Laser Tattoo Removal in Melbourne

There are six main ways to remove a tattoo that you can consider.

1. Dermabrasion

During this procedure, the tattooed area is first numbed by chilling it. Then, a rotating abrasive device is used to sand down the top layers of the skin, removing the tattoo ink.

2. Diathermocoagulation

A traditional method that uses electrical current for tattoo removal. The procedure is generally more common for the treatment of other skin conditions. If not properly administered, it can produce burns or scars.

3. Removal Using Solutions

Saline removal uses a hypertonic salt solution implanted into the skin with a tattoo machine; the solution draws pigment up to the surface, where it lifts out with the scab. It works well for small cosmetic tattoos and pigments that may oxidise under laser. Learn more about saline tattoo removal.

4. Surgery

Another tattoo removal option is surgical excision, in which your tattoo is cut out with a scalpel before being closed up with stitches. While surgical tattoo removal in Melbourne is very effective, it comes with a more significant risk of scars compared to other methods.

5. Overlapping with Another Tattoo

This is a method wherein a newer tattoo is applied over the old or blurry one. Technically, this only covers your tattoo and is not preferred for those who want to erase their existing ink.

6. Laser removal tattoo – Best Solution

The safest laser tattoo removal method is the laser. There are different kinds of removal laser technologies. Still, all of them use light to penetrate and break the tattoo pigment embedded under the skin, allowing it to be naturally removed by the body through the lymphatic system. Laser removal of tattoos is relatively painless (read our popular article “does tattoo removal hurt?”), does not damage the skin and does not require a long recovery.

Ultimately, when it comes to making your decision, you should weigh all options carefully and consult with a professional before deciding what course of action is best for you.

Safe and Effective

Laser tattoo removal is a reliable and accurate way to remove unwanted tattoos. It is much more effective than traditional methods like surgical removal or dermabrasion, since it targets only the tattoo pigment itself and not the surrounding skin tissue.

Precise

Thanks to its precision, laser removal lets us target specific tattoo colours or shapes, so that only the area you need treatment on gets treated. This reduces any potential side effects such as discolouration or uneven pigment changes in adjacent skin areas.

Comfort

Laser removal is not painless, but it is quick: most clients compare each pulse to the snap of a rubber band. I use cooling throughout the session, and numbing cream can be applied for sensitive areas. Small tattoos take only a few minutes of actual lasering.

Duration

The duration of tattoo removal will vary depending on the size and complexity of your tattoo. Large tattoos may take several treatments over an extended period. On the other hand, smaller tattoos can typically be treated in one or two sessions, resulting in a straightforward tattoo after only a few weeks. While multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve optimum results, you will see that the tattoo gradually fades with each session.

Process

Laser tattoo removal procedure is very unusual and exciting, as the laser does not work on the skin. Still, directly on the pigment, destroying it layer by layer: the more profound the pigment, the more sessions are required.

Laser uses short pulses of concentrated light energy that are absorbed by ink particles in your skin. The light radiation destroys the cells containing the foreign pigment, and the dye particles are heated, dissolved, and removed from the skin with the lymph flow.The number of tattoo removal sessions required to completely remove the tattoo will be determined by how deeply embedded the ink is in your skin.

To make the procedure as comfortable as possible, some professionals use anaesthetic cream or lidocaine injections. The laser itself does not leave a mark, but it must be remembered that marks come from the tattoo itself—if healing has not been successful, a scar is formed.laser removal lets us target

During the tattoo removal procedure, it is not always possible to remove the tattoo completely. There are several factors that can affect the effectiveness of the removal process:

• • The quality of the pigment used for the tattoo
  • The depth and density of the pigment in your skin
  • The colour of the ink — black is easiest, while green, yellow and white are the slowest (see colour tattoo removal)

• Skin colour
• Area and location of the tattoo
• Age of the tattoo

A tattoo removal session can take anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes. The length of the session depends on factors such as the size of the tattoo, the depth of the ink, and whether anaesthesia is used.

In most cases, it takes 5 to 15 sessions to completely remove tattoos with laser. Sessions are spaced 6–8 weeks apart so your immune system can clear the broken-down ink and the skin can fully heal. Each session will last about 10-15 minutes for an area of skin that is about 10 x 10 cm in size.

There are different devices and kinds of laser technology that can be used to remove tattoos. The Q-switched Nd:YAG system we use removes tattoos using a method called selective photocavitation. The laser produces a strong beam of light that is absorbed by the tattoo pigment and damages it by increasing the temperature. The pigment is broken into tiny particles that are then removed by the body’s lymphatic system.Since the light beam has a special wavelength that allows it to pass through the top layers of the skin and target the pigment particles directly, the laser can remove tattoos without causing scarring or keloids.These are two of the most advanced pieces of equipment in Melbourne and Australia:

• Q-Switched Nd: YAG green 532nm. This device works best for brown, red, dark blue and purple pigments.
• Q-Switched Nd: YAG-infrared 1064nm. This device works best on dark and black tattoos.

Note that it is most effective to receive multiple treatments 6–8 weeks apart (8–10 weeks for lips and eyelids). Professional tattoos that have become discoloured often do not respond well to treatment and may require up to 15 sessions, though there is no guarantee that the tattoo can be completely removed.In such cases, the tattoo may only be lightened in order to be covered by a new tattoo. Amateur tattoos that were done with black dye and makeshift methods can usually be completely removed after 2-8 sessions, depending on how deep the pigment is in the skin.

Laser tattoo removal at Face Figurati is priced per session by tattoo size: small tattoos (up to a 50c coin) from $90, palm-size from $129 and hand-size from $225; brows, lips and eyeliner from $[199 або 219] per session, and saline removal from $[250 або 275]. The exact price depends on size, ink colour and density, which is why the first step is a free assessment. Packages for 3 and 6 sessions are available — see the price list above.

Patients should be aware that the procedure is not painless. There is a moderate amount of soreness during the session. Many patients tolerate the session without anaesthesia and compare the sensation of the laser flashes to hot oil on the skin. The laser machine is equipped with a cooling system that delivers a stream of cool air onto the skin and reduces the pain from the procedure.

Note that laser removal can be more or less painful depending on the location and size of the tattoo. If you are sensitive to pain, you can use numbing cream to help reduce discomfort during the treatment sessions. However, it’s important to consult with a doctor before using numbing creams, as they may not be suitable for everyone. Some clinics also offer their own topical numbing solutions that can help reduce discomfort during treatment sessions.

A laser procedure does not give instant results. It is normal to experience mild discomfort for the first two days after a session.

You may also see swelling or redness, white blisters, or mild bleeding on the skin where the tattoo was located. These blisters will crust over after 24 hours, and it is important not to touch them. After 2-3 weeks, the crusts will fall off and be replaced with new, healthy skin.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare for a tattoo removal session:

1. Consult with a tattoo removal specialist or healthcare professional to determine if the procedure is suitable for you. Make sure you don’t have any contraindications to the procedure.
2. Inform the specialist of any medications you are taking, as some medications may interfere with the tattoo removal process.
3. Follow any pre-treatment instructions provided by your specialist, such as avoiding alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment.

Here are some key points to remember for aftercare following laser tattoo removal:

• Do not get the treated area wet for the first 24 hours.
• Avoid sun exposure and activities such as sauna or swimming for 2 weeks.
• Use sunscreen with at least SPF 50 on the treated area when outside.
• Do not scratch, pick, or shave the treated area until it has fully healed.
• Protect the treated area from clothing friction.
• Use panthenol cream to relieve discomfort.
• Gently massage the treated area and drink plenty of water to help with pigment removal and lymphatic drainage.

There are some limitations to tattoo laser removal. The following conditions may prevent the procedure from being performed:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active infections or skin diseases
• Keloid scarring
• Use of certain medications such as isotretinoin or photosensitizing agents
• Abnormal skin healing or scarring
• History of seizures
• Some types of skin pigment disorders
• Colds or viral diseases that weaken the immune system of the body
• Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or bleeding disorders

Laser tattoo removal does not typically result in scarring when performed properly. If an old tattoo already left raised or textured skin, read how we approach tattoo removal scars.

However, scarring can occur if the skin does not heal properly after the procedure. It is important to follow the laser tattoo removal aftercare instructions provided by the specialist to minimise the risk of scarring.

Burns are rare during laser tattoo removal, but they may occur in people with very sensitive skin, or if the procedure is performed by an unqualified provider using excessive energy. If you have sensitive skin or are concerned about the risk of burns, it is important to discuss this with the specialist before the procedure. Around the eyes we always work with protective eye shields — more in eyeliner tattoo removal.

Laser tattoo removal can be performed on most areas of the body, including the face and intimate areas. However, these areas may be more sensitive and require extra care and attention during the procedure. For brows, see our guide to eyebrow tattoo removal.
The face and intimate areas have a higher risk of scarring and pigment changes due to the thinness of the skin in these areas. It is important to choose a good laser clinic for tattoo removal with a qualified and experienced specialist to minimise the risk of complications. The specialist may also use a lower energy setting or a different type of laser to reduce the risk of side effects.