Laser Tattoo Removal Melbourne
The art of laser tattoo removal Melbourne is as nuanced and intricate as the process of inking them.
Gone are the days when tattoos were considered permanent. Thanks to cutting-edge laser technology, erasing black or coloured tattoo ink is now both safe and cost-effective.
We employ the most advanced laser technologies available for swift and efficient tattoo removal, including the PicoSure and RevLite Q-Switch systems.
The Efficacy of Laser Tattoo Removal
The ink from tattoos is injected deep into the dermal tissue. Removing this ink has traditionally been a challenging task. Yet, Advanced Q-Switched Nd: YAG lasers have revolutionized tattoo removal.
Utilizing PhotoAcoustic Technology, these lasers can deeply penetrate the skin, targeting each ink pigment with precise laser energy pulses. This technique gradually diminishes the appearance of your tattoo across several sessions.
How Laser Tattoo Removal Functions
The PicoSure PressureWave technology uses ultra-short pulses of energy, delivered in a fraction of a second, to treat your tattoo while preserving the surrounding skin.
This method is particularly effective on light to medium skin tones that haven’t been tanned and can address nearly any tattoo.
However, if you have undergone systemic gold therapy, either orally or through injection, PicoSure may not suit you.
Conversely, the RevLite Q-Switched laser offers a high success rate with minimal discomfort across all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. It boasts an innovative use of four different light wavelengths, making it possible to target tattoos with various vibrant colours, such as blues, blacks, reds, oranges, and purples.
Initial treatments may lead to a temporary lightening of the skin.
The laser then breaks down the ink particles into minuscule fragments, naturally eliminated by the body through the lymphatic system, restoring the skin’s original tone and colour.
Who Is Eligible for Laser Tattoo Removal?
During your consultation, we will go through the following 8 clinical steps to accurately ascertain and fulfil ALL your tattoo removal expectations.
Diagnostic Checklist
- Personal/medical history
- Realistic results and expectations
- Fitzpatrick skin type
- Tanning habits
- Location of tattoo
- Colour of tattoo
- Previous tattoo removal attempts
- Amateur or professional
A candidate for the removal of the tattoo
The best method to ascertain if you can have your unwanted tattoo removed is to book a complimentary consultation.
A member of our skilled clinical team will assess the area and decide the optimal treatment option based on your skin tone, skin condition, and the size and colour of the tattoo.
What Should I Expect?
Before treatment, you’ll receive a thorough consultation. Please note that a skin check from your GP or sun cancer clinic is required within the past 12 months. We’ll ask you to recline or sit on the treatment bed and provide you with eye protection for your safety. Some tattoos may necessitate a test patch.
Can Laser Treatment Completely Remove a Tattoo?
Most tattoos can be fully removed using laser treatment.
Larger tattoos will generally need more laser sessions than smaller areas. The colour of the tattoo will also affect the number of sessions needed to entirely remove the ink. You may require a series of tattoo removal treatments to achieve your desired outcome.
How Many Sessions Will I Require?
The number of treatments needed depends on the size, colour, and ink used and whether your tattoo is amateur or professional.
Through clinical observation and a diagnostic checklist, your clinician will explain how the treatment will proceed and the expected number of treatments required to remove your tattoo.
This is done during your consultation when we can view your tattoo and provide you with the best and most accurate advice.
How Long Does a Laser Tattoo Removal Session Last?
Typically, laser tattoo removal takes about 30 minutes in the clinic, while the process itself only takes a few minutes.
After your treatment, cream and dressings will be applied.
For large tattoos, your clinician may suggest dividing the tattoo into smaller sections so that any side effects do not affect your lifestyle or other commitments.
You’ll need to care for the area following treatment, so the size of the treated area must be manageable.
How Long Should I Wait Between Sessions?
It’s crucial to allow sufficient time for your body’s immune system to eliminate the ink particles between each treatment session.
We recommend a 6-8 week gap between each tattoo removal session for most clients.
This interval also allows your skin to heal and repair between sessions and reduces the risk of unwanted side effects like hyperpigmentation.
Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cause Pain?
Depending on the location of the tattoo, this treatment can be uncomfortable.
We use a Zimmer Cryo 6 cooling system that effectively cools the skin before and during the treatment.
We also offer a topical anaesthetic to numb the area before treatment to minimise discomfort.
Is Tattoo Removal Safe?
Laser tattoo removal Melbourne is very safe.
The laser light energy is attracted to the dark ink particles, so the surrounding tissue is largely unaffected.
Generally, laser tattoo removal is safer than getting a tattoo as there is less risk of infection.