Body Treatment
Tattoo Removal
Tattoos have been around for centuries and they mean something different to everyone. Unfortunately, there are many who end up regretting their body art later on. What once seemed like a good idea can lead to psychological and career-related problems later on.
Fortunately, it is now possible to regain your confidence by safely and effectively fading and removing your unwanted body art using the latest medical-grade laser technology.
Clinica Lase specialises in laser tattoo removal and has helped countless patients reduce the appearance of their unwanted tattoos.
Laser Tattoo Removal Explained
When you are tattooed, a needle repeatedly punctures your skin so that ink can be injected into the dermis, which is the second layer of the skin.
In an effort to heal these wounds, your body sends white blood cells to the area. However, because of the size of the ink particles, the white blood cells are not able to clear the ink away, which is how a tattoo remains under your skin.
Laser tattoo removal works in conjunction with your body’s lymphatic system to remove the ink from your body. At Clinica Lase, we use the Cutera Enlighten, which is one of the most advanced laser systems available today and the best tattoo removal solution in Melbourne.
The Cutera Enlighten uses three different laser light wavelengths to target and break down the ink that’s present in the dermis. Once the laser fragments the ink, the particles are small enough for the white blood cells to them carry away.
What Tattoos Can Be Removed?
Both amateur and professional tattoos can be removed but professional body art may require more treatments to achieve your desired result.
Where laser technology was once only able to effectively remove a few different colours, the Cutera Enlighten can be used to target all colours at varying depths.
Laser tattoo removal will also work on eyebrows, lips and eyelids that have been tattooed and generally require fewer sessions than traditional body art. Particular care will be taken to protect your eyes should you want to remove permanent makeup from your face.
Clinica Lase Laser Tattoo Removal Process
The Cutera Enlighten, which uses picotechnology, safely delivers three laser light wavelengths (532, 670 and 1064) to target all tattoo colours and depths. Picotechnology has the ability to half the number of tattoo removal treatments that you would normally require. It also reduces scarring and provides a safer, more comfortable tattoo removal experience overall.
During your free consultation at Clinica Lase, we will take you through the pros and cons of laser tattoo removal and what you can expect. If you decide that you would like to go ahead, we will apply a topical numbing cream to the area that will be treated and cover it until the skin is numb. Local anaesthetic injections can also be used to numb the area before the laser is applied to your skin.
Following your treatment, your clinician will take you through the relevant aftercare instructions and provide you with a date for your next treatment.
Laser Tattoo Removal Results
There are a number of different factors that determine how long it will take to completely remove your unwanted tattoo, including:
- The type of ink
- The colours that were used
- Layering of tattoos
- Ink depth
On average, you will require at least 8 – 10 treatments to completely remove your tattoo. However, your tattoo will start to fade after just a few sessions.
Your clinician will be able to give you a better estimate of how many laser tattoo removal treatments you might require during your free consultation at Clinica Lase.
Laser Tattoo Removal Pain Expectations
While the Cutera Enlighten does offer a more comfortable tattoo removal experience, you will still experience a sensation that it’s similar to someone repeatedly snapping a rubber band against your skin.
For most, the discomfort experienced during a tattoo removal procedure is manageable, particularly because of the topical numbing cream or anaesthetic injections that are administered prior to your treatment.
Laser Tattoo Removal Pre-Treatment Guidelines
To increase the success of your tattoo removal treatments and minimise side effects, here are a few pre-treatment guidelines:
- Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment
- No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment. This includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds and general sun exposure
- Some medications or supplements may increase your risk of bruising. Your clinician will discuss these medications and supplements with you during your free consultation at Clinica Lase
- Avoid treatments that may irritate your skin for 1-2 weeks prior to your treatment, this includes waxing and depilatories
- Notify your clinician about any changes to your health or medications since your last treatment
- If you have a history of herpes or cold sores, you may require an anti-viral prescription prior to your laser tattoo removal treatment
Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare Guidelines
Here are a few aftercare guidelines that will help protect your skin after your tattoo removal treatment.
- Avoid sun exposure for 2 – 4 weeks after your treatment and always apply a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen before going outside
- Refrain from using any products that might irritate the skin, this includes products that contain retinol, tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids and astringents. Wait until the skin has fully healed and all crusting has resolved before applying additional products to the skin
Laser Tattoo Removal Price
The cost of your laser tattoo removal treatment plan will be discussed during your free consultation at Clinica Lase once your clinician has examined the tattoo that needs to be treated.