The Nd: Yag Laser is aimed at the ink particles under the skin which in turn breaks the ink down into smaller particles. The body then absorbs and flushes these particles out through the lymphatic system.
The sensation of the Nd; Yag laser tattoo removal is often described as a small rubber band being snapped onto the skin. Most clients tolerate this sensation well and the discomfort goes away directly after the treatment.
This varies due to the different sizes of tattoos. Treatments can take from between 20 minutes to 1 hour. We can best determine this in your initial consultation.
Some pigments will not respond to treatment, especially modern, pastel, white or ultra-vivid pigments may respond by turning brown or black. These residues then may, or may not respond to further treatment.
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Semi- permanent or micro pigmentation pigments may be particularly difficult as they are often blends of earth toned pigments, often containing iron-oxide compounds which commonly turn black on exposure to light. It’s essential that you have a clear idea of the worst case predicted outcome. Which if acceptable to you, will be the basis of the agreement to treat.
If the worst case scenario is not acceptable, you should be wary of continuing because you are unlikely to be happy with outcome
Due to the depth of treatment required to remove tattoo inks, the treatment is generally considered to be painful, although this will vary from person to person due to different tolerances to pain. Stinging or burning sensation will be noticed during the procedure, and the area treated may feel hot for some time after the treatment.
During the treatment, most patients will experience small white dots which appear on the skin for several minutes after each firing of the laser, this is only water vaporized by the heated tattoo pigment and fades within a few minutes. After the treatment, minor bleeding may occur, with skin redness, swelling and oozing, plus blistering appearing over the treated area.
The treated area may also feel very tender to the touch. This will fade for few days, once blistering, crusting or scabs have resolved, the area of skin over the tattoo will look shiny for a number of weeks. It’s vital that the skin is well looked after immediately after the treatment. The treatment site should be considered as a minor burn and should not be picked at and blisters should not be appear. There is a risk of infection if the area is not properly looked after, once the skin has returned to normal, generally after 5-6 weeks, then repeat the treatment can be performed.
It’s very important that you follow the advice of your practitioner carefully after any treatment for tattoo removal to help make the procedure as successful as possible and to reduce the risk of complications.
The treated area needs to be clean and dry while it is healing. Clean with steril water and pat the area dry. Blistering is common and is likely to occur, blisters heal very well and are part of normal healing.
You may apply cool compresses or aloe vera gel as necessary for 24 hours after the treatment to help reduce discomfort and inflammation. For pain use paracetamol, but avoid aspirin as it can cause bleeding and bruising.
Not picking at any scabs or bruising that appears on the skin of the treated area, as this can increase the potential for scarring;
Not scrubbing the area when showering or bathing;
Not exposing the are treated to the sun without a sun cream for at least 4 weeks to reduce the risk of disturbing pigmentation in that area. High factor sun cream should be used daily to protect the skin.
