How many laser treatments does it take to remove a tattoo?

It can take up to 8 months to two years to remove your tattoo as treatments are done with gaps of 8 weeks between appointments. The time frame varies for each client and their tattoo, as different factors such as ink type and colour, skin type, and age and location of the tattoo play a role. We usually recommend 6-8 treatments for laser tattoo removal but this can depend on the ink colours and depth of ink that has been used for your tattoo. If you have a new tattoo, you must wait a minimum of 3 months before booking a consultation and patch test. At your laser tattoo consultation, your technician will be able to give you a better indication of how many treatments you personally need and answer any other questions you may have about laser tattoo removal.

What happens during a laser tattoo removal treatment?

During a PicoSure/PicoWay treatment, the laser will be focused over the tattoo with some cool air blowing as the laser hits the ink it will blanch ( temporarily go white). Then it will slightly swell or pin prick bleed. The tattoo will then be wrapped in gauze and you will be given aftercare advice. The length of time of each treatment will vary depending on the size of the tattoo.

Is laser tattoo removal painful?

Everyone has a different pain threshold however we will patch test in the consultation and if you find it too uncomfortable we recommend using a numbing cream on the tattoo wrapped in clinic film for at least 30 minutes before your arrival for treatment. Clients often describe PicoSure/ PicoWay tattoo removal treatments like ‘being pinged with an elastic band’, but this varies from person to person.

Is laser tattoo removal suitable for all skin types?

The PicoSure laser is only suitable for lighter skin types. The PicoSure works very well on black, blue, green and purple inks The PicoWay laser is suitable for all skin types on black ink. On very light skin types we can use the PicoWay for red, orange inks.

What is needed for Laser Tattoo Removal post-treatment care?

The area must be protected with an application of ointment and gauze for the first 48 hours, and then protected from sun exposure to prevent changes in pigmentation between treatments.

Are there any side effects of laser tattoo removal?

For most people, any side effects from PicoSure & PicoWay laser tattoo removal are short-term, these can include: blistering, swelling, scabbing, itching and heat in the area treated. Some of the longer term effects could include darkening of the skin, (pigmentation) due to inflammation.

How effective is laser tattoo removal?

Laser tattoo removal is the most safe and effective method to get rid of ink from tattoos. The laser we provide is safe for all skin tones and works on almost all ink types except yellow and white. This will be discussed at your consultation and patch test.

What is the hardest tattoo colour to remove?

This can vary from person to person depending on the skin type and depth of the ink. The pastel colours can be tough to remove as they are mixed with white ink which reflects the laser light.

Tattoo Removal London Fenchurch Street

Tattoo removal is any method of removing a tattoo from the skin. There is an extensive range of tattoo removal methods out there including dermabrasion, TCA (acid), excision and of course laser, of which there are various types.

Laser tattoo removal works by pulsing laser light into the tattoo which shatters the ink into tiny pieces, the body spots these particles as a foreign substance and removes the minute ink particles using the natural detoxification processes. Laser tattoo removal does not damage the skin, like excision, dermabrasion, and acid.

Traditional common lasers known as Q-switched lasers have been around for a while but the newer PicoSure and PicoWay lasers are a breakthrough in laser tattoo removal, allowing all tattoos to be removed. Q-switch lasers are precise and intense, the tattoo pigments fragment instantly and the tissue surrounding it is spared. We provide all three machines in our three clinics: PicoWay in West London Clinic, PicoWay, and PicoSure in Peek House Clinic, and the Revlite Q-Switch in Fenchurch Street.

Some of the benefits of Q-Switched Revlite laser tattoo removal:

Cheaper than PicoWay and PicoSure
Effective on black, red and orange inks
Suitable on all skin types especially darker skin types

Conventional Q-switched tattoo removal lasers remove a tattoo successfully, gaps between treatments need to be from six weeks to two months apart, and it usually takes anything from 10-20 treatments to fully remove a tattoo. This all depends on the size, the type of ink that has been used and the length of time between your sessions. Additionally, the RevLite laser produces short pulse widths of energy, limiting the skin’s exposure to heat making the treatments safe and fast.

Are you interested in Q-Switch RevLite laser tattoo removal? We recommend coming in for a free consultation and patch test at our Fenchurch Street Clinic – our senior technician will be able to give you an accurate idea of sessions and will answer all of your questions.

* results may vary from person to person

Tattoo Removal London Fenchurch Street

Q-Switched Laser Tattoo Removal - 3 mins from Monument station

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Before and after photos using PicoSure, PicoWay & Q-Switched Lasers

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