When a tattoo is healing, the small ink particles that have been injected, form together over time to make large particles. These are too large for the body to remove naturally. When we pass the laser over the tattoo, a certain amount of energy is absorbed by the tattoo ink, which heats up the ink surfaces. This reaction generates an ‘explosion’, where the large ink particles fly apart, ‘shattering’ the ink into smaller particles. The Q-Plus Q switched sources can generate a photoacoustic effect targeted at inks and pigmentations leaving the surrounding skin intact. As the skin begins to repair itself, these fragmented ink particles are removed by the immune system with the phagocytosis process.

The difference can be seen after 1 session and in many cases, tattoos can be removed entirely after a course of treatments. A professional tattoo can take between 6-15 treatments however, amateur tattoos (and Indian ink) can often be removed within 3-5 treatments. The required amount of treatments can differ dependent on a number of individual factors which will be discussed during your initial consultation. The treatment is very quick.

With most clients rating the treatment a 5 out of 10 in terms of discomfort, it is very manageable. However, to ensure added comfort and safety, we use a cryo-cooler. This rapidly cools the skin with freezing cold air before, during and after your treatments.

We don’t recommend using numbing cream as this can reduce blood supply to the treatment area – which we need for the best possible results.

Immediately after the treatment the skin turns white, temporarily, due to water evaporation. This disappears within 20 minutes. The skin might swell and feel like mild sunburn, this will subside within 24-48 hours. The body continues to remove the ink after the treatment and the skin is usually back to normal within a week.

Sometimes bleeding and/or blistering can occur. Please do not pick/scratch this as it could cause scarring which can make further treatments difficult.