Each pulse of the laser sends light energy into your skin. We use different wavelengths of laser light to treat different colours of ink in your tattoo. As the light energy is directed into your skin, it is selectively absorbed by the tattoo ink particles trapped in the dermis of your skin. When the ink particles absorb this energy, they instantly shatter into tiny fragments. Once the laser has broken the ink into smaller pieces, your body's immune system works to remove the ink over the following weeks, flushing it away from the tattooed area via the lymphatic system. We see the result of this as the tattoo lightening in appearance. Each additional laser treatment breaks down more and more ink until the tattoo can no longer be seen.
Of course not! We can focus the treatment on a very small section of your tattoo, such as just the tails of your brows should they come down too far, or just a section of an exiting tattoo should you want to add something in a current area. The laser is highly adaptable, allowing us to remove the only smallest of areas if required.
We can also lighten a tattoo ready for a coverup, or use specific wave lengths to ‘flip’ the colour of a tattoo, such as warming up a blue brow tattoo, bringing it back to a more neutral brow colour without adding any saturation.
If you are unsure of your tattoos suitability please send us a picture.
There are certain medications and long term health conditions that are contraindications to the treatment, and some why are considerations. If you are on any medications or have any health problems please get in touch prior to booking.
We cannot carry out the treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Apply a thin layer of aloe gel periodically for 3 days after the treatment, avoid sun exposure, heat, and other products, for at least 7days. Ensure that you have clothes that won’t irritate or rub on the area. No exercise for 48h. Keep the area clean and dry for the duration of the healing process - you can have a shower (not hot) but don’t soak the area, and no picking!
Remember that effective healing relies on your immune system. To speed up the healing process be sure to: Get enough sleep, drink lots of water, avoid smoking and alcohol, exercise (after 48h), and maintain a healthy diet.
Once your skin has gone through the initial healing healing phase, and any blisters or flakes have gone, be sure to use a physical sun cream (eg zinc based) on the area daily.
It is likely that you will experience at least one of the following after your treatment:
Redness
Tenderness
Swelling
Blistering
Scabs
Bruising
Hyper-pigmentation
Hypo-pigmentation
Redness, tenderness, and swelling typically subside within a day or two following treatment. Blisters can appear within 24 hours of treatment, this is completely normal. Scabs, bruising, and blistering may take up to a week or longer to heal. Both hypo-pigmentation and hyper-pigmentation are typically temporary and resolve naturally with time, however sometimes they can be permanent.
As with all our treatments, we pride ourselves on precision and strict adherence to protocols. When protocols are followed, and aftercare is followed to the letter, the risk of scarring is minimal. If there is pre-existing scarring, please note that this will remain - depending on the technique of your original tattoo artist, or how many times the tattoo has been worked on, there may be scarring already present, that isn’t visible through the ink.
This depends on many factors, eg:
-your goals (toning, lightening,full removal)
-Age of tattoo, how the tattoo was originally applied and which pigment was used
-if the tattoo has been covered up previously
-how well you follow the aftercare
-your skin type and immune system
-pre existing scarring
Generally 6-12 sessions are needed for full removal, some clients achieve adequate lightening in 1-3 sessions.
Our pico laser is much more effective on stronger and darker colours, as they absorb more of the lights' energy! With the use of 1064nm, 660nm, 585nm & 532nm we are able to treat a variety of colours, including red, green and blue.
However, pastel colours, such as very soft yellow, or colours with a lot of white, are much more tricky to treat, and laser may not be the best way forward. If you have a white, or pastel tattoo, XTRACT removal may be a better option for you.
Generally the process is rather uncomfortable, but not unbearable. Some liken it to the flick of an elastic band, or a small splash of hot oil. The treatments are extremely quick but you’re always welcome to let us know if you need a moment to recoup! We do not offer numbing for this treatment as generally it is not needed, but you are welcome to purchase and apply your own prior to arrival - this should be discussed at your patch test should you think it may be necessary.
Most people will experience 'frosting' which will make the tattoo appear white - this is when the laser hits the ink in your tattoo, gasses are given off which then get trapped under the skin. This normally passes after 20/30 mins. After this your tattoo will may look a little darker and may have slight bruising.