Laser Tattoo Removal FAQs

Tattoo ink can be broken down by laser and reabsorbed by the body to fade unwanted tattoos.

A course of treatments is needed and the length and effectiveness of laser tattoo removal depends on the size, age, quality, ink and skin type of the tattoo.

Laser tattoo removal uses a combination of laser wavelengths to target different ink colours, breaking up the ink particles which disperse and absorb over time.

We’ll need to complete a medical screening to make sure the laser tattoo removal procedure is right for you, before doing a small patch test to check for any adverse reaction.  After 24 hours, if all is well, we can begin treatments.

Our laser specialist will review your skin concerns and create a bespoke course of treatment for you.

For each procedure, you’ll be settled in a reclined position on one of our specially designed hydraulic treatment chairs whilst music and soft lighting help you to relax.  We’ll apply a numbing cream to anaesthetise the area before we start. 

During the treatment, you’ll feel the heat of the laser which may be painful.  We’ll provide skin soothing and healing creams and a dressing at the end of each procedure.

We don’t recommend this treatment for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those prone to keloid scarring.  This procedure is also not right for those with hypopigmentation, any inflammatory skin condition, epilepsy or any kind of cancer.

Laser Tattoo Removal is not particularly effective on very large areas.

Once the skin has healed after each procedure, you should notice an improvement.  The results are most impressive after the first few treatments, when ink colour should face significantly. 

This treatment is a permanent removal of tattoo ink although not every tattoo will fade completely.  The impact of the treatment will last forever, however.

Skin will react significantly to the laser tattoo removal treatment as the healing process is what removes the tattoo.

You’ll see a raised, red, swollen area across the tattoo, which will form a white crust and may bleed a little.  In some cases edema and blistering can occur but this is a normal side effect and will settle within days. The tattoo will be dressed with a clear covering to keep the air out and the area will continue to heal for around two months or more.  We provide a specific healing cream for you to use post-treatment, and a leaflet on aftercare advice.

You should keep the treated area clean and dry, make sure clothes do not rub against it and avoid hot baths or other extremes of temperature for 24-48 hours.  Swimming, sun and sunbeds should be avoided until the area is fully healed and you must not scratch or pick at the skin.

There is a risk of scarring or hypopigmentation with this laser treatment, although it is minimal.

For all treatment costs, see our Price List.

This will depend very much on the tattoo you are looking to remove.  You might require anything from 4-8 treatments, each spaced two months apart.  Your clinician will create a bespoke treatment plan for you after your initial consultation.