The Revlitetm represents the gold-standard for tattoo removal, with multiple wavelengths to choose from. One can choose the optimal wavelength that passes into the skin and is absorbed by a specific colour ink, customizing the treatment for each patient and each individual tattoo. The Revlitetm utilises an extremely high speed shutter to produce nanosecond pulse widths, enabling a highly effective procedure, with less heat and increased safety. The Revlitetm laser has four different Q-switched laser wavelengths to choose from (dark ink 1064nm; red ink 532nm; light blue 585nm; green 650nm). Tattoo ink is removed by using a specific wavelength which passes through the skin but is absorbed by the ink. The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to break down, where it is removed by the body's natural filtering system.
Alll tattoo patients can be assessed. We categorize patients into four groups:
Patients should avoid tanning and wait for their tan to settle down for at least six weeks prior to undergoing this treatment.
Reduction of tattoo with treatment. Laser tattoo removal requires multiple treatment sessions. The number of treatments will depend on the quality and depth of your tattoo application, the type of ink used in the tattoo, the colour used and the length of time between each treatment. Indian ink graphite tattoos are the easist to remove with laser treatments. Professional tattoos usually require 6 - 10 treatments, whilst amateur tattoos generally require 3 - 6 treatments, all spaced approximately six weeks apart. Difficult colours are yellow, green and aqua. Red and black are the easiest colours to remove. In most cases, greater than 95% fading of the tattoo may be achieved with laser tattoo removal. More than one hundred tattoo inks are available worldwide today. Sometimes not knowing which tattoo ink was used, how much and how deep can make it difficult to predict the number of treatments required for laser removal of a tattoo.
The risk of scarring is less than 5%, and is usually limited to a portion of the treated area. Local and systemic allergic reactions to the ink are possible, with red ink being the usual culprit. Side-effects of laser tattoo removal using the Q-switched laser are usually transient and include pigmentary and textural changes. Hyperpigmentation is usually mild and transient and can be treated with topical bleaching creams. Hypopigmentation is also usually transient, but de-pigmentation occurs in about 1% of cases, often permanent. Skin irritation may last a week or so.
Having made a decision on laser tattoo removal treatment, keep in mind that you have been treated by a specialist dermatological laser clinic and that the results will depend on the expertise of the laser operator and particularly our state-of-art laser tattoo removal device - the Revlitetm laser.
The Revlitetm laser emits very short flashes of light called pulses. The impact of the energy from the light is similar to the snap of a thin rubberband. The majority of patients do not require anaesthesia. Topical anaesthetic cream can be supplied if necessary (cost will be dependent on treatment area).
Avoid sun exposure.
When the treatment has finished, the tattoo will turn white and some bleeding may occur. Ice packs or cold compresses will greatly reduce or eliminate blistering or swelling. When the treated area heals, you will not notice much difference but within a month the tattoo pigments will start to break up and fade away. The area will fade for up to a year with each session, so at least six weeks should be enough time for it to settle and fade some before re-treating the tattooed area. A shower can be taken the next day, although the treated area should not be scrubbed. The area just needs to be washed with a mild soap and gently pat dry (don't drag a towel against the area). Then apply a moisturizing cream to the skin (Aveeno). Avoid exposure to sun and tanning for at least two weeks after your treatment.
Treatments are performed by our registered specialist laser nurse.