Say Goodbye To Your Tattoos!
Whilst tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, so is the desire to get those unwanted tattoos removed. Removal with Nd: Yag lasers is still the most effective way to get rid of tattoos.
This advanced technology works by allowing light energy to pass through the skin and break up the tattoo ink into tiny particles, which is then disposed of by the body’s immune system. Several treatment sessions are usually required to ensure success, with a few weeks between sessions.
TATTOO REMOVAL
No Chemicals
Duration of Results Permanent
Number of treatments
1-10 spaced
6 weeks apart
Cost
From £60
Down Time
2 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tattoo Removal work?
Does it hurt?
The amount of pain felt during the laser tattoo removal treatment will very much depend on the type of tattoo you have and the amount of treatment required.
What is Nd: Yag Q-Switch Laser Tattoo Removal?
Can it leave scarring?
Although there is a risk of scarring with any laser, in most cases, scarring is not a significant risk for laser tattoo removal.
How many treatments will I need?
Pre & Post care advice
Before your treatment:
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No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment o Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc. -
Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, etc.) -
Notify clinic with any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment -
History of herpes or cold sores may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment if treating in the area that breakouts occur.
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A cold compress will help reduce any swelling and take the “sting” out of the treated area -
A soothing cream/lotion such as Aloe Vera may be applied to the treated area immediately after treatment -
To avoid snagging on clothing, a sterile dressing may be applied to the treated area – but (if used) this should be changed every day by the client so that the treated area can be checked. -
The client should be advised to keep the treated area away from strong sunlight for a few weeks or to use a sun protective cream (at least SP30) (This prevents over treating the skin’s natural melanin) -
The most important consideration is that the treated area should be kept clean and dry but avoid very hot baths and showers. Use warm water and pat dry – do not rub. -
Under no circumstances should the client “pick” at the blisters. These should be allowed to heal and flake away naturally. -
If discoloured (honey coloured) oozing of the treated area takes place an antiseptic cream should be applied -
If after 2 days there is still honey coloured pus – the client must seek medical attention / antibiotic treatment
What can we remove and not remove?
We can remove most body tattoos that are black, dark blue and brown, red, orange and purple tones.
Which therapists at Beauty Holistic Avenue provide this treatment?
Vicki Hexter
Before & After Photos
Do I need to have a Patch Test?
Yes, it is extemely important to have a patch test 2 week prior to your first treatment. We get you to wait 15 minutes after your patch test to do our preliminary test patch review. We ask you to take a picture on day 3 and 7 to show when returning for your treatment.
What will it look like straight after my treatment and during its healing?
- The area firstly becomes whitening and blistering and then “translucent” after 15- 20mins and the tattoo will be seen through the blistering.
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You may wrongly believe that the whitening of the skin shows a complete removal of ink. -
Oedema (slight swelling) may occur but should disappear within hours. -
It is usual to see a “pink flush” of the skin around the treatment area. -
Sometimes pinpricks of blood may appear at the surface of the skin. This will be “dabbed” with some cotton wool. -
If the treatment area has a lot of “streaming” blood vessels this is usually because the client has been previously drinking alcohol -
The area will heal over two weeks and any scabs will naturall fall off
Can everyone have it done?
Unfortunately, not all treatments are for everyone. Please check our contraindications list to make sure you avoid disappointment.
Conditions that would mean you were not able to have this treatments:
Conditions affecting your Immune System
- Previous Tattoo Removal Allergic Reaction
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) an autoimmune disease often referred to simply as “Lupus”.
- Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis especially if treated with “Gold Injections” or Methotrexate
- Any other known auto-immune disorder
- Any other disease affecting your immune function e.g. following removal of your Spleen
- Liver disease such as Hepatitis A, B, C
- HIV
Bleeding Abnormalities
- Haemophilia, Von Willibrands Disease, Thrombocytopenia
Blood Thinning Medication
- Anticoagulants such as Warfarin, Heparin, Clexane Or Dabigatron
- High doses of Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac (NB Prophylactic slow release Aspirin at 75 mg day or less is acceptable)
Skin Conditions
- Prone to Keloid or very thick scarring
- Vitiligo or any other skin pigmentation problem
- Psoriasis or eczema (on treatment area)
Cancer treatment
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Cancer
- Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy for Cancer, Leukaemia, Myeloma or Lymphoma
Other Conditions Where Fragmented Ink Particles Could Cause Harm
- Currently Pregnant
- Breast Feeding
- Acute or Chronic Kidney Disease
- Type 1 Diabetes & type 2 when on medication
- Implants / Metal Plates/ or Pacemakers
Conditions that need a doctor’s letter to confirm the treatment is suitable before treatments can begin:
- Epilepsy
- Transplant Anti-Rejection Drugs
- Thyroid Disease
- Heart Disease
- Hypertension (High blood pressure treated with medication)
- Cancer - after 12 months
The list below is of things that require a waiting period until you can start treatments:
- Active Herpes simplex (Cold Sores) - wait 2 weeks until its healed and use antiviral medication a few days before and continue a week after treatment
- Acute fungal infections - Wait until the condition has cleared until having your treatment
- UV exposure from sunbathing or sunbeds - wait 4 weeks before your starting your treatment and please note you cannot sunbath or go on a sunbed during your course of treatment
- Chemical Peel, Microdermabrasion or Radio Frequency - wait 4 weeks before starting treatments and do not have in the area during your treatment course.
- Medical Chemical Peels, Dermabrasion, Laser Skin Resurfacing or Face Lift at site of treatment - wait 6 months before starting treatments and do not have in the area during your treatment course.
Drugs & Herbal Remedies
- Fever Few or St John’s Wort - both of these herbs are photosensitising
Recommend that the client stops taking the preparation and waits 4 weeks for the herb to be completely cleared from their system before treatment - otherwise client skin may be burned.
- Over the counter pain relief e.g. non-steroidal
Antiinflammatory/pain relief drugs such as Ibuprofen and/or Aspirin these must be allowed to clear from a client’s system before any treatment – suggest a delay of one – two weeks before treatment begins.
- Prescribed a drug for a short term (course of less than six weeks) by their GP/Hospital
The course should be finished and wait at least a further six weeks for any drug to be completely excreted from their system before having treatment. (Notable drugs that can cause problems during laser and or IPL use are Tetracycline antibiotics and steroids)
- Prescribed a long term drug (a course lasting longer than 6 weeks) by their GP/Hospital
The client should be referred back to the prescribing doctor for a letter of authorisation for the treatment to go ahead. Notable long term drugs that can cause problems are Ro-Acutane used in Acne treatments (specifically listed on Medical History form), Minocin which is an antibiotic (frequently used in long term Acne therapy) and Amioderone a drug used in Cardiology.
How much does it cost?