Removing the Past: All You Need to Know About Tattoo Removal Brisbane
A drunken night, love gone astray, the reasons we get and regret tattoos are a plenty, and as time goes by and our preferences or circumstances change, we can find ourselves googling ‘tattoo removal near me’. Well, you’ve landed in the right place if you’re in the research phase, because we’re going to take you through the top questions we get asked about laser tattoo removal. If you’re already are ready to book we have clinics all over Brisbane to help you out. Otherwise, read on to learn the process involved, whether it hurts, costs (with us anyway) and much more.
How does Laser tattoo removal work?
Laser tattoo removal is a fairly non-invasive procedure (depending where you put your tattoo) that uses laser technology to break down the ink particles in the skin. It is considered the gold standard for tattoo removal due to its high success rates and safety profile when used by experienced and licenced laser operators. The laser emits specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the tattoo pigment, causing it to shatter into smaller fragments that can be naturally eliminated by the body’s immune system over time.
Can laser remove all colours of tattoo ink?
As black is the most popular colour, and lasers cost a small fortune, some businesses that offer laser tattoo removal will not be able to remove all colours as specialised lasers or handpieces (which don’t work as well as specialised lasers) are required for the colours blue & green. Laser can remove white, but most can remove black, blue, purple and red, these lasers are called Q-Switched Nd:YAG lasers.
What are the different lasers that remove tattoo’s?
There are four lasers that are preferred when removing tattoo’s
Ruby – this laser is used for removing blue and green ink
Alexandrite – this laser is used to remove green ink
Nd:YAG – this laser is used for removing black, blue, purple, pink and red ink.
Pico – this laser is used for removing all colours, however specialised lasers such as a Ruby or Alexandrite work better on some colours. As Pico lasers can remove most colours and emit the fastest beam being at a ‘picosecond’ rate which removes the tattoo sooner treatment with this laser usually costs more.
What does a laser tattoo removal treatment look like?
Before you decide to have laser tattoo removal, please do some research about where you’re going, who’s doing the treatment and what lasers they use. Fortunately in Queensland, the laws are pretty strict around lasers, but in other parts of the country, this isn’t the case and can lead to some pretty awful outcomes. During the initial consultation, your laser technician should assess your tattoo, skin type, and medical history to determine the most suitable treatment plan.
During each laser session, protective eyewear is worn, you should be offered a cooling device and numbing cream may be provided for you. After the laser is applied, your tattoo might turn a yellow/white colour, this is normal and called ‘frosting’. After your tattoo removal session the area will be red and can often be raised and even bruise. Some colours such as red are prone to blistering too.
After a while the inflammation will calm down and you may think the laser session hasn’t done anything, but that’s because over the coming weeks your body will start to breakdown the ink and remove it through the lymphatic system. This is why we do several sessions and space them usually about 6 weeks apart, however there’s nothing wrong with spacing them further apart if you’re not in a particular rush to have your tattoo removed.
How many sessions will it take?
As with most things, the process is person dependent. There are so many factors when it comes to tattoo removal that it’s impossible to accurately determine how many sessions are needed. This is why we always say a minimum of 6. Some people will require less, some more. But it’s a round figure.
Here are some things that are considered:
Placement – the closer to the heart, the faster a tattoo will remove. Areas such as fingers and toes take the longest to remove.
Colour – Black is a colour that generally moves well, other colours can be more stubborn.
Depth – Not all tattooists are the same, and not all will tattoo at the same depth. The deeper the pigment, the harder it is to remove.
Ink used – Depending on the brand of tattoo ink used will also determine how easy it is to remove.
Age of tattoo – The older the tattoo, the easier it is to remove.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
One common concern among individuals considering tattoo removal is the pain associated with the procedure. While pain thresholds vary, laser tattoo removal can cause some discomfort. Most patients describe the sensation as a series of quick, intense pulses or the feeling of a rubber band snapping against the skin. However, the majority find the discomfort tolerable and manageable, and the use of topical numbing or cooling devices can further alleviate any discomfort during the treatment.
After the session, the treated area may appear red, swollen, or blistered, but these side effects typically subside within a few days.
As your tattoo starts to breakdown, sessions become more tolerable.
Costs Involved
The cost of tattoo removal depends on the size of the tattoo and the number of sessions needed. Generally, professional tattoo removal can cost anywhere from $50 to $500 per session. Searching for “tattoo removal near me” or specifically “tattoo removal Brisbane” can provide localised cost estimates and service providers. We provide complimentary consultations and cost estimates at all of our clinics.
Cosmetic Tattoo
Cosmetic tattoos, such as eyebrow tattoos, require careful handling due to their facial placement and the nature of the pigments used. The removal of these tattoos follows a similar procedure but may require a specialist familiar with cosmetic tattoo removal.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Considerations
It’s generally advised to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to begin tattoo removal. While there’s no direct evidence linking laser tattoo removal with risks during pregnancy, the lack of research in this area means it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Scarring and Other Risks
While laser tattoo removal is designed to minimise skin trauma, there’s always a small risk of scarring, infection, or changes in skin texture. For the most part scarring is usually due to operator error which is why choosing an experienced laser technician will significantly reduce these risks.
At Injex we minimise these risks by only treating up to certain sizes at a time, meaning if you have a whole leg tattoo, we will treat different areas of it each session. This reduces the risk of overloading the lymphatic system.
Benefits of Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal offers several advantages compared to alternative methods. Firstly, it is highly effective in fading or removing tattoos of various colours and sizes. Unlike other techniques such as salabrasion, laser tattoo removal specifically targets the ink pigments, leaving surrounding skin largely unharmed. Additionally, this method tends to produce minimal scarring when performed by experienced professionals, resulting in more satisfactory cosmetic outcomes.
Before Care
Prepare for your session by avoiding sun exposure and not applying lotions, tanning products or perfumes to the tattoo area. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol to ensure your skin is in optimal condition for treatment.
After Care
Proper aftercare is crucial for successful tattoo removal. After each session, it is essential to follow the practitioner’s instructions, which may include keeping the treated area clean, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and applying prescribed ointments or creams. The skin will go through a healing process, and it is essential you allow ample time for recovery between sessions.
As with anything, if you have concerns about your treatment, make sure you speak with your service provider, and if you’re unsure, always look for a second opinion. We are always happy to help even if you don’t come to us.