Tattoo Removal

What does it feel like?
The discomfort is about the same as when you have a tattoo done. If the pain is excessive a local anaesthetic can be used, either in cream form or as an injection.

The first few treatments may be more uncomfortable than later ones.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depend on how heavily inked the tattoo is, the colours used, the type of ink and the way it was applied. These details are not always known.

If the tattoo is multicoloured, then more treatments may be required. Simple blue-black tattoos usually require fewer treatments. Professional tattoos generally require 10 to 12 treatments but this is highly variable from person to person. Some tattoos have required many more than 10 treatments. Fewer treatments are necessary for amateur tattoos. Multicoloured designs usually require more treatments than the simple blue-black tattoos. Treatments are done with at least 6 weeks between.

Will the tattoo disappear completely?
In many cases the answer is yes. However it is more common to achieve significant fading and partial removal. It is very important to appreciate that world-wide, there are over 100 substances used in tattoo inks today. Some compounds do not respond to laser treatment at all. This is more common with greens and blues. Blues and greens are traditionally more difficult to remove and we generally say that that treatment is unlikely to remove these colours fully.

What happens after treatment?
There will usually be some swelling, pinpoint bleeding, blisters then scabbing. Vaseline or an antiseptic ointment (Betadine) should be applied daily for 7 to 14 days, until the area is healed. The treated area can get wet, but should be gently patted dry. As the scabs lift, some of the ink may be seen coming out in the scab. The underlying skin may be red in colour, and could take several weeks to settle. The tattoo colouring fades gradually, with additional fading occuring with each treatment.

Does it leave a scar?
No guarantees can be given, but in the vast majority of cases there is no scarring. Raised scarring is most unlikely, but patients should be aware that it can occur. Changes in pigmentation may also occur, leaving some whiteness in the treated area. Infection, which is a rare complication, may increase the risk of scarring.

Remember: The tattoo fades gradually.