
Tattoo Removal £20
“Beauty is an attitude.” —Anonymous
Tattoo removal. Unwanted tattoos can be removed gradually over a series of sessions using a laser. The energy from the laser breaks down the tattoo ink into tiny fragments, which are eventually absorbed into the bloodstream and safely passed out of the body.
Limitations
Tattoo removal has some limitations including:
it can be uncomfortable
it's a very slow process – 10 or more sessions may be needed to remove the tattoo
many tattoos cannot be completely removed – it's quite common to have some ink left in the skin
some colours do not fade as well as others
You should not have a tattoo removed if you:
are pregnant – there's a small risk to your baby
have a suntan or fake tan – wait for it to fade
Safety
Having a tattoo removed is usually safe if it's done by an experienced and suitably qualified practitioner.
Check the person removing your tattoo is on a register to show they meet set standards in training, skill and insurance.
Avoid practitioners who have only completed a short training course.
I have completed my Level 5 in Laser and have my Tattoo License from the Local Authority.
What tattoo removal involves
You'll need to shave the area of skin before the appointment.
On the day, you'll be given special goggles to protect your eyes. A local anaesthetic cream may be used to numb the skin.
A handheld device will be pressed on your skin to trigger a laser. Some people say this feels like an elastic band snapping against your skin.
The session will take about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your tattoo.
The tattoo should become lighter with each treatment.
A gel is used to cool and soothe your skin, and it might be covered with a dressing.
Afterwards
Your skin may be red with a raised rash for a short while after treatment. Holding an ice pack to your skin may help. Try a packet of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel.
You may have some slight bleeding before your skin scabs over. Use aloe vera gel or Vaseline to help it heal.
Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 1 week after a treatment. Cover the area with clothing and use a sunscreen with at least SPF30.
You should avoid:
picking or scratching the scab
using soap or perfumed products on the area for the first 48 hours
strenuous physical activities for a couple of days
swimming and saunas until the scab has dropped off (they may slow the healing process)
What tattoo removal involves
You'll need to shave the area of skin before the appointment.
On the day, you'll be given special goggles to protect your eyes. A local anaesthetic cream may be used to numb the skin.
A handheld device will be pressed on your skin to trigger a laser. Some people say this feels like an elastic band snapping against your skin.
The session will take about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your tattoo.
The tattoo should become lighter with each treatment.
A gel is used to cool and soothe your skin, and it might be covered with a dressing.