TATTOO REMOVAL

​

Tattoo regret is very common. Studies show that 1 in 4 people have considered having their tattoos removed. Tattoos may put a strain on interpersonal relationships, affect employment opportunities or simply grow out of fashion. Other times, we have clients who request to lighten their existing tattoos in order to have them revised with a new design. Some clients do not like their eyebrow tattoos and want to have them removed or lightened so they can update their color, shape and style.  The reasons for wanting to remove a tattoo are endless, Ink Lovers is here to help. 

 

At Ink Lovers we use the new generation Nd:Yag QS Picosecond laser due to its efficacy, reliability and low to no long term risks. Picosecond lasers are considered the gold standard in tattoo removal. They are by far the safest and most effective way to deal with unwanted tattoos, and it is the only way to go if you want to have appreciable results without damaging the skin over which the tattoo was inked.

 

Nd:Yag Picosecond Laser & Q-switched Nd:Yag Laser

Picosecond lasers are able to fire laser beams with even shorter pulse durations in the picosecond (trillionth of a second) duration. It is an improved technology from traditional Q-switched Nd:Yag lasers which fire laser beams in nanosecond (billionth of a second) duration. Picosecond pulsing enables the “Pico Dusting Effect”, which is pulverization of tattoo pigment at high pressure. This photo acoustic effect breaks tattoo inks into a fine dust cloud, with dust particles tinier than those fragmented by traditional nanosecond Nd:Yag lasers. Pulverized pigments are absorbed much more efficiently, resulting in speedier elimination of the ink particles by the body. This means you need less treatment sessions to remove a tattoo compared with the traditional types of laser. The ultra-short bursts also mean even lesser thermal damage to surrounding normal tissue, thus there is lesser redness and swelling compared to its traditional counterpart, dramatically reducing the risks of scarring. Even the most challenging blue, green and purple inks, or stubborn tattoos previously treated by conventional lasers can be effectively removed with the ND:Yag Picosecond laser. Improved Photoacoustic Effect of the Discovery Nd;Yag Picosecond laser. Pigments are pulverized instead of large piece fragmentation with traditional Q-Switched Lasers, resulting in more efficient tattoo clearance and overall reduction in number of treatment sessions required.

 

FAQs

​

How does laser tattoo removal work?
Tattoos are removed by directing laser energy at the tattooed area in very short pulses, passing through the outer layer of the skin and directly targeting the tattoo ink. The laser selectively destroys the tattoo ink. Over the next few weeks, the body’s scavenger cells remove pigment residues, resulting in lightening of the tattoo. It takes time for the treated area to heal as your body’s immune system works overtime to flush the ink away. Generally, it can be repeated at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks.

 

Is the process painful?
There is some discomfort during the procedure, but it is usually very well tolerated. Patients describe the sensation of a hot rubber band snapping on the skin. 

 

How many treatment sessions will it take to remove the tattoo?
No two tattoos are alike and we are not talking about the aesthetics aspect of them. There are many factors that govern how a tattoo will look after it’s healed, and just as many that determine its ease or difficulty of removal. The number of treatments required to remove a tattoo depends upon several factors including size, location, color, depth, how the tattoo was applied, the length of time it has been on the skin, and the patient’s individual skin type. Most patients will require around 5 to 8 treatments sessions upwards, while others will appreciate satisfactory lightening in 3 or 4 sessions upwards. In some cases, they might need more than 12 treatment sessions if there is considerable skin disfigurement or layered tattoos.

 

How does the color of my tattoo affect the outcome?

The type and quality of the ink used as well as the color itself will affect the outcome of laser tattoo removal. Some compounds in ink, such as beryllium, are hard to remove. Contrary to what you might think, darker inks are actually easier to remove than lighter inks, with black and dark blue ink being the easiest to remove. Most traditional lasers such as the Q switched Nd:Yag struggle to remove green, pale blue, and yellow, but the newer generation of picosecond lasers can tackle these colors much more effectively. With the ND:Yag Picosecond laser, this has been reduced to half the original number of sessions required, and even stubborn tattoos have shown to respond remarkably well. Individual variation can occur.

 

How much will it cost and how do I make an appointment?

Pricing depends on the size and complexity of the tattoo and starts from about $150 upwards. A consultation is required prior to treatment where we will asses your tattoos, discuss the risks and benefits, evaluate your skin and design a treatment plan that's right for you. You can email us at connect@inklovers.com with photos of the tattoo/tattoos you wish to have removed to get a “ball park” cost estimate. 

 

Will the tattoo completely disappear?

Most of the time, yes. However, it is very important to know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide. Not knowing which tattoo ink, how deep or how much was used, makes it difficult to predict with 100% certainty.