Laser Tattoo Removal

How Laser Tattoo Removal works

Our medical-grade laser machine works by producing short pulses of intense light that target the tattoo. These pulses pass straight through to the pigment, leaving the top layers of skin unharmed. When the light is absorbed, the ink molecules are broken down, allowing them to fragment into small particles and be absorbed into the bloodstream. The body then safely and naturally flushes these out of your system, causing the ink to disappear.

What does treatment involve?

Treatment varies from client to client depending on the age, size and type of tattoo, colour of the patient’s skin and depth to which the tattoo or pigment extends beneath the skin’s surface. In general, these steps will take place:

• The client is asked to wear eye protection 

• The skin’s reaction to the laser is tested during the fi
rst visit to determine the most effective treatment. 

• The laser handpiece is placed against the surface of 
the skin and activating the laser. 

• As many patients describe it, each pulse feels like the 
snapping of a rubber band against the skin. 

• Smaller tattoos or lesions will require fewer pulses, while larger ones will require more. All tattoos will 
require repeat treatment. 
The degree of discomfort varies with each person. Depending on your preference and location of the tattoo or lesion, some form of anaesthetic may be used. 


How many treatments will I need?

Most of our clients undertake an average of six to twelve treatments to achieve optimal results.

While some lightening may be apparent after only several sessions, more treatments are recommended to reach 80% removal of the unwanted tattoo.

FACTORS that contribute to how many treatments are required and if they will be effective include:

Size of the tattoo. The bigger the tattoo, the more sessions are required to remove it.

Black or coloured ink. Colour will generally require more treatments than black ink.

Location on the body. The closer the tattoo is to your heart, the more blood flow, the quicker it will be to remove. Hands, lower legs and feet do require more treatments.

Professional or Amateur tattoo application. Professional tattoos tend to inject ink deeper into the skin, which require more treatments to reach the depth and remove ink.

Quality, depth and amount of ink used.

Age. Tattoos older than 5 years will require fewer treatments than newer tattoos.

Skin Tone. Clients with lighter skin will respond more efficiently than darker skin. This is because the laser is more effective when there is more of a contrast in shades between the tattoo ink and the tone of the skin.

Immune Response. How efficiently your body removes and flushes the broken ink particles after each treatment may be one of the most important variables.

Scar Tissue. Clients who have been treated elsewhere and have been left with irreversible scar tissue over their tattoo will require more treatments to penetrate the barrier to each the ink pigment.

Post Treatment Care. Proper post treatment care will ensure the healing process is as efficient as it can be.

We will be able to estimate the number of laser tattoo removal treatments you require during our free initial consultation, as well as the cost for your specific case.

Click the Book Online button below for a Free consultation.

Why won’t creams or lotions work?

The ink in a tattoo is injected into the second layer of your skin, where it cannot easily be penetrated. This means that creams claiming to remove the tattoo are not strong enough to remove the ink. Our laser removal method is the only effective way to break down ink and minimise the appearance of tattoos.

Can all tattoos be removed?

While the majority of tattoos can be successfully removed or appearance lessened, there are a small percent that may not respond to lasers.

Black is the easiest, dark and red inks will lighten the best.

Blue, green and yellow are the most difficult to remove.

We can advise you on your suitability and determine if your tattoo is eligible for removal during our initial consultation.

How often can I have a treatment?

Treatments may be performed approximately 6 to 8 weeks apart, giving the area sufficient time to heal between sessions. This minimises the chances of scarring and other complications.

Does it hurt?

Medical-grade Q-Switched laser treatments can cause slight discomfort, it is a similar sensation to a rubber band snapping on your skin. On the plus side, treatments are very quick, typically 5 minutes or less for small tattoo, and ranging from 15-20 minutes for larger tattoo. If you can handle getting tattooed, you will be able to manage the discomfort of tattoo removal. At GROOM , we care about providing the utmost comfort, which is why we offer an efficient numbing cream that helps to reduce the sensation.

Are there any side effects of Laser Tattoo Removal?

The Medlite C6 technology significantly reduce the potential for scarring or changes in skin texture compared to older treatment options.

Swelling, redness and a sensation similar to sunburn is a normal reaction and can remain swollen and tender for a while and may form small blisters that shouldn't remain for too long. As it heals, it will dry up and may become itchy, moisturising with a Post Laser Gel will help the healing process.

You will notice some lightening (frosting) straight away after treatment which will become more prominent as the body starts to metabolise the broken up pigment which will continue over the weeks between sessions.

Some may develop blisters or scabs within 8 to 72 hours, which may last for 7 to 10 days. This is a normal progression as your immune system works to eliminate the tattoo dyes from your body.

Some clients may also experience a temporary lightening or darkening of the skin for a few months following treatment. The skin will typically resolve to normal pigmentation colour.

It is important to follow the post treatment care recommendations.

Can the area be re-tattooed?

Absolutely, once the treated area has fully healed, it’s perfectly fine for the skin to be re-tattooed.

PRE-TREATMENT:

During your consultation, your laser technician will advise how to prepare for your Laser Tattoo Removal Session.

It is important to understand and follow a few recommendations before your Laser Tattoo Removal session to ensure your skin responds well to the laser and to get the best results possible!

AVOID sun and keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight. Regularly apply SPF 30+ to the area up to 4 weeks prior.

REDUCE/STOP smoking up to 4 weeks prior.

AVOID waxing and/or use of chemical depilatories to the area up to 2 weeks prior.

SHAVE the area 24 hours prior to treatment.

WEAR loose fitting clothing to prevent rubbing or irritation after treatment.

APPLY the topical anaesthetic at least 1 hour before treatment.

POST-TREATMENT:

First 24-48 hours

APPLY cold compress to treated area and elevate to reduce discomfort and inflammation. Continue wearing clean dressing.

NO physical activities, sauna, hot showers.

AVOID applying makeup, creams or medications on or near treated areas.

After 48 hours

APPLY Post Laser Gel to treated area. Change dressing daily & keep area clean.

NO physical exercise, heavy activities for at least 2-5 days after treatment.

1-2 weeks

KEEP treated area clean & dry while's it's healing.Regularly apply Post Laser Gel & SPF to treated area.

NO direct sun exposure, hot tubs, pool water, salt water & high pressure water until treated area has healed.

Side Effects

Blisters: Don't pop or pick. Continue to apply Post Laser Gel.

Scabs: Don't pick, peel or remove- this may result in scarring & infection. Let scabbing fall off naturally.

Itchy: Don't itch. Apply Post Laser Gel & cold compress to ease sensation.

STAYING HEALTHY

To get the best results from your tattoo removal, your immune system must be optimised and working efficiently. It’s how your body provides resistance to infection and toxins and involves several organs and processes. Your lymphs play the biggest role when it comes to laser tattoo removal. The lymphatic system sends white blood cells to attack the ink pigments which have been broken down by the laser and carries them away to be processed out of the body.

There’s lots we can’t control about laser tattoo removal - our genetics, the type of ink in the tattoo and the techniques used by the tattoo artist. But we can control lifestyle factors. Here’s what you can do to help make sure your immune system is in the best shape possible.

Every tattoo is unique, and so is every journey and so the number of treatments reflects this and the pricing will vary accordingly. Our laser technicians will prepare a customised package based on your consultation and individual tattoo.

BOOK Online below for your consultation now.

A community led project to give those that need it, a SECOND CHANCE.

For some, there are certain tattoos that no longer represent the person they are today. They may have tattoos that are triggering or that take away confidence instead of inspiring it. We want to give those people a SECOND CHANCE. From removing gang and hate symbols, reminders of radiotherapy, or even a relationship that belongs in the past, we want to help.

To nominate yourself or someone else you think deserves a fresh start, simply email hello@groomclinic.co.nz