Tattoo Removal

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.

As many people are not aware all Q-Switches are not the same, some are gentler known as passive whilst stronger lasers are referred to as active. The Quanta Q plus C is an active Q-Switched laser using 3 lasers (532 green light, 694 Ruby light and 1064 near infra-red). This allows us to treat all tattoo colours including blue and green. 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.

• Non-invasive treatment
• Quick, effective and precise
• Safe treatment option, no scarring
• Can treat any size or colour of tattoo
• Effective on unwanted semi-permanent make up
• Permanent results
• Can treat any part of the body
• Minimal to no downtime
• Increased confidence and self esteem

• Tattoos
• Traumatic tattoos
• Semi-permanent make up

Firstly you are in safe hands by visiting our SaveFace accredited centre of excellence. When under going treatment the system also has a technology called opti-beam meaning that the laser beam is perfectly even all the way across, thus reducing the risk of skin damage and scarring. Q-Switched lasers are considered by dermatologists to be the most effective, safe and reliable way to remove unwanted multi-coloured tattoos with consistent predictable results. 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.

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.

Prior to any treatment at Staffordshire Skin & Laser Clinic a full medical consultation and assessment will be carried out to ensure there are no treatment contraindications as your safety is our priority. Treatment contraindications include:

• Pregnancy or breast feeding
• Previous allergy to tattoo removal
• History if keloid scarring or skin pigmentation disorders
• Infected or compromised skin in the treatment area
• Immune system disorders such as Lupus or severe rheumatoid Arthritis
• Current use of medications such as Accutane or methotrexate
• Current use Herbal remedies such as saint john’s wort, fever few, Tetracycline antibiotics, minocycline’s Amiodarone and steroids (must be discontinued 6 weeks prior to treatment)
• History of methotrexate, or Gold injections
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), for cancer
• Blood thinning medications such as warfarin, heparin or other types
• Metal implant in the treatment site

Cautions to treatment (GP to confirm suitability)
• Epilepsy, diabetes, heart or thyroid disease
• Cancer within 12 months
• Transplant, diabetes, hypertensive medication
• Blood borne viruses such as hepatitis and HIV

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.

It’s permanent.

In order for an effective laser treatment your skin needs to remain healthy. This can be achieved by avoid skin products that may cause irritation and sensitivity, keeping the area moisturised and ensuring you drink plenty of fluids to remain hydrated. If the area as hair growth we recommend this is shaved prior to your treatment so that it does not impact the ability of the laser to penetrate the skin. As part of your skin preparation we would also advised limiting the area to intense sun exposure , sun beds and artificial tanning products as this may increase your sensitivity to the treatment. It is also advisable to attend your appointment in loose fitting clothes in the treatment area to avoid further post treatment discomfort.

Before treatment the skin will be cleansed and skin cooling will be commenced with a skin cryo cooler device, this will ensure a more comfortable treatment. 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 SPF protection if exposed to sun). Whilst the treatment is in progress you will be required to wear protective eye goggles at all times.

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.

Following your treatment the post treatment advice recommendations are as follows:
• For redness and mild swelling apply Lynton Light Soothe for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects until the skin feels settled
• Avoid hot showers/baths for 48 hours, keep water cooler
• Avoid saunas and steam rooms for 1 week post treatment
• Avoid exfoliating treatments or chemical peels for 1 week
• Avoid swimming in chlorinated water for 2 days post treatment
• Avoid excessive sun exposure/sunbeds for 2 weeks post treatment
• Continue to wear your SPF minimum 30 on a daily basis
• Schedule your next treatment for 4 weeks’ time

As a price guide – this is calculated by the colours and square inch of the tattoo.