LASER TATTOO REMOVAL

Laser Tattoo Removal works by emitting very short and intense pulses of light energy. This energy is absorbed by the tattoo ink pigments in the skin.

The laser energy causes the tattoo ink to heat up and shatter into tiny particles. These smaller ink particles are now small enough for the body's immune system to gradually remove.

Over the following weeks and months, the body's immune system starts to recognise the fragmented ink particles as foreign substances and gradually flushes them out of the body through the lymphatic system.

Laser Tattoo Removal requires multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart.

Whilst you will see a reduction after the first treatment, to completely remove a tattoo - the number of sessions required depends on various factors, including the size, colour, and age of the tattoo, as well as the individual's skin type and how well they respond to the treatment.

It also varies depending on whether you are wanting complete removal, or to get the tattoo light enough for a cover up tattoo.

The progress of tattoo removal is assessed during each session, and the laser settings may be adjusted based on how well the tattoo is fading and your skin's response.

Laser Tattoo Removal sessions should be spaced a minimum of 6 weeks apart. The skin must be fully healed before continuing treatment - for some clients who may take longer to fully heal, or for mature skin types - you may need to wait longer in between sessions, as advised by your practitioner.

Laser Tattoo Removal is not pain-free. Most clients experience minor levels of discomfort - it is uncomfortable but bearable and anaesthetics are not required.

Common descriptions include the sensation of a rubber band snapping against the skin.

If you could handle the pain of getting a tattoo, you shouldn't have a problem with this process. Laser Tattoo Removal is also much quicker than getting a tattoo.

We will apply ice packs to the area post-treatment to help alleviate any discomfort.

Unlike many other types of laser systems, our advanced, medical-grade systems at i-LASER are able to safely treat any skin type, ranging from fair, olive, brown and black skin tones.

It is important that you follow all pre and post treatment advice as advised by your practitioner to ensure the health of your skin and to increase the success of your treatment - this will be discussed in your consultation and we will provide you with a copy to take home, as well as email you with all pre/post treatment advice.

• You must protect your tattoo and surrounding area to the sun/UV exposure for at least 6 weeks prior to treatment. A high SPF 30+ sun cream should be applied every time you go outdoors and you should take extra precautions to protect the area from the sun.

• You MUST AVOID use of sunbeds/sunbathing for at least 6 weeks before your treatment.

• Do not apply any self tanning creams to the area/s to be treated for at least 4 weeks before treatment. Please also avoid using self-tan remover or intense exfoliation for at least 2 weeks before your treatment.

• Do not take any anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication for at least 48 hours before your treatment, this includes Ibuprofen and Aspirin. If you have been advised to take such medication by a Doctor you must follow their advice and inform the clinic.

• Do not use any Retinol, AHA or BHA products on the area/s to be treated for at least 2 weeks before.

• Do not use perfumed products, deodorant, creams, oils on the relevant area/s for 24 hours before each treatment - keep it dry and clean prior to treatment.

• 24 Hours before your appointment avoid any exfoliating products that may be drying or irritating.

• Please avoid wearing tight fitting clothing to your appointment.

• Avoid swimming in strong chlorinated water immediately before treatment.

• Avoid exercising immediately before treatment.

• Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before treatment. Eat well and drink lots of water so that you are well hydrated before your treatment.

• Smoking can delay the healing process, we recommend that you avoid smoking for a minimum of 4 hours before your treatment - but the longer you can go the better!

• Ensure that you have a sterile cold compress at home - you may apply this to the area post treatment.

• Change your bedding, towels and pillow cases on the day of your treatment to ensure they are clean.

• Do not apply any topical numbing cream.

• We advise planning your appointments for when you are not due on your menstrual cycle - as it is likely to lower your pain threshold - making you more sensitive at the treatment area. If you never know when this is going to happen, then it can't be helped, but if you do have an idea of when you are due - it's best to avoid that time for a treatment.

After each session, it is common for the area to feel warm. You may experience some redness, swelling, itching, irritation and mild tenderness. These symptoms may appear immediately or a few days after.

It is important that you follow all pre and post treatment advice as advised by your practitioner to ensure the health of your skin and to increase the success of your treatment - this will be discussed in your consultation and we will provide you with a copy to take home, as well as email you with all pre/post treatment advice.

• The use of 99.9% Pure Aloe Vera gel is recommended after treatment and for a further few days if necessary. It is imperative that you are using the recommended product purchased from the clinic - others are not always suitable and often contain ingredients which cause irritation.

• A sterile ice cold compress can be applied if the area feels hot or uncomfortable. Please ensure it is thoroughly cleaned before and after each use. Avoid direct contact with the skin to prevent infection/contamination risk. DO NOT apply a hot compress.

• You must take precaution to protect your tattoo and surrounding area to the sun/UV exposure for at least 6 weeks post treatment. Please ensure the treated skin is fully covered from the sun whilst healing - once the skin is healed apply a factor 30+ SPF every time you go outside.

• You MUST AVOID use of sunbeds/sunbathing for at least 6 weeks after your treatment.

• Do not take any anti-inflammatory products for 7 days post treatment - this includes Ibuprofen and Aspirin. You may take Paracetamol and Antihistamines within the recommended guidelines.

• For 48 hours after your treatment - avoid all heat treatments such as; steam rooms, saunas, hot baths, hot showers and excessive exercise.

• Avoid swimming until the skin is fully healed.

• Avoid getting the treated area soaking wet for 24-48 hours.

• Avoid using any perfumed lotions/shower gels/ creams until the skin is fully healed - you may use Aloe Vera Gel purchased directly from the clinic.

• Do not touch, pick or scratch the treated area/s and ensure it is kept clean.

• Ensure that your bedding, towels and pillow cases are clean to prevent contamination/infection risk.

• Ensure that you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Take it easy and get lots of rest after your treatment to help your body recover - avoid intense exercise for 48 hours.

• Smoking can delay the healing process, so we recommend that you avoid smoking whilst your skin is healing.

Lasers are very powerful pieces of equipment, but are safe and effective when they are in the hands of a fully trained, qualified and insured practitioner. At i-LASER we pride ourselves in providing to the highest standard - using only the best medical-grade, UK manufactured ND Yag Laser.

The length of a Laser Tattoo Removal appointment depends on the size of the tattoo. A small tattoo might take 5 minutes, where a large, or multiple tattoos could take an hour or more. Your practitioner will be able to advise you during your consultation.

No - all traces of tanning products must be removed from the treatment area before your laser session. This includes all fake tanning agents, gradual tanning moisturisers, oils and lotions. This is because fake tan acts as pigmentation on the skin - which could cause complications with your treatment.

You can use self tan on other body areas - you just need to avoid your desired treatment area.