FAQs | Dunedin Beauty

The tattoo business is bourgeoning, with tattoos having become nothing short of a staple among thousands every year getting inked with designs that pay homage to their favourite football team, star sign, celebrity and family members. Tattoos have long been considered a way to make a personal statement. For many, having one is simply a fashion accessory.

But despite the high number of people getting tattoos, the number of people wanting to remove them is also on the rise. Whether you want to change your tattoo or erase it completely, laser removal is a viable option to get the job done.

Of course, although it might sounds as easy as A,B,C there are plenty of factors to consider before taking the plunge. You’ll probably have all sorts of burning questions to ask about the tattoo removal process such as, ‘does laser tattoo removal hurt?’, ‘does laser tattoo removal really work?’ Our tattoo removal expert will serve to answer all of the commonly asked questions in detail and provide you with every ounce of information you need to decide whether or not tattoo removal is for you.

Is laser tattoo removal for me?

If you regret getting a tattoo, you’re not alone.

There are many reasons people opt to remove tattoos.

The most prominent reason is simple regret – what seemed like a good idea at the time may no longer fit into your current lifestyle. Many people have regrets about the size, shape, colour, location or content of their tattoo, while others regret getting one altogether.

Secondly, many people choose to reverse their ink due to what’s become known as the “tattoo taboo”. Many institutions employ a “no visible tattoo” policy, and as a result, having one can be detrimental to your livelihood and make finding employment or switching jobs difficult. Another common reason for seeking laser removal is an allergic reaction or skin condition that has developed around the tattoo, causing it to become unsightly and painful.

Here, we debunk the myths and take a look at the common questions and concerns surrounding tattoo laser removal.

How does laser tattoo removal work?

There are other methods of tattoo removal such as dermabrasion and cryosurgery, but laser removal is widely regarded as being the most effective method to remove tattoos. A laser injects the skin with intense light, which penetrates the skin to break up the ink particles and leads to tattoo fading. The body’s immune system will then remove these pigments over time. The laser energy is harmless, and only targets the pigmented skin, leaving the un-inked surrounding skin unharmed.

Multiple sessions are needed to break down the tattoo, the number of which depends on the size and scope of the affected area. As the body needs to remove the fragmented pigment (using scavenger cells), treatments are normally scheduled at least 6-8 weeks apart.

Tattoo removal is carried out using a Q-switched ND Yag laser. Q-switching refers to the process of producing short laser pulses very quickly (some as fast as a nanosecond). This type of laser has developed over the past few decades to produce a high-quality removal that leaves behind little scarring.

Does laser tattoo removal hurt?

Depending on the size of the job, laser tattoo removal can be a painful process.

Tattoos by definition are designed to be permanent, so removing them isn’t always straightforward. Some patients have described the pain as a burning or tingling sensation akin to being snapped with a rubber band. This is caused by the heat generated by the laser. There are certain factors that can increase or decrease the pain associated with laser removal, such as the colour of the ink or age of the tattoo.

Taking over the counter products such as paracetamol can help alleviate laser tattoo removal pain, although the product should not contain aspirin as it can cause severe bruising afterwards. Your laser removal technician will cool the area before beginning the procedure and after to help with the pain.

Is laser tattoo removal safe? Are there any side effects or risks of tattoo removal scars?

New technology and lasers are reducing the side effects of tattoo removal. That said, the risks haven’t been eliminated completely.

The biggest danger is a risk of infection and scaring. Blisters ,swelling and pigmentation changes can also occur to the skin.This is why its important to use a properly trained technician.

Your laser removal technician will go over your medical history and do a full consulation.

Its important to fully disclose any medical history and medications including herbal/ natural supplements as this will help determine if you are a good candidate for laser removal.