Tattoo removal
Understand the process of tattoo removal, including how tattoos fade over time, factors that affect removal success, and when professional treatment may be necessary for effective results.
Laser tattoo removal
A tattoo is a popular choice that is often made when we’re young, or to symbolise something significant to us at a given time. But as we age, tattoos that were once a good idea can become something we’d now prefer not to live with. Laser tattoo removal is a very common procedure. However, not all tattoo removal lasers or clinics offer the same treatment options, and care should be taken when selecting a clinic.
How do tattoo removal lasers work?
Most tattoos can be largely removed using pigment lasers. These are lasers that target the pigment in the tattoo ink. The laser beam hits the pigment molecules and breaks the molecules apart. The particles of ink are then identified by the body as a foreign substance and removed through normal immune system function.
The choice of laser depends on the tattoo being removed. The Picosecond laser by Picosure is a commonly used tattoo removal laser, and is a good all-rounder, effective at treating most tattoos.
However, other lasers have been used for tattoo removal for some time and can be very effective for specific ink colours. Blue, black and red inks can be best treated with the Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser, and greens and aquas can be best treated with the Alexandrite laser.
The colour of your skin can also play a role in determining which laser is best for removing your tattoo.
How long will it take my tattoo to disappear?
It is our experience that predicting how many laser treatments it will take to remove a tattoo is not possible. Different colours fade at different rates, and different inks fade differently – tattoo ink is not regulated, and therefore the composition and density of the ink varies greatly.
Some patients experience almost immediate fading, while others may have to wait through a series of treatments.
We therefore suggest that, if removal is desirable for a particular event (such as a wedding), treatments be started as soon as possible.
How much does tattoo removal cost?
Because it is impossible to predict the number of sessions required to remove a tattoo (see the info above under “How long will it take my tattoo to disappear?” we cannot give an exact cost. Also, the size of the tattoo will affect the cost of each laser treatment session. Patient skin colour may also affect the power level that can be safely used, and lower power means more sessions are required.
We do offer a free consultation, where one of our specialist nurses can review your tattoo and skin type, and give you a per-session cost, and a guide to how many sessions may be required.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Individuals respond differently to the sensation of laser treatment. Depending on the size of the area being treated, and the previous experience of the patient with laser treatment, options for pain management include oral pain killers, skin numbing cream, ice packs and cold blown air and even local anaesthetic for very large areas. Our goal is to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.
Can you remove cosmetic tattoos?
Cosmetic tattoos, such as eyebrows, eyeliner, lip liner and other facial enhancements can be effectively removed with lasers, like other tattoos. This is a common request at our clinic, as cosmetic “looks” come in and out of style.
Corrective Treatments
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Our Practitioners
The doctors at Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic are highly trained medical professionals, with a caring and compassionate outlook, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results for our patients.
Dr. Terence Poon is the medical director of Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic. He is a dermatologist and laser specialist. He has trained extensively in Australia and internationally, in the laser-responsive cosmetic aspects of dermatology.
He undertook a fellowship with Dr Jim Walter, who pioneered the use of lasers in dermatology in Australia and who founded our clinic, which was the first full time laser dermatology clinic in Sydney.
Dr Marianne Nolan has been with the clinic for over two decades and is very experienced in all aspects of laser treatments and related cosmetic procedures. Her meticulous record of safety and competence has earned her a huge following of dedicated cosmetic skin care patients, who also enjoy warm, caring manner. She trained extensively with our founder, Dr James Walter, and has attended regular training programmes and conferences in Australia, Europe and the USA. Together with Dr Walter, she is co-developer of our bespoke rejuvenation treatments, the Walter Nolan Multi-Laser Procedures.
Dr Helena Torpinski has been with our clinic for nearly two decades. Her bright and lively manner continues to ensure she is popular with our patients. Helena works as a GP in Newtown when she is not at our clinic and this adds a great breadth of knowledge and understanding to her engagement with patients. She has expertise in all forms of laser and light-based treatments and has a commitment to ongoing education, training and regular conference attendance.
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