Laser Tattoo Removal In Oxford

Removing Unwanted tattoos with Acroma QS Laser

The Etherea Acroma:QS is the gold standard in tattoo removal treatments. The Nd: YAG 1064 and 532 Q-switched laser is able to effectively remove and remove black, blue and dark inks, as well as the more difficult to treat red and yellow pigments*.

Laser tattoo removal works by targeting laser light into the tattoo ink itself, where the light is absorbed, converts to high energy and shatters the ink deposits into micro-particles. This occurs within a fraction of a second per pulse of the laser. Once the whole area has been treated, the skin sets to work in absorbing these newly created micro-particles, eliminating them from the body over a period of weeks. Laser tattoo removal avoids damaging the surrounding skin while removing the tattoo, unlike other tattoo removal methods.

To effectively remove a tattoo, a course of treatments are required. Depending upon the age, size, depth of ink, and colour of the tattoo, this could be anything from 4 to 10 treatments, occasionally more. Your laser practitioner will be able to advise you on expectations at your initial consultation.

*individual results may vary

Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments | Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS an A Laser Tattoo Removal TREATMENT LIKE?

We advise that you arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time to have an anaesthetic cream applied to the tattoo being removed. You will be seated within a private waiting booth and a member of the team will apply this for you. Once you have been taken into the treatment room you will be asked to sign a consent form and photographs will be taken. You will be asked to wear protective eyewear throughout the treatment to protect your eyes from the laser beam. The handpiece is applied to the skin and delivers a shot of light energy onto the skin where the tattoo is located. Even with numbing cream applied, the treatment can still be painful, usually described as an intense burning sensation. Your practitioner will work with you to manage this, but there is no escaping the fact that it is a painful treatment.

Is there anything I should not do before a treatment?

It is imperative that you do not have any sun exposure or tan on the treatment area, including fake or gradual tan, before a laser tattoo removal treatment. Failure to ignore this could result is harm, injury, or even scarring of your skin. Wearing a daily sunscreen throughout your treatment course is a condition of your treatment with us. Heliocare is one of the most effective sun protection products available and can be purchased through our online skincare store.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS with Laser Tattoo Removal ?

Like any medical intervention, there are potential risks that are associated with having a laser tattoo removal treatment, including blistering, scabbing, scarring, and failure to work. As part of your consultation with us, you will be advised on any potential side effects in more detail, before you decide to proceed with any treatment. Our team expertise and experience means that we are able to assist you with side effects should you experience them. You will be given your practitioner's out of hours mobile telephone number, should you require any urgent advice.

How Many treatments Will i Need?

The answer to this depends upon the tattoo being treated; depth of ink, colour of ink, size of the tattoo, and age of the tattoo all impact on the number of treatments required and degree of removal. You should expect anything from 4-20 treatments, spaced 30-45 days apart.

WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?

The results of laser tattoo removal can be noticeable within a month of the first treatment, however this may be minimal and your final results will become more evident following a series of treatments.

HOW LONG WILL THE EFFECTS LAST?

Laser tattoo removal is considered a permanent treatment, however you may not achieve 100% removal of all ink. Any ink fading will be permanent.

Are there any post care instructions?

Yes, although these will be discussed in greater detail during your appointment:

-Avoid strenuous activities, sauna and steam, excessively hot baths, and massaging the area for 3-5 days, or longer if the skin remains sensitive.

-Wash and bathe as normal but take cool showers rather than hot baths. The skin should be patted dry and not rubbed. Use an aloe vera gel or aftersun cream to keep the area moisturised and the skin protected. If there is any discomfort, treat the area as you would sunburn.

-If you develop blisters, do not pop them and contact your practitioner.

-Cover any weeping or bleeding areas with a dry dressing - your practitioner will be able to advise you on this.

-Avoid UV sun exposure for 2 weeks after treatment, and wear a daily sun protectant with an broad spectrum SPF 30 or above throughout your treatment course.

-It is imperative that you apply daily sun protection with UVA/UVB filters and an SPF of at least 30. It is a condition of the treatments you receive with us that you commit to using this every day and avoiding sun exposure, artificial sun beds, and artificial tanning products on the treatment areas.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I STOP HAVING TREATMENTS?

Each treatment is cumulative in effect, therefore it is advised to complete a course of treatments as advised by your practitioner in consultation. If you stop having the treatments then your result will not be complete and may result in a faded tattoo.