FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How frequent are the treatments?
You may be surprised to hear that it is not the laser that actually removes the ink. The laser breaks up the ink into tiny fragments, which are then able to be removed by your own immune system.
This process takes time, so be patient. While the area in question may appear to be fully healed externally within 2 weeks, the healing process is actually much longer, at about six weeks.
During that time, the body’s lymphatic system is doing its job of removing the ink that has been broken up by the laser.
Is there post-treatment care?
An ointment and dressing will be applied immediately after treatment and the area must be kept clean. You will be instructed to follow the post-treatment instructions provided to you.
You can take a shower the next day, although the treated area should never be scrubbed. If a scab forms, it is important that you do not pick or scratch it.
Will the tattoo completely disappear?
In most cases, the tattoo can be made to disappear or fade to the point where you are the only person who can find a trace of it because you know where to look. Sometimes a light smudge look to the skin can be evident.
Is it painful?
The unfortunate thing about tattoos is that both getting them and having them taken off can be uncomfortable.
The impact of the energy from the laser’s powerful pulse of light has been described as similar to getting hot specks of bacon oil on your skin or being snapped by a thin rubber band.
There are many options for comfort, including chemist-bought numbing cream, ice packs and a blow chiller.
What are the side effects?
Most patients experience some redness, swelling and minor blistering of the skin after a laser treatment.
Blistering is the most pronounced, but the blisters heal quickly and leave no long-term damage to the skin. These side effects are temporary and your skin will heal back completely.
What colours can it treat?
The 1064nm wavelength is ideal for black, blue and purple while the 532nm lens is used for lighter colours like red, pink and orange. The most difficult colours to remove are light green, light blue, pastels and teal/turquoise.
How many treatments will I need?
The number will depend on the age of the tattoo, the colour of the ink, the density of the ink, the depth of the ink in your skin and several other factors.
During your consultation, you will fill out a quick questionnaire which will help decipher exactly how many treatments you need.
Is it safe?
Thanks to newer technology, laser tattoo removal has become much more effective with very little risk of scarring.
Laser treatment is often safer than many traditional methods such as excision, dermabrasion or salt abrasion because of its unique ability to selectively treat pigment involved in the tattoo.
How does the body remove the shattered ink?
This light penetrates the tissue of your skin and is absorbed by the pigment resulting in an instantaneous blast. The particles of pigment are shattered into fragments.
Parts of fragments will be bounced out of the skin while the rest is split into tiny particles that are engulfed by phagocytes and eliminated via the lymphatic system.
How does the laser break up the tattoo ink?
Precise wavelengths of light generated by the tattoo removal laser are designed to be absorbed by the ink in your tattoo. Similar to absorption of any other kind of energy, this absorption will lead to a transfer of energy, leading to the ink in your tattoo heating up.
This heating happens in a fraction of a second and causes the ink to shatter into tiny pieces. Prior to laser removal, the ink particles are too large for your body to remove. After laser removal, they are fragments that can be flushed away by your body’s immune system.
What is the laser used?
The QS Nd: YAG is the perfect machine for removing tattoos effectively and without any scarring or discolouration of the area. Light is radiated at a specific wavelength of high peak, ultra short nanosecond energy pulses.
What is tattoo removal?
Tattoos are created by inserting a needle under the skin and injecting ink which is suspended in the dermis.
Laser tattoo removal is the breaking up of tattoo ink within the skin over a course of treatments where the tattoo fades until the tattoo has been completely eliminated.
What locations do you service for tattoo removal?
From our clinic in Brisbane, we offer convenient access to our dedicated tattoo removal services. We welcome clients from West End, Coorparoo, Annerley and other areas of Brisbane.
Our team prioritises providing safe and effective treatments for your tattoo removal. We are committed to ensuring a comfortable experience for all our clients.
How does the body remove the shattered ink?
This light penetrates the tissue of your skin and is absorbed by the pigment resulting in an instantaneous blast. The particles of pigment are shattered into fragments.
Parts of fragments will be bounced out of the skin while the rest is split into tiny particles that are engulfed by phagocytes and eliminated via the lymphatic system.
How many sessions are needed for laser tattoo removal?
The number of sessions required for laser tattoo removal can vary depending on factors such as the tattoo's size, colour, depth and age as well as individual skin type.
On average, most tattoos require between 6 to 10 sessions, spaced several weeks apart to achieve optimal results. A consultation with a trained tattoo removal Brisbane professional can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific tattoo.
How is tattoo removal achieved?
Tattoos are generally performed by inserting a needle under the skin and injecting ink, which becomes embedded in the dermis.
Laser tattoo removal is designed to break up this ink within the skin over a series of treatments. During each session, the laser should target the tattoo ink, causing it to gradually fade until it fades or is removed.
Is laser tattoo removal safe?
Yes. Laser tattoo removal is safe when performed by a trained professional. The process is designed to target ink particles without harming the surrounding skin.
However, you should always consult a qualified practitioner.
Still have questions?
Striving to provide peace of mind
Welcome to Tattoo Removal Australia's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. We've compiled a comprehensive list of our client's most common questions about the tattoo removal process. Whether you're curious about the technology we use, the safety and effectiveness of the treatment, or what to expect during and after your sessions, our goal is to provide you with all the information you need.
Our team in Brisbane is dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible results. If you have any further questions or need more detailed information, please don't hesitate to contact us.