The type of ink used, age of the tattoo and colour play a large role in the success one may see. Darker pigments are eliminated more easily while lighter and more reflective inks are less responsive to the lasers.
You should also be aware of the potential side effects, as well as what to expect from the procedure.
Course of treatment:
Treatments are approximately 1 hour in duration (depending on the size) and are done every 6-8 weeks. You may not see any significant improvement after your first few sessions, as your body starts to break down the ink deeper in the skin.
How many sessions are needed:
Most clients need between 5-10 sessions. The number of sessions depends on many individual factors: immune system, thyroid and liver function, skin tone, the colour of the pigment, type of ink, location and depth of tattoo.
What you can expect: During the procedure:
The treatment area is disinfected & topical anesthetic (to numb the area and reduce discomfort) is applied for 30 minutes. Most clients experience moderate pain & discomfort including reddening, swelling, frosting, pain, heat/ burning. The area is then covered with an ice pack to reduce these symptoms.
You can expect to hear a pulsing sound and bright flashing light when the laser is activated. You will experience discomfort, similar to a quick hot sting. Most clients do feel moderate to high levels of pain during and after the treatment.
You will notice immediate frosting of the tattoo (the skin immediately turns an ashy grey/ white colour) which means that the treatment has been effective. There will also be associated redness and swelling.
The area will be covered with an ice pack again to speed up healing.
Treating a small area, such as the 2x2cm tattoo, might take only a few minutes. Treating a larger area or more intricate tattoo, might take more than 30 minutes.
How to prepare:
Proper Pre-treatment care is extremely important and will directly impact the safety and efficacy of the treatment. Please see attached Pre- and Post Treatment Care for detailed instructions.
Overview
- Stay out of the sun
- Shave treatment area (if possible) to avoid discomfort during the treatment.
- Avoid blood-thinning medications
- One may take anti-inflammatories and/ pain killers before the treatment
After the procedure:
Sterile and careful treatment of the site after the procedure is crucial to prevent infection and severe (and rare) side effects. Please see attached Pre- and Post Treatment Care for detailed instructions.
Overview
Scabbing, frosting, redness, discomfort, pain, welts, and swelling during the recovery phase is common. These may last a few weeks.
More rarely one may experience:
- Spotting of blood may be seen occasionally
- Skin infection or bruising (if not cared for with post treatment)
- Permanent scarring (very rare)
It is extremely important to keep the treated area hygienic to avoid infection. A topical antibacterial and/ anti-inflammatory cream is recommended to alleviate pain, swelling and long-term side effects.
Results:
Results vary significantly and are difficult to predict.
When the course is adhered to consistently, clients have seen up to a 95% reduction in the visibility of the tattoo.
Side Effects:
Generally clients recover rapidly. However there are occasional side effects:
• Scabbing, frosting, redness, pain, welts, & swelling, spotting of blood
• Skin infection or bruising (if not cared for post treatment)
• Permanent scarring (very rare)
Contra-indications
Who cannot have treatments done:
Clients with the following conditions should consult their doctor before treatment:
• been on any light sensitizing/ acne/ immunosuppression medications,
• fever blisters, cold sores, other infection within the treatment area,
• predisposed to keloid formation,
• coagulation disorder, using anticoagulants or platelet inhibitors,
• an implanted electrical device, epilepsy, cardiovascular diseases, acute illness,
• cancer, systemic disease, compromised liver function, severe bleeding tendencies,
• pregnant/ suspected to be pregnant or breast feeding,
• allergic to prilocaine or lidocaine.
