LASER TATTOO REMOVAL
In recent years there has been a sharp increase in the popularity of tattoos among both men and women. In many cases, people have been tattooed as an expression of their individuality or cultural affiliation. However, deciding to have a tattoo removed is also becoming increasingly common
CARE WHEN REMOVING YOUR UNWANTED TATTOOS
Tattoos are meant to be a long-lasting form of body art. The colours are injected into the deeper layers of your skin and held in place by a network of collagen fibres. This makes tattoo removal difficult and can be harmful to adjacent tissue with the potential for significant scarring if not done correctly.
A thorough consultation with Dr Hiba Injibar is the first step to ensure that this treatment is right for you.
Check out our patient testimonials as well as some common FAQS.
Removing Unwanted Tattoos:
If you have a tattoo that you regret, laser tattoo removal is a safe and successful option for getting rid of those unwanted tattoos. According to dermatologists, Q-Switched ND:YAG lasers are the most effective, safe, and reliable method for removing undesirable tattoos with consistently predictable outcomes. At our Harley Street London Clinic, we have invested in the latest laser technology to remove all coloured tattoos without causing harm or leaving a scar.
There are five main types of tattoos:
- Professional tattoos are made by depositing different colours of ink into the second layer of skin (the dermis) in an artistic professional way. This type of tattoo is permanent.
- Amateur tattoos are made by depositing usually black ink into the first layer of skin (the epidermis) by an amateur artist. These too are permanent.
- Cosmetic tattoos are used to create a fuller, plumper lip look by drawing thicker lips on top of your actual lips or creating framed eyebrows or other permanent makeup looks.
- Medical tattoos are used for medical purposes, especially when it comes to addressing cosmetic complaints caused by various diseases and conditions.
- Temporary tattoos, which are drawings on the skin that do not penetrate deep enough to require complete removal, can be removed with baby oil or rubbing alcohol.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
Laser tattoo removal works by breaking down the ink in the tattoo into smaller particles which are then absorbed into the body and eliminated. The laser energy is applied to the tattoo in short, very fast pulses. This allows for a safe and effective treatment with minimal risk of scarring as it doesn’t cut into the skin.
Dr Hiba Injibar, our Consultant Dermatologist, is a specialist in medical dermatological lasers and performs a variety of treatments, including laser tattoo removal. All operations are completed in our Harley Street clinic in a safe and controlled environment.
A Picture is worth a thousand words
Check out these amazing before and after images
Who is a good candidate for laser tattoo removal?
If you are considering laser tattoo removal, you should be in generally good health and have realistic expectations about the results. The best candidates for laser tattoo removal are people with light skin and dark tattoos. Certain colours of ink are easier to treat i.e. black, dark blue colours in the tattoo respond best to treatment. Yellow, purple, pastel colours and fleshy toned pigment can be more difficult and may require multiple treatment sessions.
What should I expect from a laser tattoo removal treatment?
A laser tattoo removal treatment will involve the use of a laser device to remove the tattoo. The laser energy is applied to the tattoo in short, very fast pulses. This allows for a safe and effective treatment with minimal risk of scarring.
The removal process is totally painless as we apply an anaesthetic cream beforehand. There will be some redness for a few hours after treatment, but this usually fades quickly. There will be swelling, crusting and scabbing for one to two weeks after the treatment as your skin tried to get rid of the shattered pigment particles
The results will appear gradually over the following weeks and months as your body absorbs the ink fragments, but complete fading is not guaranteed. For all tattoos multiple sessions are required that can be 8-10 sometimes or more.
How many treatment sessions will I need?
The number of sessions required to remove a tattoo varies depending on the size, colour and type of ink used. The simpler that tattoo, the fewer treatments it will require. A single treatment with Q-Switched lasers will break up or fragment laser tattoo pigment so that it can be absorbed by the body’s immune system without leaving any trace behind. However, each tattoo should be treated individually, and it is important to be realistic about your expectations.
For example, a tiny tattoo with simple pigments might require anywhere from one to ten applications of laser removal, whereas more significant tattoos may necessitate up to 20 treatments. Because of the need to wait for the previous treatment to heal before starting the next, the procedure is extended. This may take four to six weeks, pushing the typical tattoo removal process beyond a year in some circumstances.
It’s not possible to predict how many treatments you may need as this will depend on the size, type and colour of the tattoo.
What happens after tattoo removal treatments?
Following the removal process, the treated area will scab over and flake away like a sunburn. This takes around 10 days. It’s important to keep the tattoo clean in the meantime, allowing any scabs to heal without getting wet during baths or showers. Keep your fingers off the tattoo while it heals, touch only with gentle cotton pads.
How much does tattoo removal cost?
The price of tattoo removal can vary depending on the size and composition of your tattoo. There are several variables that affect the final price you will be charged, including:
- Size of Tattoo
- Colour(s) within the tattoo
- Depth of ink in skin
- The method used to remove tattoo (Q-Switched lasers)
- Anatomy of tattoo e.g., location, wrap-around, etc
- Specific removal needs for the tattoo (e.g., require to touch up treatments).
If you are interested in having your tattoos removed, it’s best to schedule a consultation with Dr Injibar to have an accurate quote for the removal and the number of sessions you require.
Is laser tattoo removal permanent?
Any reduction in the tattoo is permanent
There will be some redness for a few hours after treatment, but this usually fades quickly within a week or so The results will appear gradually over the following weeks and months as your body absorbs the ink.
Will I be left with a scar after laser tattoo removal?
Following each laser removal treatment, the treated region is likely to blister and scab, while the skin surrounding the treatment area may appear glistening for a few weeks. Both side effects are transitory and will go away on their own, but you won’t be able to get any more treatments until your skin has recovered.
Is laser tattoo removal safe?
Yes, laser tattoo removal is safe if it is performed by an experienced doctor using the latest technology.
Dr Injibar has over 22 years of experience using a range of laser technology. She had successfully treated thousands of patients using a variety of laser treatments.
Patient Reviews
“I am so glad I came to Dr. Hiba, I didn’t know what I wanted, however, my skin felt tired, old, and grey. She immediately put my mind at ease. She helped me with a skincare regime that worked! My treatment quick, painless – and results fantastic. Very happy, can’t recommend her enough.”
“As my skin is aging, Dr. Hiba is helping me improve and maintain the texture of my skin in ways that are very natural looking and age appropriate. Dr. Hiba is so professional and took the time to explain the process and ensured she wouldn’t freeze my face. Dr. Hiba is very easy to communicate with (as is her staff) and I am genuinely looking forward to having my procedures done.”
Arrange a consultation today
Get in touch if you have any skin related questions that you would like to discuss in confidence.