Laser tattoo removal for women

More women than men present for tattoo removal.  Surveys have shown that as many as 25% of adults aged 18 to 30 have tattoos. Up to 50% become dissatisfied with their tattoos and wish to have them removed or improved.

It may be that a decorative tattoo you had done when you were younger is now out of place and inappropriate.  Cosmetic tattoos to lips and eyebrows may not have worked out as well as hoped for such reasons as wrong position, wrong colour or a change in fashion.

The Technology

Q-Switched lasers are special lasers that allow very high powered laser light to be delivered to the skin over a fraction of a second.  This minimises any heat damage to the surrounding skin and hence any chance of scarring is greatly reduced.

How does the Laser work?

The laser light is attracted to the coloured pigment in the ink and it breaks this pigment down in to tiny particles which are then excreted through the body’s natural waste system.

The MEDLITE laser delivers a 1064 nm wavelength which is effective against black pigment and a 532nm wavelength which is effective against red/orange pigment.

Our new RUBY Q-Switched laser (694nm) is effective against the previously very resistant blue/green/turquoise pigments.  White tattoos reflect laser light and therefore do not respond to laser treatment.

How many treatments are necessary?

It is impossible to accurately predict the number of treatments necessary as it depends on the amount of ink used and how deep the ink was inserted.  However as a guide most professional tattoos will require at least six to twelve treatments.  Follow up treatments are conducted at no less than 4-6 week intervals.  Further fading can occur for several months after each treatment.

In general

• Black is the easiest colour to remove but some colours can be more resistant.
• A series of treatments are required
• It is possible to remove or significantly lighten tattoos but it is not always possible to totally remove a tattoo
• With modern laser technology the risk of scarring is very low, however, it is not zero and aftercare is important
• Anaesthetic creams can be used to numb the skin prior to laser treatment
• ALL treatments are performed by DOCTORS

What are the costs likely to be?

This will be discussed at the initial consultation.  Treatment costs will vary depending on the size, colour and complexity of the tattoo.  The government provides no Medicare rebate for laser tattoo removal and in addition will charge 10% GST.

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