Do you have tattoo regret? You're not alone, it's one of the reasons I started lasering!
Sometimes we get a tattoo on a whim, for a laugh, drunk on holiday, or sometime because someone or something meant something to us a certain point in life. After the reality and the ink has sunk in, you often realise that it's not what you wanted, you actually didn't want a tattoo or you wanted something different? Well despite what people may tell you, it's NOT PERMANENT, and you can choose to remove it!!
Laser tattoo removal is the gold standard for removing ink permanently, and most importantly, safely! Forget those adverts telling you to use saline solution will pull the ink out and remember that a cover up does just that, covers it up! And usually you don't get what you want with that either!
Studies show that an average of 78% of people regret at least one of their tattoos but only 11% actually take action and have them removed, do you want to be part of the majority that complain, or the special few that do something about it? Imagine life no longer having to look at that tattoo of your ex-partner's name, that Cheryl Cole tattoo, that trampstamp at the bottom of you back that you picked off a wall in the 2000's?
Laser works by using short pulses of light which is then absorbed by the ink particles, smashing them up into smaller pieces which your bloodstream can then removed from your body - amazing isn't it?
Now you've told me how it works, how many sessions will I need?
Ahh the most common question of all, in short, the answer is, how long is a piece of string? There's so many factors that affect how quickly your body will remove the ink including the type of ink used, the depth, location of tattoo, age of tattoo, scarring, skin type, your immune system, if you smoke - I could go on and on!
My 4 years of experience gives me the ability to make more of an educated guestimate around 2 to 3 sessions into your treatment but this is not an exact science and I make sure that everyone that works with me has realistic expectations from the get go. Sessions are spaced at least every 6 weeks, but it's still effective to leave longer between sessions as the body will carry on slowly pushing the ink out, some of my clients go for 8-10 weeks or come every 3/4 months.
Does your laser remove coloured ink?
It can indeed! With the exception of greens and blues (although these can sometimes be faded significantly so it's worth still having a consultation with me) I have 2 laser tips, one of which works on dark and black inks, the other on red/orange/brown/purple inks.
Can anyone have laser?
Unfortunately not! You will not be suitable for laser treatment if you have any of the following:- Hypersensitivity to light, taking medication which is known to increase sensitivity to sunlight, seizure disorders triggered by light, type 1 diabetes, oral isotretinoin or roacuttane in the last 6 months, localised or systemic infection, open wound in area being treated, significant systemic illness or an illness localized in area being treated, lupus, common acquired nevi that are predisposed to the development of malignant melanoma, herpes simplex in the area being treated, receiving or have received gold treatment or if you are pregnant. Skin types 5 and 6 don't tolerate laser well as it can damage the pigment due to laser loving pigment.
Precaution needs to be taken if you have sun exposure within four weeks of treatment, including the use of tanning beds. Sun exposure is the most common reason for treatment refusal.Use of tanning products within four weeks of treatment, such as creams, lotions and sprays; these may interfere with the laser treatment. We can treat patients with type 2 diabetes whose condition is well managed. In some cases we may need a doctors note. Anticoagulants may cause excessive bleeding and interfere with post-treatment healing. Medications that alter the wound-healing response may interfere with post-treatment healing and may require special precautions. If patient is known to have a history of healing problems or a history of keloid formation. If there is a history of skin cancer or suspicious lesions, laser must be discussed with myself and potentially your GP/consultant before proceeding. Chemical depilation or mechanical epilation within the last six weeks may interfere with the post-treatment healing process.
So, I hear laser is expensive, how much will it cost?
Laser can be expensive however I am committed to offering laser at more affordable prices without compromising on quality, in fact you often get more time, care and attention from me than from the medical high-end clinics! Most clinics price by inches squared but I don't price like that because 2 tattoos the same length could have significantly different density of ink ( for example a large block of black ink as opposed to line work initials). So to give you the best value, I price tattoos individually via a picture and by consultation.
Patch test sessions are £20 which if you continue to the full treatment, will be taken off the full quoted price.
Prices start from £35 per session and I'm about to launch my package deals meaning if you buy 5 treatments, you get one for free
I'm also going to be offering payment plans via standing order and direct debit to make your life easier!
Pop over to the 'Contact Us' page to tell me all about your tattoo nightmares and let's get you on your way to seeing the back of your tattoo regret!
I've included some of my favourite pictures for you below at different stages of removal but don't forget to pop over to my Instagram and Facebook pages to keep up to date with the latest!
