At InkSpot Laser & Aesthetics Studio we believe that knowledge empowers our clients. Understanding the laser tattoo removal process is key to feeling confident and prepared. Our approach is thorough, transparent, and designed to prioritize your comfort and safety. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what happens before, during, and after your session.

Before Your Laser Tattoo Removal Session

1. Initial Consultation and Patch Test
   Your journey begins with a no-obligation consultation at our studio. This essential step allows us to assess your tattoo, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan. During the consultation, our certified laser technician will:

• Evaluate Your Tattoo: We’ll examine the tattoo’s size, age, color, depth, and location on your body. The Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser’s versatility (532nm for red, orange, and yellow inks; 1064nm for black, blue, and dark pigments; and 1320nm for skin rejuvenation and carbon peeling) allows us to treat a wide variety of tattoos effectively.
• Assess Your Skin Type: Using the Fitzpatrick Scale, we’ll determine your skin type to ensure the laser settings are optimized for safety and efficacy. The Nd:YAG laser is suitable for a broad range of skin tones, including darker complexions, due to its selective targeting of pigment without damaging surrounding tissue.
• Discuss Medical History: We’ll review your medical history to identify any contraindications, such as pregnancy, recent sun exposure, or certain medications that may affect treatment.
• Explain the Process: We’ll Walk you through the entire procedure, including the number of sessions likely required, expected results, and aftercare protocols.
• Perform a Patch Test: A small area of your tattoo will be treated with the laser to assess how your skin and the ink respond. This test, conducted at least 7 days prior to your first full session, helps us fine-tune the laser settings and ensures minimal risk of adverse reactions.

2. Pre-Treatment Preparation
   To achieve the best results and minimize discomfort, we’ll provide you with pre-treatment guidelines, including:

• Avoid Sun Exposure: Refrain from tanning or sun exposure for at least 4 weeks before your session, as UV exposure can increase the risk of burns or pigmentation changes. Always apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ to the treatment area if exposed to sunlight.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment to keep your skin healthy and resilient.
• Avoid Certain Products: Discontinue the use of retinoids, exfoliants, or other skin-sensitizing products on the treatment area for at least 5 days prior.
• Shave the Area (if needed): If the tattoo is in a hairy area, shave it the day before your session to ensure the laser targets the ink effectively.
• Arrive with Clean Skin: On the day of your appointment, ensure the treatment area is free of lotions, makeup, or perfumes.

3. Setting Expectations
   During your consultation, we’ll provide an estimate of the number of sessions required based on factors such as:

• Tattoo Age: Older tattoos typically fade faster as the ink has already begun to break down naturally.
• Ink Color and Density: Black and dark inks respond best to the 1064nm wavelength, while brighter colours like red and yellow are effectively targeted by the 532nm wavelength.
• Tattoo Depth: Professional tattoos, which are often applied deeper into the skin, may require more sessions than amateur tattoos.
• Your Body’s Response: Your immune system plays a crucial role in clearing fragmented ink particles, so overall health and lifestyle factors can influence results.

On average, most clients require 6–12 sessions for complete removal, with some tattoos needing fewer or more depending on these variables. Sessions are spaced 8–12 weeks apart to allow your body to eliminate the broken-down ink and for your skin to heal fully.

During Your Laser Tattoo Removal Session

1. Preparing for Treatment
   When you arrive at InkSpot Laser & Aesthetics Studio, our welcoming team will ensure you feel relaxed and informed. Here’s what happens during your session:

• Skin Cleansing and Protection: The treatment area is thoroughly cleansed and disinfected. Protective eyewear is provided to shield your eyes from the laser’s bright light, and our technician will wear appropriate safety gear.
• Numbing (Optional): To enhance comfort, we offer a topical numbing cream, which is applied 30–45 minutes before the procedure. Most clients describe the sensation as a mild stinging or snapping feeling, similar to a rubber band flicking against the skin.
• Laser Calibration: Our technician will adjust the Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser to the appropriate wavelength (532nm, 1064nm, or a combination) based on your tattoo’s colors and your skin type. The laser’s settings, including pulse duration (6 nanoseconds) and energy level (up to 10 J/cm² for 1064nm and 5 J/cm² for 532nm), are customized for precision and safety.

2. The Laser Treatment
   The Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser delivers ultra-short, high-energy pulses that target the tattoo ink without harming the surrounding skin. Here’s how it works:

• Photoacoustic Effect: The laser’s energy is absorbed by the ink particles, causing them to vibrate and shatter into tiny fragments. This photoacoustic effect is unique to Q-Switched lasers and ensures minimal thermal damage to the skin.
• Wavelength Specificity: The 1064nm wavelength is ideal for black, blue, and dark pigments, penetrating deeper into the skin to target dense inks. The 532nm wavelength effectively breaks down red, orange, yellow, and warm-toned pigments. For clients seeking skin rejuvenation or carbon peeling (e.g., to address post-tattoo pigmentation), the 1320nm wavelength may be used in combination with a carbon-based lotion.
• Treatment Duration: Sessions typically last 10–30 minutes, depending on the tattoo’s size and complexity. Larger or multicolored tattoos may require longer sessions or multiple passes with different wavelengths.

During the treatment, you may notice a whitening or “frosting” effect on the tattooed area. This is a normal reaction caused by gas bubbles forming as the ink breaks down and is a sign that the laser is working effectively. The frosting typically subsides within 20–30 minutes.

3. Comfort and Safety
   Our priority is your comfort and safety. The Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser is equipped with a cooling system to protect the skin and reduce discomfort. Our technicians are trained to monitor your skin’s response throughout the session, adjusting settings as needed to ensure a safe and effective treatment. If you experience any discomfort, let us know, and we’ll pause to make adjustments or apply additional cooling measures.

After Your Laser Tattoo Removal Session

1. Immediate Post-Treatment Care
   After the session, your skin may feel warm, appear red, or show mild swelling, similar to a sunburn. These effects are temporary and typically resolve within a few hours to a few days. Our technician will:

• Apply a Soothing Ointment: A cooling gel or antibiotic ointment is applied to calm the skin and prevent infection.
• Cover the Area: The treated area may be covered with a sterile dressing to protect it from friction and environmental irritants.
• Provide Aftercare Instructions: You’ll receive a detailed aftercare guide to promote healing and optimize results. Key recommendations include:
  • Keep the Area Clean and Dry: Gently cleanse the area with mild soap and water, patting it dry with a clean towel.
  • Apply a Healing Ointment: Use a product like Aquaphor or Bepanthen for 3–5 days to keep the skin moisturized.
  • Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect the treated area from sunlight with clothing or SPF 50+ sunscreen for at least 6 weeks to prevent hyperpigmentation.
  • Avoid Scratching or Picking: Blisters or scabs may form as the skin heals. Allow them to heal naturally to minimize the risk of scarring.
  • Stay Hydrated and Healthy: A balanced diet and adequate hydration support your body’s immune system in clearing the fragmented ink particles.

2. The Healing Process
   Over the next 8–12 weeks, your body’s lymphatic system will work to flush out the shattered ink particles. You may notice:

• Fading of the Tattoo: The tattoo will gradually lighten with each session, with the most significant fading visible after 4–6 weeks.
• Mild Side Effects: Temporary redness, swelling, or blistering may occur but typically resolve within 1–2 weeks. Serious side effects, such as scarring or infection, are rare when aftercare instructions are followed.
• Skin Sensitivity: The treated area may feel tender or itchy as it heals. Avoid hot showers, saunas, or strenuous exercise for 48 hours to prevent irritation.

3. Follow-Up and Subsequent Sessions
   We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your progress and plan your next session. The 8–12-week interval between sessions allows your skin to heal and your immune system to eliminate the maximum amount of ink. During each session, we’ll adjust the laser settings as the tattoo fades to ensure continued effectiveness.

For clients seeking additional skin rejuvenation, we may recommend the 1320nm wavelength for carbon peeling treatments between tattoo removal sessions. This non-invasive procedure can improve skin texture, reduce pore size, and address any post-treatment pigmentation, enhancing the overall appearance of the treated area.

Pricing for Laser Tattoo Removal

At InkSpot Laser & Aesthetics Studio, we offer competitive and transparent pricing based on the size of the tattoo. Our pricing structure reflects the expertise of our technicians, the quality of our Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser, and the personalized care we provide. Below are our standard rates for laser tattoo removal in the UK: