Before spending money and undergoing numerous potentially painful treatment sessions, it isn’t uncommon to ask, “does tattoo removal work?” Not only will we give you the “yes” or “no” short answer, but we’ll explain how and why and answer any other questions you might’ve had along the way. Remember, laser removal is a specialist practice that is performed by trained professionals. So, how well laser tattoo removal works is dependent on the technician. Don’t worry - we’ll help you decipher the professionals from the pretenders, too.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

To understand why laser tattoo removal works, you need to understand the process. One feature of laser tattoo removal that makes it successful is that it reaches deep enough into the skin where the tattoo ink particles are housed. This is done without affecting the surrounding skin.
A tattoo artist uses a needle to inject the tattoo ink into the second layer of skin, called the dermis. The tattoo ink particles need to be penetrated into the deeper layer of skin so that it doesn’t just disappear with your skin as your top layer of skin sheds every few weeks. Tattoo removal lasers send fast, hot, light energy pulses into the skin. These reach deep enough into the dermal layer of skin to target each of the tattoo ink particles. The speed and heat of the laser energy pulse, causing the tattoo ink particles to shatter into smaller fragments. The number of laser tattoo removal treatment sessions you will need depends on how long it takes to break those tattoo ink particles up small enough to be excreted by the body. When the tattoo artist tattoos you, the ink particles have to be large to remain permanent. The body’s immune system will try to remove these foreign objects, so the ink particles need to be too large for the white blood cells to pick up and excrete. The laser tattoo removal process breaks those particles down smaller and smaller over several sessions, until all particles are fragmented small enough for the body to run its course and get rid of naturally.

Why Laser Removal Is Safe and Effective 

Unlike some other methods used to remove tattoos, like surgical removal or plastic surgery, the laser tattoo removal procedure uses the body’s natural healing process to flush out the tattoo ink particles. This effective method laser tattoo removal method uses Q switched lasers that have beams that are highly concentrated, so that they don’t affect the skin surrounding the unwanted tattoo whatsoever. They simply target the tattoo ink. Because the removal process is natural, you can expect normal bodily responses during your recovery process: • redness; • sensitivity; • inflammation; • blisters; and • scabbing.

Why Aftercare Is Important

After your first laser tattoo removal session, your laser therapist will provide you with a detailed aftercare instruction kit. The effectiveness of your laser treatments relies heavily on your aftercare diligence. Following the aftercare instructions will ensure a quick and effective recovery. In addition, you can make this process easier for yourself by keeping a healthy body and immune system: • drink lots of water; • eat a diet rich in fruit and vegetables; and • avoid smoking and alcohol as much as possible.

How Many Laser Treatment Sessions Will I Need?

Does tattoo removal work immediately? No, one session will not be enough to remove a tattoo completely. Successful laser tattoo removal takes time - and patience. Complete removal can take multiple treatments. How long it takes is dependent on numerous factors.
  • A tattoo with a cover up tattoo on top of it will require more treatments.
  • A tattoo on darker skin tones will require more treatments than a tattoo on lighter skin.
  • Small, simple tattoos will be removed much quicker than larger tattoos that are intricate and multicoloured.
  • A brand new tattoo will require more treatment sessions than an older tattoo. A tattoo fades easier on areas that undergo a lot of friction, and faded tattoos are easier to remove.

How To Choose the Best Laser Clinic

The first thing to ensure is that the clinic and technicians are credible. • Do they have the appropriate qualifications? • And, do they have good reviews? It’s worth going for a consultation before booking your laser treatments straight away. This way, you can get a look and feel of the place first. • Is the environment clean, sterile and professional? • Does the technician have a reassuring bedside manner that makes you want to put your trust in them? • What sort of promises does the institute make to their customers? For example, a laser tattoo removal clinic promising complete tattoo removal after one session is being unrealistic and making empty promises. We at the Tattoo Removal Institute instead promise our customers that if their unwanted tattoo has not been removed to their satisfaction within the initially estimated number of treatment sessions, we will provide up to a year’s worth of sessions to them for free until they are happy.

Key Takeaways

The short answer to “does tattoo removal work” is “yes.” But, how effective laser tattoo removal will be is dependent on numerous factors: • the intricacy, size and colourfulness of your unwanted tattoo; • whether you have lighter or darker skin; • where the tattoo is situated; • how new or old the tattoo is; • whether you maintain a healthy body and immune system; and • how diligent you are with aftercare. Choosing the right laser tattoo removal clinic is a big part of your tattoo removal success. For your peace of mind, have a look through our gallery of before and after photos. Then, have a browse through our testimonials. We offer a free first consultation with no obligations. Our highly skilled and qualified technicians would love to address any other questions or concerns you might have. The proof is in the pudding, so don’t live with your unwanted tattoo for another day. Contact us now and begin your laser tattoo removal journey today at the trusted clinic that Australians turn to. DISCLAIMER: The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Please check with a physician if you have health questions or concerns about interactions or go to the TGA for a comprehensive list of TGA warnings. Although we attempt to provide accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee is made to that effect.