Tattoo Removal

LaserTouch specialised personnel will be happy to discuss the procedure with you. Please feel free to make an appointment for a private consultation to discuss your specific needs.

The Medlite Q-switched Laser removes tattoo ink and excess skin pigment (melanin) with the energy of light. The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink or melanin particles to break into tiny fragments which can be removed by the body’s natural filtering systems

The Q-switched Laser (unlike other types of Lasers) specifically targets pigmented particles. It induces no heat damage to the surrounding skin and therefore no blisters, and more importantly, NO SCARRING occurs. Hyper pigmentation or hypo pigmentation can occur at the treatment site, but are usually transient, lasting up to a few months. Very rarely are they permanent.

The Q-switched Laser (unlike other types of Lasers) specifically targets pigmented particles. It induces no heat damage to the surrounding skin and therefore no blisters, and more importantly, NO SCARRING occurs. Hyper pigmentation or hypo pigmentation can occur at the treatment site, but are usually transient, lasting up to a few months. Very rarely are they permanent. Each session lasts a few minutes (depending on the size of the treated area). The impact of the energy from the laser pulse is similar to the snap of a thin rubber band. The majority of patients do not require anaesthesia depending on the location of the tattoo. Anaesthetic creams are available if needed.

Most common lesions (e.g. liver spots) are removed with one or two treatments.

Melanin is what gives our skin its color. Dark or light complexioned, we all have varying amounts of melanin. Pigmented lesions (age spots, liver spots, freckles, birthmarks etc.) are dark in colour simply because melanin is abnormally concentrated in one area of the skin. High concentrations of melanin can be due to various factors. Some types are present at birth, but most occur with age or as a result of overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Usually it does not. Some birthmarks may return after a period of several months to a year. New lesions can occur if the skin is not properly protected from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. However, the tattoo removal procedure can be repeated with similar results.

After the treatment, the area will feel similar to a slight sunburn. Moisturizing and sunblocking creams are applied as directed. Typically, within a day or so, any discomfort disappears. A shower can be taken the next day, although the treated area should not be scrubbed. Practically, one resumes everyday activities immediately after the treatment.

The laser cannot be used for the removal of lesions that are cancerous or suspected of being cancerous. If there is any doubt, your doctor will discuss the appropriate treatment methods with you.

Dark (blue, black) and red inks resolve the best. Green and yellow are the most difficult to remove.

In many cases, yes. Greater than 95% fading of the tattoo may be accomplished. However, it is very important to know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide today. Not knowing which tattoo ink was used or how deeply the ink was applied, makes it impossible for the physician to predict the degree of removal of any given tattoo. On the average, tattoos require 6-10 treatments, all spaced approximately 6-8 weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the amount and type of ink used and the depth of the ink in the skin.