Tattoo Removal

A ‘Q-Switch’ in a laser controls & produces the output of the laser pulse i.e. short intense bursts of energy. It is used where precise & powerful pulses are required.

The laser light emits high intensity pulses of light which targets a chromophore, in this case the ink in the skin, shattering it into microscopic particles. The body’s natural defense’s can then start the process of eliminating the ink through the body’s immune system.

The tattoo removal process requires commitment & serious consideration by the client as it takes multiple sessions & excellent home aftercare.

It is an uncomfortable treatment & can be described like an elastic band snapping on to the skin.

It varies from person to person & their natural tolerance to pain. A numbing gel is advised to help reduce the discomfort which is applied 30 minutes prior to treatment. This will be discussed during consultation.

During your complimentary consultation we will assess how many sessions you will require.

We use a system called the Kirby-Desai Scale to evaluate how many sessions you will need.

Kirby and Desai were skin specialists in tattoo removal who devised this helpful tool to assist in calculating cost & number of treatments.

This is based & calculated on 6 different factors to consider & when added together reveal a score that estimates how many sessions you require, this helps you as the client to budget for your removal journey.

1. Your skin type I-VI: Based on Fitzpatrick Skin Typing which is determined by your genetic history, skin reaction to sun exposure & tanning habits.

   Examples of the Fitzpatrick Skin Type:

   Type I – very sensitive skin, burns easily, rarely tans, very fair skin tone (usually blonde or reddish hair colour). Scores 1 point out of 6

   Type VI – Very dark skin, rarely if ever burns, tans easily (usually very dark to black hair, dark eyes) Scores 6 points out of 6

2. Location of the tattoo on the body

   Example of this: Tattoo on head, neck, or face scores only 1 point due to the body’s immune system & placement of lymph nodes which remove the ink waste.

   Hands & feet have a much higher score as there are less nodes close by for eliminating the ink.

3. Amount of Ink:

   Amateur or professional tattoo. Split into 4 categories: Amateur, minimal, moderate & significant.

4. Layering/Cover Ups:

   The laser would remove the most recent ink first & then the original layer – takes more sessions to achieve results.

5. Scarring in the area of the tattoo:

   Scarring or tissue change affects the effectiveness of tattoo removal.

6. Colour of the tattoo:

   Black is the easiest colour to remove & scores only 1 point, multiple colours score the highest.

Cost is dependent on the size of the tattoo & is calculated from XS to XL & in areas of the tattoo.

Examples:

 XS area $50

XL area $200

Full Male Sleeve $550

This is discussed in depth at your complimentary consultation.

This is dependent on each client’s healing time & the body’s ability to remove the ink particles.

It can vary from 6 to 8 weeks or in some cases longer but this will be discussed during the complimentary consultation & treatment sessions.

After each session we allow the skin to cool & apply a soothing & healing gel to the skin.

A protective film like glad wrap can be applied to the area to avoid friction from clothing & other materials which may irritate.

Downtime varies but generally involves some days of skin healing, avoiding exposure to extreme heat, including the sun & rigorous exercise which may affect the healing process.

Each client will be asked to purchase an Aftercare Pack from Skinsay Clinic approximately $35 which includes helpful aftercare instructions & products in caring for your skin after the procedure, this is a very important step.

The purchase of the pack is to guarantee we know you have the correct information & products to take home & use while your skin is healing & your body is eliminating the ink.

There is a lot of helpful information & advice you can obtain from Health Shops, Naturopaths etc in how to care for you during this time. It is your responsibility to care for your skin & immune system, but we are here at Skinsay Clinic to give you our best advice when you need it.

Please just ask!

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee it will be completely removed as factors can influence the removal.

This is something we discuss during the complimentary consultation.

This is very popular with clients who want to replace their current tattoo with a new ink.

Discuss these options with your favourite tattoo artist who will advise you what needs to be removed for your new tattoo.

It also reduces the amount of removal sessions which most clients appreciate!