How does laser tattoo removal work?

  • Laser tattoo removal uses laser light and its photo-acoustic effect to vibrate and gently shatter the tattoo ink under the skin
  • Various wavelengths of light are attracted to the various colors (ink) in the tattoo
  • The various colors (ink) of the tattoo act like fuel which absorbs the various wavelengths of light
  • The absorbed light creates vibration, shattering the ink particles
  • The photo-acoustic energy that is generated breaks up the ink into smaller particle
  • If we do not generate enough photo-acoustic energy, the ink particles cannot break up
  • Over the following few weeks, the broken ink particles are then filtered and cleared (absorbed) by the body just like a bruise
  • Different colored inks are broken down at different rates, therefore, a course of treatments is required
  • Red and dark inks (such as black, dark blue, and brown) are the easiest colors to breakdown
  • More challenging colors such as sky blue, purple and green can also be treated but may require more treatments

Number of treatments

  • Most clients undertake an average of between six to twelve treatments
  • You may only notice a slight difference after your first treatment
  • Most clients may require a few treatments before noticing a significant improvement
  • Treatments can be performed every 6-8 weeks –this time is required to allow the area to heal but also to give the body time to break down and absorb the ink particles

Factors affecting results

Skin Colour

  • The lighter the skin color, the more laser energy can be used, resulting in a more effective treatment
  • Daily sunscreen use (SPF 30+) to exposed areas will allow stronger treatments
  • The easier it is for you to tan, the stricter you need to be with your sunscreen

Location of Tattoo

  • Healing process is more rapid on face/neck areas
  • Distal extremities (hands/lower legs/feet) take longer to heal therefore treatments need to be less powerful and more treatments may be required

Color of ink (tattoo)

  • Red, black, brown and dark blue inks are the easiest to remove
  • Sky blue, purple and green inks will still respond but may not be removed completely or may require more treatments to fade
  • The more varied in color the tattoo is, the more treatments may be required

Amount of ink

  • Tattoos that have a small amount of ink are easier to treat (Amateur tattoos)
  • Tattoos that have significant amounts of ink present will require more treatments
  • Tattoos that are layered (a larger tattoo that has been placed to cover an older tattoo) will have more ink present and require more treatments

Skin Changes after treatment

  • Skin that heals well with minimal to no pigmentation changes after initial treatment can have more powerful treatments to follow, which may require fewer treatments

Potential side effects

COMMON

  • Redness and swelling is normal
  • Crusting may occur and may require regular dressings to keep moist and should heal in 7-14 days
  • Approximately 50% of clients may experience changes in skin color (hypo or hyperpigmentation). Any changes usually resolve in 6-12 months but in rare occasions, may be permanent
  • Textural changes in the skin may also occur but are usually temporary
  • Clients may experience a reduction in the growth of dark hairs to the treatment area

RARE

  • Pinpoint bleeding and/or bruising, or heat related reactions such as blisters are rare
  • Development of infection that, in very rare cases, can lead to scarring
  • “Paradoxical darkening” (when a treated tattoo becomes darker instead of lighter-more common with flesh tones, pink, and cosmetic make-up tattoos)
  • Laser removal of traumatic tattoos may be problematic if the pigmented substance is unknown
  • Allergic reaction (to tattoo ink) – more likely to occur with some red and yellow ink but generally very rare

Post treatment care

  • Immediately after treatment, the client should rest & elevate the treated area
  • Cool packs and “soothing Gel” can be used for comfort and reduce swelling
  • Crusting or “scabbing” may form by the following day – Paraffin ointment should be applied to keep crusty areas moist
  • The area should heal normally in 7-14 days
  • A sunscreen with an SPF 30+ must be applied daily to exposed areas

The Kirby-Desai Scale

A Proposed Scale to Estimate number of Laser Tattoo Removal treatments

Tattoo Removal at Bare Ink Beauty FAQs

How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost in Wagga Wagga?

The cost of tattoo removal at Bare Ink Beauty depends on several factors, including:

  • Size of the tattoo: Larger tattoos require more time and more sessions
  • Colours of ink: Some colours break down faster than others
  • Amount of ink: Amateur tattoos with less ink are easier to treat than layered or heavily inked tattoos
  • Number of treatments required: Most clients need between six to twelve treatments

We take pride in offering our customers fair pricing that does not contain any surprises or hidden fees. In your free consultation, Darren will examine your tattoo and give you a detailed personalized price estimate with absolutely nothing hidden. We also have packages and gift vouchers available.

Does Tattoo Removal Hurt?

The vast majority of our clients say that the process is uncomfortable, but very bearable. The laser causes a quick snap-like feeling on the skin that is much like the sensation of hitting yourself with a rubber band. The procedure itself is quick and we will make sure you know everything about it.

Post-procedure, redness and swelling are expected. Crusting is possible and heals in 7-14 days.