Tattoo ink particles are too large for the body’s immune system to remove naturally because when a tattoo is injected into the lower layers of the skin (dermis) it becomes locked away by a wall of collagen fibres. Q-switched lasers produce very short bursts of high energy laser light. The light is absorbed by the large ink particles, generating heat that shatters the tattoo pigment into minute particles which the body is then able to remove. Because the tattoo ink selectively absorbs the laser energy, the surrounding skin doesn’t overheat and there is no lasting damage.

Patch Testing Requirement’s

• I will require you to have a patch test at least 1 weeks before your appointment. This will involve a detailed skin analysis, a in-depth medical report and a patch testing on all different colours of ink your tattoo might display. One week + later I can analyse your skin and see if your suitable to have this advanced treatment done. (not everyone is).

• Your patch test must have been completed within the previous year or we will need to repeat it. If you have had a laser treatment within the last year then we will not need to repeat a patch test as the laser treatment will have been in contact with your skin and will be sufficient at monitoring for a reaction.

• If you have any changes in your medical condition, started new treatments or are pregnant then we will need to repeat a patch test or stop treatment regardless of the time since your last laser treatment. This is because your body changes and could react to the laser differently.

Health Requirement’s

– Certain health problems and medication will prevent or restrict the treatment. If you are suffering with something that isn’t on this heath requirement list including any medication then please check with your G.P before making an appointment.

• You need to be 18 or over to have this treatment.

• If you are or have become pregnant before or during treatments we must immediately stop. 

• If you are breast feeding.
• If you are receiving or have received gold treatment. 
• If you have lupus.
• If you have liver disease such as Hepatitis A, B, C.
• If you have type 1 diabetes.
• If you have taking medication which is known to increase sensitivity to sunlight.
• If you have hypersensitivity to light in the near infrared wavelength region.
• If you have seizure disorders triggered by light.
• If you are known to have a history of healing problems or a history of keloid formation.
• If you have a history of skin cancer or suspicious lesions.
• If you are on medications that alter the wound-healing response may interfere with post-treatment healing and may require special precautions to be taken.
• Anticoagulants may cause excessive bleeding and interfere with post-treatment healing.
• If you have HIV.
• If you are on any blood thinning medication.

• Epilepsy. (will need a doctors note)

• Transplant Anti-Rejection Drugs. (will need a doctors note)

• Thyroid Disease. (will need a doctors note)

• Heart Disease. (will need a doctors note)

• Hypertension – high blood pressure treated with medication. (will need a doctors note)

• Cancer – after 12 months (will need a doctors note)

• Viruses such as the flu, colds, cold sores, warts.

• Bacterial infections such as impetigo, boils.

• Fungal infections such as ringworm, blepharitis.

• If you have severe eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis, open wounds/cuts or abrasions. (Some of these are able to be worked around)

• If you have used sunbeds or been in direct sunlight with in the last 30 days or you are sunburnt.

• If you have used of tanning products within four weeks of treatment, such as creams, lotions and sprays. (these may interfere with the laser treatment)

• If you have had any waxing on the area with in 1 – 2 weeks of your appointment.

• If you have had chemical peels, micro-dermabrasion or any resurfacing treatments with in 3 months of your appointment.

• If you have been using Retain A, Renova with in the last 3 months. Or have had Isotretinoin (Accutane) or any prescription skin products with in the past 6 months.

• If you have had a light based treatments like Laser or IPL etc.. with in the last 6 weeks to the area being treated.

• If you have had Botox or other injectable procedures with in the past week to the area being treated.

• The use of Retin-A or other retinol products with in the last 48 hours to the area being treated.

• Recent operations or scar tissue. (can be worked around)

• Moles, Skin Tags and Varicose Veins (this can be worked around)

• Highley sensitized / irritated skin or compromised skin barriers.

• Certain allergies (this can be worked around)

• Have you ever experienced claustrophobia (this can be worked around)

• Have a history of fainting. (this can be worked around)

Anything that can be worked around must be mentioned during the making of your appointment. If you are at all unsure of anything then please check with your G.P before making an appointment.

Pre Care

• If you have a history of herpes or cold sores you may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment if treating in the area that breakouts occur.
• No sun-tanning or self-tanning products for 4 weeks prior to treatment Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc.

• Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, etc.)

• Eat a sugary snack 30 minutes before and be sure to have drunken plenty of water. 

• Notify me if you have any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment.

After Care – broken up in to sections

Application of aftercare

• Step One: Apply THIN layers of Aloe Vera Gel for 3 weeks at least 3 times a day with clean hands.
• Step Two: Apply Bio Oil for for the next 3 weeks or up until your next appointment, at least 3 days a day.
• Breathable sterile dressings can be apply to protect the area from dirt, sweat and other types of debris and to prevent scabs from getting court and pulled off. Be sure to change your dressing regularly with clean sterile hands and ensure the area has also had time each day with out the dressing on.

Things to Avoid 

• Avoid steam rooms, saunas, chlorine pools and intensive exercise for one week +.
• Under no circumstances should you “pick” at blisters or scabs. These should be allowed to heal and flake away naturally. (This will prevent scaring)
• Avoid exposing the treated area from strong sunlight for 30 days or to use a sun protective cream (at least SP30) (This prevents over treating the skin’s natural melanin)

• Try to keep the area clean and dry but avoid very hot baths and showers. Use warm water and pat dry – do not rub with towel.

• If slight discoloured (honey coloured) oozing of the treated area then I recommend applying antiseptic cream. If after 2-3 days there is still honey coloured pus then you must visit your G.P for antibiotic treatment.

• If you become pregnant or change medication you must immediately tell me before continuing with new treatments. 

• A nice warm welcome and a full consultation form to be filled out followed by a patch test of each colour your tattoo displays.
• To return back in 4 – 6 weeks for a skin examination and hopefully your first treatment.

• A clean and sanitises shop with fully sanitise hands, machinery and instruments. For me to wear a mask, apron and single use medical grade disposable gloves when needed to.

• personal privacy to get undressed and dressed if needed to.

• To get you comfortably on the cosmetic bed or chair to start our treatment.

• Photos of your tattoo to be taken before, during and after treatment. This is always shared with you for us to track your removal process.

• A quick cleanse using antibacterial wipes.

• To proceed with the laser process allowing time to stop and start and to continue on your pace.

• Regular check in’s by me to see how your sensitivity and comfortability is doing and a stress ball to be available to use during the process.

• During the lasering process you will feel slight heat or elastic band being flick against your skin sensation.
• Your skin will possible swell, itch and have some pin point bleeding.
• After the treatment is done a full application of Aloe Vera gel will be applied followed by a breathable sterile dressing if needed. 
• Once we have finished we can move to reception area and discuss aftercare, payment and your follow up appointment – if you wish to re-book.

• If this is your first laser treatment you will receive a text message or phone call 3 days and 3 week later to see how your skin is getting on.

• After your laser treatment your skin will feel sensitive to touch. This will last for around 1 – 7 days.
• Your skin could possible bruise and blister.
• Your skin will start scabbing and feeling itchy for around 1 – 14 days.
• After around 14 – 21 days your skin will start to heal and appear possible white and shinny. (this is normally gone by the time of your next appointment)  

• Apply numbing creams before your treatment to reduce the discomfort, especially with large tattoo’s. My favourite numbing cream is T.K.T.X – Green 40%.
• A cold compress will help reduce any swelling and take the “sting” out of the treated area.
• The more you apply your aftercare creams the better the outcome.
• Drink plenty of water, this will help the body remove the ink.
• Start to rub the aftercare creams in with pressure, this will help break down the ink. (only when the skin has stop scabbing)
• If you struggle to tolerate the sensation then apply numbing creams.
• Always plan your remove day around your lifestyle, if your a active person get your gym/work stuff down before your appointment or clients that want to relax after their treatment then plan for a weekend or a time frame when your off etc..