TATTOO REMOVAL

NOTE: We are currently not providing these treatments due to a short hiatus necessery to upgrade our equipment. Please check the website frequently or call 01440 762 116 to find out when will these treatments be available again.

Tattoing ha become increasingly popular among people of all ages around the world, giving rise to a growing need for tattoo modification and removal.
A tattoo is a permanent mark on the skin. Large particles of ink are injected into the skin with a needle or an "tattooist's gun", to the depth between 0.5 and 2.5 mm into the dermis. This ink becomes encapsulated by the collagen and becomes resistant to normal skin repair mechanisms.
When a tattoo is targeted with an appropriate wavelenghth of light, it causes the ink particles to heat rapidly and expand, thus fragmenting the collagen capsule and encapsulated pigment. The smaller ink particles are removed by body's own immune response. The skin rapidly heals and the process can be repeated to remove deper lying tattoo pigment. We treat the following types of tattoos:

- 1064nm Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser treats Blue/Black tattoos

- 1064/532nm mixed output Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser treats red, orange, brown and yellow tattoos, but the best effect is achieved the higher the concentration of red ink in the original colour.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. HOW IS THIS TREATMENT CARRIED OUT?
A. The laser is placed on the skin and a short pulse, or series of short pulses of light is released, which targets the ink in the tattoo. The applicator is then moved to the adjacent area of the skin and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated.
Treatment area is cooled for comfort.
During treatment, protective eyewear will be provided.

Q. AM I SUITABLE FOR TREATMENT?
A. This treatment is suitable for most people, however, the best results are obtained for those with fair skin, as darker skin may show areas of increased or decreased pigmentation.

Q. HOW DOES THE TREATMENT FEEL?
A. Treatment is mildly uncomfortable and there is usually no need for anaesthesia as the procedure is usually quite. Sensation varies but is often described as "very quick hot pin prick".

Q. ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
A. During treatment there is initial whitening of the tattoo, this is due to expulsion of gases from the skin and will clear after 10 to 15 minutes and the tattoo will appear as it did before treatment, with some erythema and slight swelling in the treatment area. Area can be cooled for comfort by applying cool packs and aloe vera gel. Short term side effects include excessive swelling, petechiae, pin point bleeding, crusting and blistering. Some loss of pigment or excess of pigment may be revealed after the course of treatment. This usually clears completely in 6 months.
The side effects of treatment are closely related to skin type and presence of a sun tan. The darker the skin, the more likelihood there is of complications such a hyper- or hypopigmentation.

Q. HOW LONG DOES TREATMENT TAKE?
A. Treatment times vary on the number and size of the areas treated. It can take any amount of time between 15 and 40 minutes.

Q. HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NECESSARY?
A. It is difficult to predict the number of sessions that may be required as the individual tattoos vary in their depth and quality. Typically, 8 - 12 sessions are required, with minimum time between sessions being 8 - 10 weeks, depending on the type of Laser used.

Q. WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN A CONSULTATION?
A. Prior to the treatment, a consultation is conducted in which a medical history and examination are performed to confirm suitability for treatment. You will also have the opportunity for any questions you may have to be answered by your treating doctor.
Before the treatment commences you will be asked to provide written consent for the procedure and a small test patch will be carried out in order to tailor the treatment to your individual needs.

BEFORE AND AFTER

black and red tattoo removal using a Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser

PRICES

At Dr Bowen's Skin Clinic, we will assess the skin carefully and advise you on the best treatment. The prices vary depending on the treatment area and number of sessions required.

This is an approximate quotation only, for more accurate pricing please contact us directly on
01440 762 116 or email us at info@drbowenskinclinic.co.uk