How does Tattoo Removal Work?

Tattoo removal is a minimally invasive clinically proven treatment that offers a solution to unwanted cosmetic tattoos. Using a combination of laser wavelengths, the Harmony XL Pro laser is powerful enough to remove both multi-coloured and dark ink tattoos, leaving you with clear, smooth and ink-free skin.

We highly recommend this treatment as unlike many others, the Harmony XL Pro targets the area using only one laser and is suitable for all skin types and is effective on both professional and amateur tattoos. This form of Cosmetic Tattoo Removal will enable the process to be completed with fewer treatments than other tattoo removal systems.

Rachaels Expert Tip

Senior Aesthetician Rachael says that a lot of her patients ask her whether laser tattoo removal hurts, and her way of making her patient’s treatment as comfortable as possible is to “alternate between using the laser and a cooling air gun,” she says, “This is a technique that I have created to break up any discomfort and immediately cool the skin during treatment.” she explains.

How Does Tattoo Removal Work?

The laser treatment consists of breaking down individual ink particles and requires different wavelengths of light and energy to successfully remove the tattoo. The tattoo ink selectively absorbs the laser energy and therefore the surrounding skin does not become harmed or overheated in the process. With each treatment, the ink particles break down more and more until they are gone.

As the target area restores, the body’s immune system will remove the ink fragments, enabling the tattoo to fade with minimal risk of scarring or hypopigmentation and then to disappear altogether.

How Many Sessions are needed?

The approach to treatment will vary according to your needs and we always recommend coming in for a consultation to discuss your treatment.

The number of treatments needed, and the time taken will vary depending on the colour of the tattoo, the age of the tattoo and how deep the ink sits in the skin, typically you will see a visible reduction in the tattoo after only one session.

Can tattoo removal cause cancer?

All our treatments at 111 Harley St. are chosen for their safety and effectiveness, which is why we can say that our laser tattoo removal will unlikely cause cancer.

As this is a laser treatment, there can be some risks involved with skin damage – however, skin cancer is primarily caused by unprotected, overexposure to UV radiation so as long as you’re vigilant with your SPF application, there is no reason to worry!

Our Harmony laser is FDA approved so it is safe to use on the skin without dramatic adverse effects (some typical aftereffects of Tattoo Removal can be redness, scabbing and soreness). Additionally there has been research conducted by the Skin Cancer Foundation that states there’s no evidence that laser tattoo removal causes cancer.

Recovery

We always work to minimise discomfort and will apply the necessary numbing creams pre-treatment. The majority of patients would describe the treatment as uncomfortable and a similar feeling to having the tattoo done in the first place.

There may be some swelling and redness immediately after the treatment and we will provide anti-bacterial cream if needed.