Laser Tattoo Removal procedure
Consultation and Assessment
If you are considering laser tattoo removal the first step is to arrange an appointment for a no-obligation consultation with us.
Your tattoo will be assessed and a patch test will be carried out on a small area to check out certain colours. We will photograph your tattoo for our records and will continue to take photographs all the way through your treatment so that you can see the results as we go.
We will be able to give you an idea of how much time will be needed for each treatment session and of how many sessions you are likely to need. You might require more, or less treatments than we estimate or your tattoo could shrink during treatment, shortening the time for each treatment, so these estimates can change constantly. We will keep you informed of any changes in our estimates as we go.
Preparation
There is very little preparation needed on your part, but the preparation you need to do is important.
Try to get your skin as pale as possible.
It is really important that you stay out of the sun and off sunbeds for as long as you possibly can before treatment. If there is a lot of natural pigment in your skin there is a high risk of 'depigmentation'. This means that the laser could damage your natural pigments, leaving the area pale, even when the rest of you is tanned. Depigmentation can take months or even years to heal and there is some evidence to show that the depigmentation can sometimes last for the rest of your life.
Eat before treatment.
A reduced blood sugar level can make you feel faint or queasy. It is VITAL that you eat something before coming for treatment, especially if you feel anxious. Have something decent to eat an hour beforehand. Try not to have too much sugar, though, as sugar levels drop very quickly. A properly balanced meal is best.
Anaesthetic
You will remember the sensation of the 'patch test' we did during your consultation. If you can cope with the sensation and you wish not to have an application of anaesthetic, you just need to turn up at the time of your appointment.
If you would prefer to have an anaesthetic applied, this must be done an hour before your treatment. You will need to arrive a full hour before your treatment appointment time for application of the anaesthetic. It's a good idea to have the anaesthetic applied and then go for some food and a rest for an hour.
Procedure
The procedure is actually really simple as long as all our safety procedures are followed. Once you are comfortable on the treatment bed you will be given special goggles to wear. It is VITAL that you do not remove these goggles under any circumstances, as the laser can cause serious damage to your eyes.
The door to the laser room will be locked so that nobody can enter accidentally whilst treatment is under way. The room will stay locked until the safety key is removed from the laser after treatment.
The laser will be held just above your skin and the operator will use a foot pedal to control the bursts of laser energy. The pulse is quite uncomfortable. The sensation has been described as like being 'snapped' by a large elastic band or like being splashed with hot fat. If you would prefer we can apply an anaesthetic beforehand to make it a little easier for you.
If you would like to relax during your treatment you can bring a minidisc, MP3 player or personal stereo with you. Any equipment you bring must be kept in your pocket and any earphones must be made of a non reflective material.
