Laser tattoo removal & modification

Since 1993 Melbourne dermatology clinic Laser Dermatology has provided Melbourne's only specialist tattoo removal service. Thousands of people have benefitted from tattoo removal treatment with the Q-Switched YAG laser and are happily rid of their tattoos. Laser Dermatology now offers the newest Medlite C6™ tattoo removal laser as well as the Wavelength Sinon™ Ruby and Cynosure HT10™ Alexandrite tattoo removal lasers to address those colours of tattoo ink which are more difficult to remove. These lasers are also used for removal of cosmetic tattooing (eyebrows, eyeliner, lip liner) and traumatic tattooing following injury.

These pigment specific tattoo removal lasers fade or remove tattoo ink with the energy of light. The laser removes the ink by using a specific colour of light that passes through normal skin and is absorbed by the tattoo ink without damaging surrounding tissue. Rapid absorption of laser light energy causes the tattoo pigment to break into smaller granules so it can be removed by the body's natural filtering systems.

There is no safe method of removing a tattoo in one treatment. All single treatment methods such as infrared coagulation, surgical excision, dermabrasion and acid de-tattooing will damage the skin and leave a scar. The laser light pulses produced by the tattoo removal lasers feel similar to being flicked by a rubber band. Most people do not require anaesthesia, but local anaestheic is available for those who find laser tattoo removal treatment uncomfortable.

The number of laser tattoo removal treatments will depend on the amount, colour and type of tattoo ink, the depth of tattoo ink into the skin and the method of tattoo application. Professional tattoos may require ten or more laser treatments, while self-applied tattoos may fade after four laser tattoo removal treatments. Tattoo removal treatments are conducted at six weekly intervals.

Yes. Dark blue, black and red tattoo inks usually respond very well to the Q-Switched YAG tattoo removal laser. Green, aqua and yellow inks have been the most difficult tattoo colours to remove but may now respond to the Q-Switched Alexandrite laser or Q-Switched Ruby tattoo removal lasers. In many cases, greater than 95% fading of the tattoo may be achieved with laser tattoo removal treatment. However, it is very important to know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide today. Not knowing which tattoo ink, how deep or how much was used, makes it impossible to predict the extent of laser removal treatment in any given tattoo.

The vast majority of patients treated by laser tattoo removal have not developed any scarring. It is, however, impossible to guarantee that no scarring will occur given the enormous differences between individuals. Some people may experience minor textural change on areas treated by tattoo removal lasers. If you have any evidence that your healing capacity makes you especially prone to bad scarring, please bring this to our attention so a test laser treatment can be carried out on your tattoo.

There may be some pinpoint bleeding with scab or blister formation. An antibiotic dressing must be applied daily until the area is healed. You may bathe normally but we do suggest you minimise vigorous activity for a few days to optimise healing after your laser tattoo removal treatment.

Once you have decided on laser tattoo removal treatment, remember the most important things about our clinic - the expertise of the laser operators and our "state of the art" laser tattoo removal equipment. All our laser therapists are registered nurses who are trained by our resident dermatologist. You may be aware that many "laser" and "IPL" centres are offering tattoo removal, amongst other treatments. Unfortunately, no matter how good the equipment, it will only be as good as its operator. Scarring and changes to skin pigment can result from improperly applied light treatments for tattoo removal treatments.