The most suitable lasers to remove tattoos are the Q-Switched lasers as they can generate a high powered laser beam in a very short pulse of time. This intense energy is then absorbed by the ink particles within the tattoo, breaking the ink down into much smaller pieces which will allow your body’s natural immune defence to absorb and disperse the ink. Over a series of treatments you will see your tattoo gradually start to fade away until it disappears.

At Staffordshire Skin and Laser Clinic Your Nurse practitioner will always carry out a thorough medical consultation prior to any procedure to ensure your suitability and to reduce the risk of any unwanted side effects. A full assessment of your skin, concerns and expectations will be carried out and our nurse will discuss if this procedure is suitable to meet your treatment expectations.

Prior to treatment the skin will be cleaned. The laser will then be passed over the tattoo realising quick pulses of light. Whilst the treatment is in progress you will hear an audible clicking sound, this is a very good indication that the ink particles are shattering. Immediately following treatment your laser practitioner will apply a soothing lotion and a dressing may be applied if required. Whilst the treatment is in progress you will be required to wear protective eye goggles at all times.

The treatment can be mildly uncomfortable, and patients describe it as a hot pin prick sensation. In order to aid treatment comfort we will use a cooling device that will act like an anaesthetic on the skin to reduce any discomfort. Due to the intensity of the treatment some patients will chose to have much larger tattoos removed over multiple sessions which is an option provided in clinic.

Immediately following treatment there will be a whitening of the skin, however this will fade quite quickly.  It is normal for the area to feel quite tender and sore post treatment and you may experience some redness and swelling for up to 48 hours. Some tattoos will form a graze, which needs to be left to heal naturally. Over the next 4-8 weeks the tattoo will begin to fade, with repeated treatments the tattoo will continue to fade over time.

Due to the type of Q-Switched/Ruby laser we use in clinic side effects are very rare.  A small blister may form post treatment, this will usually heal very quickly and it is important to follow advice given from the laser practitioners within clinic. Other uncommon side effects may include slight changes to the skin colour or texture which are usually temporary. The risk of scaring is low however if skin is not allowed to heal naturally post treatment this is more likely to occur. In areas that have been treated there may be an inability for the skin to tan initially, this will normally improve with time.

This is usually dependent on a number of factors. Prior to any treatment we will take a full assessment. Factors that will determine how quickly the tattoo is removed will be the age of the tattoo, if it’s amateur or professional and the type of ink, density, colours and depth. Amateur tattoos can be removed very quickly in as little as 1-6 treatments, whereas professional tattoos vary considerably and can take up to 15 treatments. Treatments are spaced 6-10 weeks apart.

This will all be dependent on the size of the tattoo but typical treatments are between 10-45 minutes.

Prices start at £50. The cost will be dependent on the size of the tattoo and the number of colours. A treatment quote will be given at consultation.

Finance options available with my Patient Finance.

At Staffordshire Skin & Laser Clinic a £25 booking fee is required to secure your consultation. This is redeemable against any treatments or products purchased within 6 months.