tattoo removal

Toothsmith

Laserase are a good chain.

Leaving time between appointments is a really good idea. Cramming them in every 4 or 6 weeks like some places do does not make the tattoo go any quicker.

Tattoo removal is not a quick easy procedure, and complete removal is often not possible. I have seen some patients over as long as 4 years sometimes!

It is important that any clinic is open and honest about likely outcomes.not just promise the earth.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

I agree with Toothsmith.

My other half hasn't got a particularly large tattoo. However, he has been told that it could take up to 3 years to remove the tattoo. Although, this could be reduced depending on how the tattoo reacts to removal.

He had his first treatment last week & he said he felt very little discomfort during & after the procedure. Whilst the laser was doing it's job, they gave him a tube which blows out cold air to reduce any discomfort.

He has had no blistering at all which we were both surprised at.

Toothsmith

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

I agree with Toothsmith.

My other half hasn't got a particularly large tattoo. However, he has been told that it could take up to 3 years to remove the tattoo. Although, this could be reduced depending on how the tattoo reacts to removal.

He had his first treatment last week & he said he felt very little discomfort during & after the procedure. Whilst the laser was doing it's job, they gave him a tube which blows out cold air to reduce any discomfort.

He has had no blistering at all which we were both surprised at.

When done 'properly' the first session should always be done at a gentle setting - just in case of any unusual reactions.

Once the operator gets a 'feeling' for the skin & tattoo they're working on, settings can be adjusted accordingly. A small - moderate amount of blistering after a session isn't unusual.

Too many of the backstreet places just whack their (poorly powered) laser up to Max & bash on regardless.

madlyn

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

My other half decided to skip the tattoo studio tattoo removal & went to Laserase.

This company is a recognised tattoo removal clinic & in my case it is based at Freemans Hospital in Newcastle. It is a lot more expensive than a tattoo studio, but they are registered, regulated and audited by the Care Quality Commission.

They do have clinics across the UK and offer a very professional service. They also have over 20 years experience too which is a bonus.

During the consultation they explained all the pros & cons. They also said that they do each treatment 12 weeks apart as this reduces any risk of scarring. Black is easy to remove, other colours, including white, will take more sessions as these are very difficult to remove.



Here is the link to their website:

http://www.laserase.com/tattoo-removal/

Can i be rude and ask what the removal is going to cost?

paddyrg

Whoa £20/session? You could hack the tattoo out with an old butterknife if cost is the main decider, personally I'd remain extremely wary! The person you're seeing is not a dermatologist for that price. The laser is almost certainly a Chinese knock-off without the quality/reliability of a more assured brand. How much training in hygiene, aftercare, etc., do you imagine the operator will have?

Be very cautious - tattoo inks can contain unpleasant chemicals (arsenic, mercury) which isn't such a big deal if trapped in surface skin layers, and can be more of an issue when released into the body/end up at the kidneys suddenly when a laser dissipates them (they have to go somewhere!) There is also a risk of scarring.

Examples of poor removals http://www.nclp.co.uk/warning

Toothsmith

madlyn wrote: »

Can i be rude and ask what the removal is going to cost?

It would vary considerably from tattoo to tattoo, and depends on so many factors.

Even then, all anybody can give before treatment commences is very much a 'best guess'.

For a straightforward tattoo, not in a difficult position, and with easy colours, I would generally tell someone to expect 12 - 15 sessions on average. So that times the session fee at the place you choose.

I would prefer to over-estimate, and have a happy patient when it comes in quicker than under estimate and have an unhappy patient. You can get a better idea of how well it's going 3 - 4 sessions in. And I ALWAYS tell people that it is JUST A GUESS.

Prothet_of_Doom

Would it be wrong to Laugh? I did.

I hate most tattoos with a vengence, probably due to my middle class methodist upbringing. I try not to be judgemental, when I see them, but my first impression is usually not good.

I think that there should be regulation of laser removal offerings and a tattoo removal tax which goes straight to the NHS.

Toothsmith

Prothet_of_Doom wrote: »

Would it be wrong to Laugh? I did.

I hate most tattoos with a vengence, probably due to my middle class methodist upbringing. I try not to be judgemental, when I see them, but my first impression is usually not good.

I think that there should be regulation of laser removal offerings and a tattoo removal tax which goes straight to the NHS.

Because middle class methodists never make mistakes?

I think the Co-op bank have a view on that one! Crystal meth anyone!

Toothsmith

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

This company is a recognised tattoo removal clinic & in my case it is based at Freemans Hospital in Newcastle. It is a lot more expensive than a tattoo studio, but they are registered, regulated and audited by the Care Quality Commission.

They are registered because they do other stuff with lasers as well as tattoo removal - thread veins and skin blemishes and stuff like that which is considered more 'medical' - hence the need for regulation.

I am not CQC regulated for the laser specifically (I could have chosen to be - but that would be an extra £1500!). But I am CQC regulated for the dental practice anyway.

But for just a tattoo removal service - there is no need to be CQC regulated, or any regulation whatsoever. As I said before - I find that very scary! :(

browneyedbazzi

Prothet_of_Doom wrote: »

I think that there should be regulation of laser removal offerings and a tattoo removal tax which goes straight to the NHS.

I agree that this type of treatment should be subject to regulation to ensure it is done safely (probably best done through a licensing regime), but how would you justify an additional tax on the treatment? Is that simply because you have some prejudice against people with tattoos and think they should be financially punished? Or is there some legitimate reason why your suggestion would be appropriate?