There are certain variables that will determine whether you are an ideal candidate for laser tattoo removal. During your initial consultation, we will thoroughly assess your medical history, skin type, and tattoo in order to accurately determine your suitability for laser tattoo removal.

You will generally be a good candidate for laser tattoo removal if you:

Are currently in good health:

The laser tattoo removal process is reliant on your lymphatic system to remove the ink particles following each laser treatment. Therefore, for the tattoo removal process to work well, your body must be working well. If your immune system is run down with a cold or flu, this will affect your lymphatic system and your healing process will be slower. As a result, your body will not process the ink particles as efficiently. We advise that you wait until you are feeling well before having your laser treatment.

Have no serious long term health issues:

Some health conditions, or the medications that you take to treat them, may not be conducive to laser tattoo removal. Some autoimmune conditions for example, require immuno-suppressant medications which suppress the effectiveness of your immune system and slow the ink removal process. It is imperative that you present an honest account of any health concerns that you have during your initial free consultation. In some cases, it may be that laser tattoo removal is not possible at all due to your condition. However, in many cases, it may just be that the process is slowed or needs to be timed or managed differently. We may also ask you to seek the opinion of your specialist, before considering your treatment options.

Are not currently pregnant or breast-feeding:

There has not been any research to prove or disprove, whether the tattoo ink in your bloodstream following laser treatment, crosses the foetal placental barrier. Therefore, it is impossible to know for sure, whether the ink particles could be of harm to mother or child. Our advice to pregnant and nursing mothers is to cease treatments, or postpone commencement of treatments, until the completion of breast-feeding.

Do not have a history of abnormal scarring:

Abnormal scarring occurs when the skin repairs itself aggressively and creates too much scar tissue. This can result in hypertrophic or keloid scars, which can impact on the tattoo removal process and leave a very visible mark on the skin afterwards. People who have had this type of scarring in the past can be at risk of developing it following a laser treatment. A history of abnormal scarring does not necessarily rule you out of laser treatments, but it does need to be considered along with other tattoo characteristics such as density, colour and location, and your desired outcome.

Do not have a history of strong allergic reaction to tattoo ink:

It is not unusual to hear of allergic reactions to some ink pigments, with red ink being the most common offender. This may present as swelling or a rash that is usually red, bumpy or itchy, and may appear from days to years after your tattoo was applied. Mild cases do not pose a threat to laser tattoo removal and can usually be treated with topical or oral antihistamines.

In more severe cases of allergic reactions to tattoo ink, such as small blisters or pustules that become irritated, ooze fluid, and extremely itchy, or anaphylaxis, laser tattoo removal may not be suitable.

Are not taking any medications that will increase your skin’s sensitivity to light:

Some medications may have the effect of increasing your skins photosensitivity to light, including both sunlight and laser therapies. There is a broad range of such medications with a broad range of effects, but the following are the most common that we encounter at La Belle Peau:

Antibiotics: Whilst some types of antibiotics and strengths create more photosensitivity than others, it is a good idea to simply avoid laser treatments until all antibiotics are completely out of your system (usually 2 weeks). Otherwise, there is an increased risk of post laser side effects such as blistering, increased tenderness and prolonged healing.

Retinols: Retinols stimulate skin cell turnover and promote the production of collagen. They are very common over-the-counter products that are topical in nature and primarily used on the face. If you are using a retinol on or near your tattoo, discontinue using it for 5 days before your laser treatment, and until your tattoo is fully healed post treatment.

Retinoids: These are the stronger, prescription-only version of Retinols discussed above. The most commonly known retinoid is Roaccutane or Accutane, which is used primarily to treat severe acne. These drugs greatly increase photosensitivity and have many other side effects on the skin such as dryness, cracking, eczema, fragility, and delayed wound healing. Under no circumstances can you undertake laser treatments whilst taking these drugs, or for at least 6 months afterwards.

Are not injured on the tattoo treatment site:

Laser treatments create a mild burn or wound on the tattoo site, which can take 2 weeks or more to fully heal. Therefore, in order to get the best possible result with the least possible side effects, please ensure that the skin on your treatment site is in good condition before your laser treatment. We will not treat your tattoo if it is burned (including sunburn), abrased, or generally in a poor condition.

Have a naturally light skin colour:

Lighter skin colours generally respond more quickly to laser tattoo removal treatments than darker skin. Darker skin contains more melanin, which is recognised by the laser as just another pigment to treat. In order to avoid impacting on the natural colour of the skin, we use more gentle settings for darker skin tones. Despite needing more treatments, it means that we can still remove tattoos from dark skin, without causing any pigmentation issues. The lighter your skin, the fewer treatments you will require.

Are not currently tanned (suntan or fake) on the tattoo treatment area:

Laser tattoo removal treatments are more effective when your skin is at its most pale. When you are tanned, the laser will be attracted to the heightened level of melanin in your skin (ie your tan), rather than the tattoo ink. There is also an increased risk of ongoing pigment changes in your skin post treatment, if you receive treatments when your skin is tanned.

Changes during treatment:

Many of the variables outlined above can change over the course of your laser tattoo removal journey. Even if you may not present as an ideal candidate, there may be options available to you, which we can incorporate into your treatment plan. Once you have started the tattoo removal process, it is imperative that you always notify us of any changes in these variables throughout the course of your treatment. This will ensure that we discuss any possible treatment plan changes that may be necessary, which will result in the best possible outcome, with the lowest possible risks for your tattoo removal journey.

What if I’m still not sure?

If you have other conditions or variables specific to you or your tattoo that are not mentioned in this guide, please contact us to discuss any queries you may have, or to arrange a consultation with one of our experts.

To estimate how many tattoo removal sessions you might need, we need to look at a few things. There are many variables we need to consider, such as your skin type, type of tattoo pigment, tattoo colour, tattoo layering, tattoo location, skin condition. These are just to name a few. Please click on this link to calculate the estimate number sessions you may require:

TATTOO REMOVAL SESSION CALCULATOR

It’s important to remember that certain colours take longer than others. For example, black ink is the easiest to eliminate. Whereas colours like red, brown, orange and yellow may require more sessions.

We currently do not offer removal of blue ink.

It’s advisable to wait at least 8-12 weeks between each treatment. This is to give the skin enough time to heal and the body enough time to eliminate as much ink as possible.

Everyone’s pain threshold is different. Some parts of the body can be more sensitive than others. Most of our clients describe it as uncomfortable but manageable.

There are a few pain management options available and this is all discussed in the initial consultation.

Yes, we treat cosmetic eyebrow tattoos, micro-blading and feathering and scalp micropigmentation. This process is very specialised and can be much more complex than standard tattoo removal. Most clients achieve their desired results with between 2 – 6 treatments, depending on the characteristics of the tattoos.

We do not treat other cosmetic tattoos such as eyeliner or lip-liner tattoos. The inks used in such tattoos often contain metallic bases, which react very unpredictably when treated with a laser. In many cases, these inks will actually darken and spread under laser application and may end up looking much worse than the original tattoo.

A test patch is to be conducted at the consultation and your removal will be done 2-3 weeks following this.

We will provide you with a details post-care information sheet that will outline the following:

• Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to encourage drainage of ink to the lymphatic system.

• Ice packs can be applied regularly - 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to reduce swelling and discomfort.

• If lower parts of the body are treated elevate the area where possible to reduce swelling ad discomfort.

• Avoid heat inducing and strenuous activities for 72 hours.

• Care should be taken not to apply any pressure or stretching on the treated area.

• Avoid direct sunlight and wear a broad spectrum SPF 50+ (UVA/UVB) daily and avoid unprotected UV (sun) exposure.

• Avoid chlorinated water and any water activities that involve the treated area being submerge under water for a period of time. This includes baths, pools, hot tubs and swimming activities for 72 hours.

• Care should be taken when having showers. Cleaning the skin gently with tepid water and non-soap gentle cleanser.

• Until re-epithelialisation, maintain moist wound healing with Stratacel wound healing gel

• Do not be alarmed by scabbing or blistering. These are very common side effects and are signs that your body is working to remove the ink from your skin.

• Blisters can erupt anytime from 8 to 72 hours after laser treatment. Don’t touch them but do keep applying the barrier cream or antibiotic ointment if prescribed.

• Do not pick or pull at any areas that have blistered or scabbed as this may increase infection resulting in a scar.

• After re-epithelialisation, silicon patches may be used to prevent scar formation in predisposed patients.

So, we can safely and effectively perform the laser treatment please adhere to the following pre-treatment instructions:

• No unprotected UV exposure 4 weeks prior to treatment

• No fake tan applied within 3 weeks of treatment. This Includes gradual tan and tanning moisturisers

• Tattoo cannot be less than 6 months old.

Please advise us of the following prior to laser treatment:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding as laser tattoo removal is NOT suitable.

• Antibiotics or change in medication 4 weeks prior to treatment, including photosensitising medication (certain antibiotics, antidepressants & medication for ADHD can be photosensitive)

  • Isotretinoin use with in the past 12 months

  • Fillers in the treatment area in the past 6 weeks

  • Wrinkle relaxers in the treatment area in the past 2 weeks

  • Active infections or open lesions in the area to be treated

  • Active cold sores, open lacerations or abrasions in the area to be treated

  • Chronic or cutaneous viral, fungal, or bacterial diseases in the area to be treated