FAQ's

What kind of laser do you use?

We use an Allwhite3000 ND Yag tattoo removal system for tattoo removal.  Allwhite3000 is internationally recognised as a leading provider of laser systems from IPL to Laser Lipo and many more. The ND Yag Laser tattoo removal system is clinically proven to be safe and effective for tattoos and pigmentation removal.  The Allwhite3000 tattoo removal system is one of the most effective systems available in the world. With low pain reduced and instantaneous blasting technology, only 3-6 treatments are required to remove tattoos or pigmentations.

 

How does it work?

Laser emitted by the system has a strong penetration ability which allows the laser to reach deep into the dermis layer. The ink particles absorb the light energy and explode rapidly, bursting into tiny pieces which are then evacuated from the body through normal immune response.  This brings about the fading of the tattoo.  The laser is very accurate and so small details within a tattoo can be removed rather than the entirety if necessary.

 

Is it dangerous?

Tattoo removal lasers are very safe when used by a trained laser operator with proper safety equipment.  The radiation emitted by the laser is non-ionizing and carries no risk of cancer or other abnormal cell growth.

 

Does it hurt?

You are likely to feel some discomfort although everyone has different pain threshholds.  Laser pulses have been likened to having your skin pinged with an elastic band, although some areas may feel more tender than others (as with getting a tattoo).  At Inkdestructible, we will operate at a pace you feel comfortable with and take breaks if you feel you need to.

 

How long does the treatment take?

The treatment time depends on the size of the area.  The patch test will take a few minutes, a 2.5cm square section would take in the region of five minutes whereas a 15cm square section would take around 25 minutes.  Sessions longer than 30 minutes per sitting are not recommended and so larger tattoos may need to be treated in several sittings.

The number of sessions you need will depend on the colours and your skin type, as well as your intentions, for example, if you wish to fade the area enough to have a cover-up, you will require fewer sessions.

 

What happens during treatment?

The area will feel hot and skin will form small white blisters that give the impression the tattoo is substantially faded.  These blisters are water vapour spots created by the intense heat under the skin.  This change usually lasts no more than a few minutes before it disappears and is a good sign that the treatment is working.  The white spots start to fade quickly and the remaining ink will start to show through.  Some people also experience minor pin-prickling and bruising.  Do not be disappointed as the tattoo will continue to fade over the following six week period between sessions. 

 

What happens after treatment?

You will be provided with aftercare instructions to ensure you care for the treated area appropriately.  We will aim to book in your next session after at least six weeks of recovery time. 

What are possible side effects of laser tattoo removal?

Most side effects of laser procedures are temporary and to be expected.
Normally symptoms will subside within a week and may include blistering, allergic reaction or localised swelling and redness. 

 

Can you remove all colours?

No. Laser tattoo removal works best on tattoos of black ink that was sparsely applied to fair skin. As the laser is attracted to the darker areas, fair coloured skin gives a greater contrast allowing the laser to work more effectively. Black ink is also able to absorb the full spectrum of light.

The following colours can usually be removed successfully or lightened to a large degree:
brown, red* (IMPORTANT - some people can have an allergic reaction to red ink particles absorbed into to body), orange, darker green, blue, purple. 

The most difficult colours to remove are pastel colours such as: light green, pale blue, teal, turquoise, pink*(these colours may be lightened, but it is difficult to remove them completely. If you are looking to cover-up your tattoo with a new design these pastel colours are usually easy to cover).

Usually untreatable colours: white*, yellow, light green, skin tones, fluorescent or ultra-violet*. White and yellow inks do fade over time and become less noticeable. Be cautious of anyone who guarantees to remove all traces of green ink.  

*Colours with potential problems

Occasionally the tattoo may go darker where the ingredients in certain ink colours carbonise. This irreversible darkening is sometimes seen with the following colours: white, pink, flesh tone colours, fluorescent or ultra-violet, light brown and red.

Although these complications are rare, it is one of the reasons we insist on a patch test for each colour in the tattoo so that potentially rare complications can be predicted before undergoing laser treatment.