Skin Aesthetics

Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal uses a range of wavelengths to break down tattoo pigments, which then pass through your lymphatic system as waste.

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Helps treat…

Semi Permanent Makeup Old tattoos Tattoos that are no longer wanted

Treatment Overview

Results

Permanent

Pain

Anaesthetic required

Downtime

2-5 days

Patch Test

Yes

What is Laser Tattoo Removal?

Laser tattoo removal is a treatment that uses high-powered laser wavelengths to reach deep into the layers of the skin, and destroy the ink particles inside the cells that give the tattoo its colour. Laser tattoo removal has become a common practice, and it can significantly lessen the tattoo’s visibility and in many cases remove it completely.

If you want to completely get rid of your tattoo(s),this treatment is a great option. As the laser can target almost all tattoo colours with exception to white, yellow & red which will not respond as effectively as other colours.

This treatment can be combined with the following procedures:

– Healite II LED Light

– Advanced Facials 

The combination of treatments can be discussed at your consultation following with the bespoke treatment plan.

Before

Before the treatment, you will have a consultation with our experts to ensure that the procedure is suitable for you, your skin type and the type of tattoo you have.

Prior to the session, you have to make certain changes to your lifestyle. This includes avoiding UV exposure (including sun beds) for 30 days leading up to the treatment, limiting the use of skin care products that can cause photosensitivity (Eg: retinols, tretinoin, AHA’s, BHA’s, tanning products), and ensuring the area to be treated is shaved the day before.

The therapist will apply a topical anaesthetic to ease discomfort during the treatment, to help you feel as comfortable as possible during the procedure.

After

After your tattoo removal session, the area treated will feel warm to the touch with mild erythema and oedema. You can expect the treated area to turn white immediately after the treatment, then it will turn back to the original colour.

We will apply a cooling agent, like aloe vera, and a breathable cover to prevent infection and keep the area clean and dry.

 Following aftercare recommendations effectively leads to long-lasting results. After treatment, our team will suggest some new practices you must adopt.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

During a laser tattoo removal process, the laser passes over the tattoo and emit bursts of light energy to destroy the tattoo pigment, creating a “frosting” effect as the pigments are broken down.

Lasers work at different wavelengths and are attracted to different colours within the tattoo. As most wavelengths absorb black pigment this can be the easiest to break down. The therapist will determine the right treatment plan for your specific tattoo.

Your tattoo’s age, size, and colour or colours will affect your required treatments. The tattoo removal process will also depend on the colour of your skin and how deeply the pigment is embedded.

What Does Laser Tattoo Removal Do?

Using an FDA-approved laser, the laser tattoo removal procedure uses various wavelengths to absorb the different colours in the tattoo.

Any tattoo, regardless of size, or even just a portion of an existing tattoo, can be removed with the laser removal procedure.

Laser technology uses the body’s mechanisms, the lymphatic system, to pass broken down pigment particles out as waste.

Multiple sessions are required with tattoo removal, as the tattoo is in the dermis layer of the skin, it takes multiple sessions to break pigment down.

Benefits:

  • Effectively removes tattoos
  • Minimal downtime
  • Safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types
  • Minimal recovery time

How Long Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take?

A tattoo measuring less than 2.5 square centimetres will take just a few minutes to complete. For a medium tattoo covering 10 square centimetres, expect the session to run between 10 and 15 minutes. More extensive tattoo removal sessions can take one hour or more to complete.

Large tattoos are more difficult to erase and may need more than one session. In this case, it is recommended that you wait between sessions to give the region time to recover. Getting rid of a tattoo can take anywhere from 12-24 months.

Do Laser Tattoo Removals Hurt?

There are several opinions of people who have gotten their tattoos removed. Some people compare the sensation to getting a tattoo, while others say it’s more like having a rubber band snapped against their skin. Based on which part of your body the tattoo is and your pain tolerance, you may find discomfort during the treatment.

The therapist will apply a topical anaesthetic to help with the sensation.

How Many Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments are Needed?

As tattoos sit through many layers of skin, and depending on the type of tattoo and the area, sessions needed can vary between 2-15. Each session will be spaced out dependant on the type of tattoo you have, which will make the length of the process vary per client. Laser treatments can occasionally cause swelling and blistering and temporarily affect the colour of your skin. Therefore, its important to give your skin some time to recover afterwards.

How Long After Laser Tattoo Removal will I see Results?

The number of sessions required to erase a tattoo varies from patient to patient. On average, it takes between six and twelve treatments. Immediately after the laser hits the pigment the treated area will turn white, then return to the original colour. After a couple sessions, the tattoo will begin to fade.

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FAQs

Yes, laser tattoo removal can remove semi permanent makeup, however this is dependant on your Fitzpatrick skin type and the area of the tattoo. During your consultation the therapist will decide if this treatment can be carried out on you, and advise any precautions before doing the procedure.

At our clinic we support and guide you throughout your tattoo removal journey. As long as you follow the correct pre and aftercare, the chances of scarring are minimal. It may occur in rare cases when the skin was too compromised (one of the reasons could be existing wounds or cuts, using skin thinning products or certain disorders), therefore you always have a consultation with a patch test before starting your treatments to make sure you do not have any individual sensitivity.

Yes, it does. Laser is a monochromatic coherent light, in a simple way, it is light that goes in the same direction and specific length  – wavelength. As we know all colours are a simple reflection of photons, every colour has a wavelength that reaches the surface.  That is how the laser catches tattoo ink and delivers a power shot to break the pigment under the skin. Broken pigment gets washed away by body’s lymphatic system. As the procedure itself is invasive (we’re deliberately creating thermal damage to break the pigment) and it needs time to heal, it would require several procedures, depending on the quality of ink, placement, size and age of the tattoo. Some inks can be easier to remove (black) and some are not possible, or with a minimal effect, as the laser would not detect them (white, light yellow). At Continental Skin Clinic we only deliver professional services, hence we offer you a consultation and a patch test prior to your treatments, so you can have clear understanding of the procedure.

Yes, although there can be some risks this treatment is very safe if performed by professionally trained practitioners who follow treatment protocols, and an in-depth consultation process. Aftercare must also be followed correctly by patients.

During the treatment the area of the skin treated will frost and turn white for a few seconds before returning to its normal state. After the treatment the skin will appear red, swollen and sensitive. In some cases, some patients may develop blisters which is a normal reaction to the treatment. Patients will be provided with aftercare advice on how to deal with such side affects, and how to minimise risks of infection and scarring.

Yes! The laser tattoo removal effectively removes tattoos over a course of treatments which can take anywhere between, 6-24 months. However, results vary depending on several factors than can affect the success, such as, the colour of the tattoo, if there is an existing scar under the tattoo, and deepening on the patients Fitzpatrick skin type. Results and expectations will be discussed during the initial consultation. In some cases, when tattoos are not fully removed we combine this treatment with medical micro pigmentation, which can camouflage the stubborn ink/scarring that won’t respond to the laser.

It takes the body 3-6 months to fully break down and dispose of the pigment, therefore we explain to patients they have to wait at least 2-3 months after their final season before they can see final results. At which time, we can assess and advise whether more sessions are needed, or an alternative treatment such as medical micro pigmentation is required.

Although laser tattoo removal typically does involve some level of pain but it is not excruciating.

Not all colours can always be removed with laser tattoo removal, green especially is the hardest color to remove followed by light blue. Neon colors are also difficult to remove, and require multiple treatments. As a general rule, the greater the contrast between the color of the tattoo pigment and your skin, the better the result.

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Where to find us

Continental Skin Clinic in London is conveniently located just a short walk from Kings Cross, St Pancras International Station. In close proximity are also the stations for Euston, Farringdon and Russel Square.

 108-110 JUDD ST, KINGS CROSS, LONDON, WC1H 9PX

020 3940 8402

Nearest car parking

Opening Hours

Monday: 10am – 8pm

Tuesday: 10am – 8pm

Wednesday: 10am – 8pm

Thursday: 10am – 8pm

Friday: 10am – 8pm

Saturday: 10am – 7pm

Sunday: Closed

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