Tattoo Removal

Lasers remove tattoos by delivering extremely short, high-energy pulses of light into the skin.

When the laser light hits the tattoo ink, it’s absorbed by the pigment particles. The sudden, intense energy causes these particles to rapidly heat and shatter into tiny fragments.

After the ink particles are broken up, your body’s immune system takes over. Over the following weeks, immune cells (particularly macrophages) gradually clear the fragmented ink particles away through the lymphatic system. This is why fading continues for weeks after each treatment.

After confirming your tattoo is suitable for treatment, we will book you in for your first session.

If you have chosen to apply numbing cream before your appointment, this will be removed when the area is sufficiently numb.

As the ink is safely targeted, you will hear a cracking sound as the ink is shattered. Once the tattoo has been treated an ice pack will be applied to the skin to reduce any discomfort and swelling after your treatment.

In general we suggest a minimum of 6 sessions for best results. Some tattoos may require more or less treatments until they are fully removed.

The colour of the ink, skin tone, any previous scarring, and the amount of ink that was used will determine the all-round effectiveness of your treatment. This will all be discussed prior to treatment to ensure you have a clear idea of what to expect.

The time needed between sessions varies depending on the area of the body due to differences in circulation and healing speed. Here's a general guideline:

• Face & Neck: 4–8 weeks between sessions

• Upper Body (arms, chest, upper back): 8–10 weeks

• Lower Body (legs, ankles, feet): 10–12 weeks

Areas with better blood flow (like the face) tend to heal and respond faster, while regions with poorer circulation (like the lower legs) take longer to clear ink and recover.

Tattoo removal can be uncomfortable, so we recommend applying numbing cream (such as Emla) to the area 30 minutes before your appointment.

During the treatment, you may experience a small amount of discomfort (less if you have numbed), but it is commonly described as manageable, depending on the location and your personal pain tolerance.

We do not advise having laser tattoo removal if you:

• are pregnant or breast feeding

• have an active infection at or near the desired treatment area

• have heart problems

• have an implanted medical device

• have cancer

• have a history of seizures

• have an immune system disorder

• have a history of keloid scarring

If you aren’t sure if you have a contraidication, you can contact the clinic HERE.

Cost varies depending on the size and number of tattoos you want removed.

Please see our Tattoo Removal Price Guide for more information.

We use a Q-switched Nd laser for tattoo removal, which is considered one of the most reliable and widely used systems in the industry.

This laser works by delivering very short, high-energy pulses that safely break tattoo ink into tiny particles. Your body then gradually clears these particles through its natural processes, causing the tattoo to fade over a series of treatments.

One of the key reasons we use an Nd laser is its versatility and safety. It operates at two wavelengths:

• 1064 nm, which penetrates deeper into the skin and is highly effective for black and darker inks

• 532 nm, which targets red, orange, and some lighter pigments

This allows us to treat a wide range of tattoo colours with a single device.

Another important advantage is that the 1064 nm wavelength is less absorbed by the skin’s natural pigment (melanin). This makes it a safer option for a broader range of skin tones, with a lower risk of unwanted pigmentation changes compared to some older laser technologies.

While newer technologies like pico lasers exist, Nd systems remain a gold standard because they are well-proven, effective, and capable of delivering consistent results across many different tattoo types.

In short, we use an Nd laser because it offers the right balance of effectiveness, safety, and versatility for professional tattoo removal.

• Those with medium to fair skin tones are best candidates

• Tattoos with dark, shallow laid ink are easiest to treat

• Areas closest to your heart resolve and heal the fastest

• Each individual pigment is comprised of a different kind of metal and will react differently to the laser

• Professional tattoo inks that do not have titanium dioxide or iron oxide are easier to treat

• Tattoos performed by amateur sources are the hardest to resolve

• Typically, the older the tattoo, the more sessions it could take to resolve

• Those with immune system deficiencies heal the slowest, so more treatments may be needed

• Those who smoke will need more treatments to remove the tattoo

• White ink cannot be removed and yellow ink may never fully resolve. The easiest colours to remove thoroughly are black, dark blue, gray and green. Colours such as light blue, purple, aqua, pink, brown, orange and yellow may never fully fade away.

To prepare for your laser tattoo removal:

• Avoid sun exposure and fake tan for 2 weeks prior

• Keep the area clean, dry, and product-free

• Shave the area the day before (no waxing)

• Stay hydrated, and

• Avoid alcohol or blood thinners 24hrs before

Want to numb the area to feel more comfortable during treatment? Apply numbing cream (like Emla) 30mins before your appointment and cover with cling film.

We also advise you wear loose clothing to your appointment and inform your practitioner of any health changes.