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TATTOO REMOVAL
A tattoo is a form of body modification made by inserting tattoo ink, dyes, and/or pigments, either indelible or temporary, into the dermis layer of the skin to form a design.
Aftercare: Following your laser tattoo treatment in order to achieve the best healing results, avoid soaking the treated area for extended periods for first 24-48 hours. Use UV protection with a minimum of 30spf to reduce sun exposure. Vitamin E and medicinal ointments like Polysporin can be applied to the area following treatment. Avoid scratching the area as it heals.
PERMANENT MAKEUP REMOVAL
Permanent makeup, also known as permanent cosmetics, derma-pigmentation, micro-pigmentation, and cosmetic tattooing, is a cosmetic technique which employs tattoos (permanent pigmentation of the dermis) as a means of producing designs that resemble makeup, such as eyebrows, eyeliner and freckles.
Aftercare: Similar to tattoo removal, to achieve the best healing results, avoid soaking the treated area for extended periods for first 24-48 hours. Use UV protection with a minimum of 30spf to reduce sun exposure. Vitamin E and medicinal ointments like Polysporin can be applied to the area following treatment. Avoid scratching the area as it heals.
CARBON LASER FACIAL
Aftercare: Use sunscreen regularly with at least SPF 30+ for several days after treatment. Don’t use any products containing retinol for at least five days after treatment. Your skin may be sensitive and fragile after a carbon laser facial treatment, and using harsh exfoliating products can irritate your skin and cause damage. Avoid using scrubs, peels, or other exfoliating products for at least 48-72 hours after the treatment.
BEFORE LASER SERVICES
Before your treatment: No sun-tanning or self-tanners 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.) Notify clinic with any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment. For facial services, please arrive makeup free.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
A contraindication is a specific situation in which a medicine or procedure should not be used because it may be harmful to the person.
Unfortunately, not all treatments are for everyone. Please check our contraindications list to make sure you avoid disappointment.
Conditions that would mean you were not able to have this treatment:
Conditions affecting your Immune System
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) an autoimmune disease often referred to simply as “Lupus”.
Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis especially if treated with “Gold Injections” or Methotrexate
Any other known auto-immune disorder
Any other disease affecting your immune function e.g. following removal of your Spleen
Liver disease such as Hepatitis A, B, C
HIV
Bleeding Abnormalities
Haemophilia, Von Willibrands Disease, Thrombocytopenia
Blood Thinning Medication
Anticoagulants such as Warfarin, Heparin, Clexane Or Dabigatron
High doses of Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac (NB Prophylactic slow release Aspirin at 75 mg day or less is acceptable)
Skin Conditions
Prone to Keloid or very thick scarring
Vitiligo or any other skin pigmentation problem
Psoriasis or eczema (on treatment area)
Cancer treatment
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Cancer
Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy for Cancer, Leukaemia, Myeloma or Lymphoma
Other Conditions
Currently Pregnant
Breast Feeding
Acute or Chronic Kidney Disease
Type 1 Diabetes & type 2 when on medication
Implants / Metal Plates/ or Pacemakers
Conditions that need a doctor’s letter to confirm the treatment is suitable before treatments can begin:
Epilepsy
Transplant Anti-Rejection Drugs
Thyroid Disease
Heart Disease
Hypertension (High blood pressure treated with medication)
Cancer – after 12 months
The list below is of things that require a waiting period until you can start treatments:
Active Herpes simplex (Cold Sores) – wait 2 weeks until its healed and use antiviral medication a few days before and continue a week after treatment
Acute fungal infections – Wait until the condition has cleared until having your treatment
UV exposure from sunbathing or sunbeds – wait 4 weeks before your starting your treatment and please note you cannot sunbath or go on a sunbed during your course of treatment
Chemical Peel, Microdermabrasion or Radio Frequency – wait 4 weeks before starting treatments and do not have in the area during your treatment course.
Medical Chemical Peels, Dermabrasion, Laser Skin Resurfacing or Face Lift at site of treatment – wait 6 months before starting treatments and do not have in the area during your treatment course.
Drugs & Herbal Remedies
Fever Few or St John’s Wort – both of these herbs are photosensitising
Recommend that the client stops taking the preparation and waits 4 weeks for the herb to be completely cleared from their system before treatment – otherwise client skin may be burned.
Over the counter pain relief e.g. non-steroidal
Antiinflammatory/pain relief drugs such as Ibuprofen and/or Aspirin these must be allowed to clear from a client’s system before any treatment – suggest a delay of one – two weeks before treatment begins.
Prescribed a drug for a short term (course of less than six weeks) by their GP/Hospital
The course should be finished and wait at least a further six weeks for any drug to be completely excreted from their system before having treatment. (Notable drugs that can cause problems during laser and or IPL use are Tetracycline antibiotics and steroids)
Prescribed a long term drug (a course lasting longer than 6 weeks) by their GP/Hospital
The client should be referred back to the prescribing doctor for a letter of authorisation for the treatment to go ahead. Notable long term drugs that can cause problems are Ro-Acutane used in Acne treatments (specifically listed on Medical History form), Minocin which is an antibiotic (frequently used in long term Acne therapy) and Amioderone a drug used in Cardiology.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT LASER TATTOO REMOVAL
Tattoos are personal statements of creativity and expression. But we’re all human, and we’re all allowed to change our minds… sometimes people outgrow a tattoo that was meaningful in the past, or simply get tired of it, or are not happy with the quality. Whatever the reason, Laser Tattoo Removal is now faster and more effective than ever.
The two outer layers of skin are called the ‘dermis’ and the ‘epidermis’. The epidermis is the outer layer, and protects the layers underneath from the elements.
Tattoos are designed to be permanent, and they are therefore applied to the dermis – the inner layer.
However there are factors that influence its effectiveness – we’re going to run through some with you here.
1. Skin tone
Skin tone affects the time it takes for the process to work. The reason for this is that a higher wavelength is required on darker skin. A lower frequency wavelength is more effective for tattoo removal, but could cause scarring or hyper/hypo pigmentation (darkening or lightening of the skin), so is therefore avoided for people with darker skin tones. This doesn’t mean that the treatment won’t work – it may simply take longer to be done safely. If you have questions about this, come and talk to us. We offer free consultations, and unbiased advice – our clinicians always prioritize safety so will be able to steer you in the right direction, even if that is to avoid treatment.
Darker skin tones may require more Laser Tattoo Removal sessions, as they require a higher wavelength to prevent the risk of scarring.
2. Ink type and quality
Tattoos don’t just vary by design – they also vary in the type and composition of ink used, with artists using a variety of compounds to create pigments. This doesn’t just apply to colours, but also to the ink type and quality. Some compounds that are found in certain inks, such as beryllium, are difficult to remove via Laser treatment.
3. Skill of tattoo artist
Depending on the technique of the tattoo artist, some tattoos will leave more scar tissue than others, even if it is not visible. Tattoos are harder to remove from areas that have scarred.
4. Location of tattoo
The location on the body can affect the speed of the Laser Tattoo Removal process. Areas of the body with a large blood and lymph node count, such as the face, neck, upper and lower back, are easiest to treat. Arms and legs also work well – however as you move towards the extremities, such as the hands and feet, tattoos are slower to remove.
5. Size of tattoo
The larger and denser the Tattoo, the more Laser Tattoo Removal sessions you will require. For example, a small wrist tattoo will be quicker and easier to remove than a full sleeve. The treatment itself is very quick – the laser works instantaneously on the ink – but the larger the tattoo, the longer each session, and the more that will likely be needed.
6. Age of tattoo
As tattoos age, then ‘sink’ more deeply into the skin, which is why some appear slightly faded over time. In general, the older the tattoo, the quicker it will be to remove.
7. Ink colour
Contrary to what you might expect, black ink is typically the easiest to remove. Some coloured inks, particularly reds and greens can take longer in comparison.
8. Depth of ink
This is again related to the skill of the tattoo artist. Professional tattoo artists tend to use more ink, and penetrate a little deeper into the dermis than amateur artists. The deeper the ink is embedded into the skin, the longer it will take to remove.
9. Immune system
Healthy practices such as a balanced diet & exercise, avoidance of smoking & excess alcohol, and management of sleep and stress all contribute to a strong immune system which will make the process as efficient as possible.
10 . Smoking
Research suggests that smoking can reduce the effectiveness of Laser Tattoo Removal. Smoking can compromise results, and suppress the immune system, and is best avoided if possible.
11. Sun exposure
Laser Tattoo Removal cannot safely be undertaken on sun burnt skin, and for safety, during your treatment, we recommend avoiding sun exposure as much as possible. Where it’s unavoidable, we recommend using a high SPF sunblock, or covering the treated area.