Tattoo Removal

Process

Before the procedure, you will be given protective eye gear to wear, along with a cooling device to help with pain and swelling.

As the Q-Switch machine comes into contact with the skin, pulses of energy will penetrate the skin and will be absorbed by the tattoo ink. As the ink absorbs the energy, the skin will heat up and shatter into fragments. From the moment a tattoo needle deposits ink deep in the skin, the immune system recognises these particles as intruders, dispatching white blood cells to engulf the ink. From there, the white blood cells escort the small ink particles to the liver, where they are processed and excreted.

This process will happen during every session as the tattoo fades. It is important to remember that you may also risk a lack of complete pigment removal, and there is a slight chance that the treatment can leave you with a permanent scar, hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation.

Preparation

In preparation for this treatment, it is very important to stay out of the sun and to wear SPF 30+ for 4 weeks prior to the treatment. Sun exposure can cause irritation, swelling and blistering to the site. Also, make sure you have had plenty of fluids. If you’re a smoker, consider quitting. Cigarette smoke slows healing and increases the risk of complications. Consider taking Panadol or another non-aspirin pain medication before your procedure to alleviate any potential discomfort. Please arrive on the day with no make-up, lotion or fake tan on the area being treated.

Aftercare

After the treatment, keep the treated area bandaged with a sterile gauze and protected with a thin layer of antibiotic or healing ointment for 3 days. You may experience blistering in the treated area, however, this is a perfectly normal reaction to the laser treatment procedure and should not be a cause for alarm. Do not take any aspirin based pain relief, as this will thin the blood and risk unnecessary bruising and bleeding to the treated area, thus jeopardising the healing process. At least 2 hours after the procedure, it is okay to take a shower; however, avoid exposing the treated area to direct pressure, and do not soak the area in a bath, hot tub or swimming pool until it has completely healed. The treated area will be particularly sensitive to sunlight so it is essential that you wear SPF 30+ for at least 3 months after receiving the treatment.