, which the body is able to
remove.
Q: How many treatments are
required to remove a tattoo?
A: Most amateur tattoos require 3 to
5 treatment sessions at monthly intervals. Most professional tattoos require 8
to 12 treatment sessions at monthly intervals.
Q: Do all tattoos respond to treatment?
A: In the majority of cases our laser is able to remove most tattoos. We use two lasers to cover most colours available. No one Laser can remove all tattoos.
Q: How long does it take and does it hurt?
A: Typical treatment sessions last between 5 and 40 minutes depending on the
size of the tattoo.
The lasers do cause discomfort during treatment, similar
to being "snapped" with a rubber band. Most patients equate the pain
of tattoo removal with the pain of getting the tattoo. Some areas are more
sensitive than others, such as ankles and the shoulder blade. The pain tends to
decrease as treatment progresses and the tattoo ink fades. Most patients
tolerate the discomfort of treatment very well, but a local anaesthetic may be
required. We can advise on anaesthetic if requested.
Q: Are there any
after-effects following treatment?
A: Redness and swelling may
occur, similar to sunburn. This settles within a few days. Some patients may
blister, which is quite normal and does not indicate potential scarring.
Blistering does not require treatment and will usually clear within days.
The treated area should not be exposed to strong sunlight between sessions
without the use of sunscreen.
Q: Does the treatment scar?
A: Our lasers are
Q-switched, this means the lasers deliver high power in a very short pulse (25
billionths of a second!). There is normally no lasting damage to the
skin. Very occasionally, mild changes in skin texture may occur.
Q: Will the skin be normal
when the treatment is finished?
A: Ruby lasers are absorbed by skin pigment as well as tattoo ink. Darker skinned
patients may notice some lightening of the skin (depigmentation). This usually
returns to normal in 6 to 12 months. Our laser is of the Q-switched Nd: YAG
/ KTP type so the risk of pigment change is less.
Q: Is laser treatment
safe?
A: There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the treatment can lead to
skin disorders or an increased risk of cancer. A clinical laser for
tattoo removal leaves the top layer of skin intact so there is little risk of
scaring.
Q: Are staff
qualified?
A:
YES all staff operating the laser have undergone significant
training and all certificates are available for inspection at any time.
This is a requirement of the Health Care Commission. All the procedures
have been written by and overseen by Dr. Paul Myers an Expert Medical Practitioner, and are followed to the
letter. All treatments are first approved by the Authorised Manager of
the clinic following the medical protocols set by the EMP. Only companies who have reached the high standard set by the Health care Commission may use its logo (see the Home page). This is your guarentee of good quality service.
Q: Are there any realistic
alternatives?
A: In the case of tattoo
removal, laser treatment is the only clinically effective treatment method that
is unlikely to cause scarring.The
alternatives to laser tattoo removal include surgical excision, salabrasion
(using salt to burn away layers of skin), and chemical peels (using acid to
burn away layers of skin).There are
tattoo-in products meant to remove pigment, but they are all either acidic
toxic baths or abrasives mixed with emulsifiers, again simply about removing
tissue. These methods not only cause scars but can also be excessively painful
and take longer to treat larger tattoos than the laser therefore more expensave in the long run.
Our Lasers provide state-of-the-art laser treatment that yields excellent results without
the perils and disadvantages of other treatments
If you would like further information please either call the studio or E-mail us: tattooremoval@tiscali.co.uk We are happy to answer any and all questions so please just ask.
