The Aesthetic Skin Clinic: Tattoo Removal

Cosmetic dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and plastic surgery in a safe medical environment

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Tattoo Removal

Many people have second thoughts about their tattoos, and what once seemed like a good idea, often does not fit into their current lifestyle.

Tattoo ink consists of insoluble indigestible coloured particles that are inserted into the dermis. Tattoos can be classified as professional, amateur, cosmetic or traumatic. Many methods have been tried to remove tattoos in the past including surgical excision, acids and bleaching agents, destruction by heat or cold, over tattooing with flesh coloured ink, sanding and dermabrading. Most of these have shown little success and caused considerable scarring.

The Q switched laser is the latest in a new class of state of the art technology specifically designed to treat tattoos and remove them without scarring.

How does it work?

During the treatment short pulses are absorbed through the skin. Extreme heat (photo thermolysis) and strong acoustic shock waves (photo-acoustic) cause mechanical stress which fragments the pigment particles, releasing them into the dermis. The particles are then eliminated by the body's immune response, lymphatic drainage, or fragmented so small they are no longer visible.

Multiple treatments are required, ranging from 5 to 10 sessions at 6 to 10 week intervals, to allow time for the body to process the fragments of pigment. The tattoo will fade with each treatment, but commitment to the whole course of treatment is essential to achieve maximum results.

How will treatment be carried out?

A full consultation will be given by an experienced practitioner, outlining the treatment and suitability. A test patch will then be carried out once consent has been obtained, and you will be reviewed after 3 days. Provided no adverse reactions have occurred, you can then proceed with full treatment. During treatment special optical glasses are worn to protect the eyes from the laser. Treatment time varies depending on the size of tattoo. Photographs are taken before and during the treatment process to assess progress.

Is it safe?

When carried out by an experienced practitioner, at the correct energy levels treatment is extremely safe and effective, and should not normally cause scaring of the underlying skin.

Does it hurt?

The treatment feels like a hot flick against the skin, and is accompanied by a loud popping sound as the ink is fragmented. If the treatment is uncomfortable a topical anaesthetic can be applied to the area for an hour prior to treatment.

Which tattoos can be treated?

Black and dark blue tattoos are treated most effectively, but other colours will fade considerably. Indian ink tattoos respond quicker to treatment than professional tattoos, and generally require fewer treatments. The tattoo must be more than 6 months old. No guarantees are given for results because tattoos vary greatly in size, colour and density, and some respond quicker than others. Colours which are more difficult to treat include white, yellow, orange, some reds and greens containing fluorescent or acrylic dyes.

What happens after treatment?

Immediately after treatment the skin appears white and crusting over the ink, then it may appear raised, red and bruised over the next few hours, and last for 3 to 5 days. The skin remains intact so a dressing is not necessary, but may be applied for comfort.

Possible side effects

Complications are not common, but may include discomfort and a burning sensation for a short time following treatment, blistering and bleeding, hyper pigmentation, hypo pigmentation, partial removal of the ink or an allergy to the tattoo ink.

Care following treatment

The area will be cleaned and a cold compress applied. If there has been any bleeding a dressing will be applied to prevent infection. Aloe vera can be applied at home; otherwise the area should be kept clean and dry for five days. It is important to drink 5 to 10 glasses of water a day for the first 3 days to assist lymphatic drainage and to avoid sun exposure on the treated area.


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