There are many types of lasers. Different lasers have different features, which make each one suitable for its specific purpose. The Q-Switched ND: Yag is the best wavelength for removing tattoos.

Here at Vanish Laser Clinic we have the Quanta System Q Plus Q-Switched ND:Yag laser, this means that we can successfully remove most colors of tattoos with the exception of yellow, which at the moment is the hardest of colors to completely remove.

Tattoos consist of ink particles that have been ingested by cells in the lower part of the skin. The laser beam is attracted to the ink particles in the skin. The absorption of the laser beam causes the ink particles to shatter and release the ink. The ink is dispersed into smaller fragments and is removed by the body’s natural defense mechanisms.

The laser penetrates the skin to a maximum depth of about 1-2 millimeter, so it cannot affect deeper tissues or internal organs with the exception of the eye, which can be readily injured. Special eye shields or goggles are used when the laser is in operation.

The colour of the skin is also important. Darkly pigmented, suntanned or artificially tanned skin is less suitable for laser therapy, as the laser light cannot pass through the layer of pigment to reach the cells containing the tattoo ink.

The colour of the skin is also important. Darkly pigmented, suntanned or artificially tanned skin is less suitable for laser therapy, as the laser light cannot pass through the layer of pigment to reach the cells containing the tattoo ink.

Both amateur and professional tattoos can be removed with our lasers. The difference is that professional tattoos require more treatments as they have a higher concentration of ink, which is deeper into the skin.

The laser traces over the tattoo causing the sensation of hot pricks or being flicked by a rubber band. This discomfort is minimal and usually well tolerated. The treated area is cooled before, during and after with cold air. Immediately post treatment the tattoo may appear red and swollen or there may be a whitening of the area.

Each person responds to treatment differently and in some cases blisters may also appear. Post-treatment it is important to keep the area clean by bathing area when washing and patting not rubbing dry. It is also important to not cause trauma to the treated area until any blistering or redness has subsided. In other words the post-treatment is similar to post tattoo.

Keep clean, pat dry, avoid sun and chlorine pools and apply antibiotic cream if recommended, please contact us immediately if you have any concerns at all post-treatment and we will recommend the appropriate action.

Scarring occurs in less than 1% of cases. Sometimes there may be scars that are not evident from the application of the original tattoo or previously tried tattoo removal methods. Generally the lasers do not break the skin, so provided the after care is followed accordingly you should not have any additional scarring.

Several treatments are usually required for removal of the tattoo. Intervals of 4-6 weeks between visits are recommended as this time is needed for the body to remove the ink. Once a number of treatments have been performed on the same area a longer period of time between sessions may be recommended.

For tattoo modification the amount of sessions is reduced. The tattoo needs only to be lightened or changed to suit the cover-up as planned. Each individual modification needs to be assessed and the laser operator will advise on how many sessions is reduced. Again it will also depend on factors such as density of ink and technique of application.

Some tattoos consist of a large amount of deeply penetrated ink which is unable to be reached by the laser beam. Therefore, not all tattoos may be removed by the laser. Scarring can occur in association with laser tattoo removal, however this is extremely rare. A change in the skin pigment can also occur. Hyper pigmentation (increased pigment) is transient but Hypo pigmentation (decreased pigment) can be permanent.