what to expect when receiving laser tattoo removal
the removal process
Approximately 5 to 10 Treatments are needed to see results and appointments can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes.
Once you have come in for a consultation we can book in your initial laser tattoo appointment and begin treatment. The number of treatment sessions needed will be determined by the size, ink colour and depth of the tattoo.
After care
For the best results we advise that you strictly follow your after care plan, which includes applying the Aussie Inked blank canvas laser tattoo removal cream regularly and allowing the treated area to go through its natural process.
For more information about After Care see our after care page or contact us directly.
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FAQs
How does laser tattoo removal work?
A laser is designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light in short bursts. When you direct this laser beam at tattoo ink, the light passes through the skin but is absorbed by the ink. The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to break into tiny particles that are then removed by the body’s natural filtering and immune systems - yep, you excrete your tattoo from your body! The tattoo will fade gradually over a series of treatments. On average, professional tattoos require 5-10 treatments for full removal. All treatments are spaced 6-8 weeks apart, giving your body time to remove the distributed tattoo particles from your system between sessions. The number of treatments required on your tattoo will depend on a number of variables (for example: body placement, type of ink, colour etc). For more detail, read this blog post about how laser tattoo removal works.
how much does it cost?
Treatment prices for laser tattoo removal will depend on the size of the tattoo, the placement, the ink colours and the number of treatments required. The Ink Collective offers some of the safest, most affordable and reputable laser tattoo removal in Australia, with sessions starting from just $100. All of our consultations and quotes are obligation free.
what colours fade best?
Dark (black) and red inks will lighten the best. Oranges and purples usually lighten over time, whereas blue, green and yellow inks are the most difficult to remove and additional treatments are sometimes needed to produce significant fading. We treat all tattoos with the highest quality laser tattoo removal equipment available, allowing us to lighten all colours
what equipment do we use?
At The Ink Collective, our technicians use the following class 4, gold-standard medical laser equipment: CYNOSURE AUSTRALIA and MEDLITE C6. Our lasers are used in conjunction with advanced cooling machines to help ease any discomfort throughout your laser removal procedure.
what will my skin look like after treatment?
After your laser treatment, you may experience some swelling, scabbing, blistering or bruising - all of which is normal. You will likely find that immediately after your treatment, the tattoo will turn white, before returning closer to its original appearance, before your body begins to slowly remove the ink.
how many sessions will i need?
We believe in honest and realistic communication with our patients. This means we are always straight to the point with how many laser tattoo removal sessions we think you will need. We believe in quality results and not stringing you along for a ride, like many other laser clinics - and our reputation speaks for itself in this respect.
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The number of treatment sessions needed will be determined by the size, ink colour and depth of the tattoo. On average, full removal on average will require 5-10 treatments, and lightening for a cover-up will usually require much less. Sessions are very quick - small tattoos take less than 5 minutes to complete and larger tattoos can take up to 20 minutes.
can i bring a friend or my kids?
Moral support with a guest for your appointment is welcome however we ask that it is limited to one guest person only. We ask that no minors/children attend your appointment with us. We strive to create a peaceful atmosphere for all of our guests who come in after a long day, and we also care about the safety of your little ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask.
will my skin go back to normal after treatment?
In most cases, yes. If the tattoo is heavily pigmented with many lasers of ink from multiple over-ups, it can be harder to restore your skin to normal. However, each client’s removal process is different and requires a unique laser tattoo removal plan.
is the treatment painful?
Your laser tattoo session can cause some slight discomfort, depending on your pain threshold and the location of your tattoo. We utilise a localised chilled air cooling treatment with a continuous flow of chilled air before, during and after your laser session, in an effort to minimise any discomfort. Most clients find this more than adequate and do not need any additional numbing cream. On that note, numbing creams can be sourced from chemists or prescribed by your GP and may help to bring the pain level down to that similar to the original application of the tattoo. Talk to your local pharmacist to find out what brands they stock and recommend.
i've heard there are alternatives to laser removal?
Tattoo fade creams simply do not work. Tattoo ink lies beneath the skin and these creams are applied to the surface of the skin. Acid peels are dangerous and can cause scarring, if not worse! Stay clear - it’s acid! Trans-epidermal pigment release (such as Tatt2Away, Tattextract, etc) do not work. We actually tried them many years ago and nothing happening except thick scarring and red marks. We receive brochures for these kinds of treatments all the time, and have clients come to us stressed and confused at the horrific scarring from this treatment, asking us to remove the remaining ink that sits around the scars. It is much harder to laser once this treatment has been done as it damages the skin, sometimes causing irreversible scarring. Dermabrasion and salabrasion, in our opinion, are barbaric and there is no need to resort to this form of tattoo removal anymore. Laser tattoo removal is much less painful! Skin grafting will result in your skin never looking the same again. We actually looking into this with a plastic surgeon but found it to be expensive, and sub-par to the results achieved through laser. Our doctor was very kind and honest with us and said not to do this as it’s way too drastic of a process and laser is a much safer and affordable option. Argon and CO2 lasers are outdated. They are not as powerful or effective for removal as laser and are therefore no longer used within the industry.
Can i go in the sun/swimming now?
It’s important to avoid direct sun expose, artificial tanning beds, or prolonged time in submerged water after your treatment. Wear protective clothing, or apply SPF50+ sunscreen to the treatment area at all times when in the sun. Avoid sunburn at all costs and be sure to follow our aftercare instructions for your own safety and the best possible results from your treatment.
why did my tattoo disappear during laser and then come back?
We know. It’s kinda equal parts amazing, and equal parts gross. You’ve probably seen plenty of videos online where a tattoo disappears completely during a laser session, replaced by a white “frosting” instead, only for it to come back again within an hour. We wish it was that easy to make a tattoo disappear! The whole process might seem strange, and the frosting sure isn’t pretty to look at, but it’s actually a good sign. Here’s what’s happening. When the laser beam hits the ink beneath the skin’s surface, the ink pigments are heated up really quickly. This heating process causes a plasma to form, which is released through the skin in the form of a gas. The release of gas causes the ink to turn white, which gives the illusion of the tattoo disappearing really quickly and being replaced by a “frosting”. (Can we just stop right here for a second and give ourselves a high five? That’s some serious Dr Karl business right up there). Frosting is super common, and totally safe. It’s a sign that tells your laser technician that the ink has been hit successfully and that your body is reacting in the correct way to the laser treatment. Frosting will generally only last around 15-30 minutes after your laser session, and the more sessions you have, the less you will see it (because there’s less ink under your skin - hooray)!
what do i need to do before and after my appointment?
Read our tips on before and after care here!
