Laser Tattoo Removal

Many of you have decided to get a tattoo, sometimes on a whim for some, a hasty decision regretted a few years later for others. Fortunately, today there is a way to remove a tattoo. This process is known as tattoo removal.

First, let’s explore the opinion of one of our patients who dreamt of having a tattoo:

Aurélie's Opinion:

As a teenager, I dreamt of a tattoo, to the point that as soon as I came of age, I went ahead with it: a rose on the upper part of my chest. Fortunately, I wanted it to be rather small and without colour, as it was my first tattoo and I was afraid of the pain. However, in my haste, I went to the first tattoo artist I found without taking the time to think it through. The result? A poorly drawn tattoo that, over time, began to resemble more of a scribble than a rose. In short, it was something I just wanted to see disappear.

HOW DOES TATTOO REMOVAL WORK?

After a long reflection, I decided to have this tattoo removed with a laser. During the first consultation, the doctor explained how the device worked and warned me about the contraindications. As it was an old and small tattoo, we agreed on 3 sessions to completely remove it. However, it’s important to know that nothing is certain from the start. I left with a date for my first session and the precautions to take before attending.

DOES LASER TATTOO REMOVAL HURT?

Sincerely, that was my biggest fear. I was sure it would hurt even more than the tattoo itself. In fact, it’s neither more nor less painful; it’s different. Unlike the tattoo, which feels like a burn, the laser sends a pulse that feels like a small electric shock. One can't really say it is "painful." That said, the doctor had recommended applying a numbing cream to the area 1 to 2 hours before the session, and I think that really helped.

AND AFTER? HOW MANY SESSIONS FOR WHAT RESULTS?

It indeed took all 3 sessions to completely erase the tattoo, but by the first session, it was already significantly faded. After each session, I made sure to follow the doctor’s instructions: apply a healing cream, avoid sun exposure to the area, and most importantly, not to scratch.

After the sessions, the area was a bit red and sensitive to the touch, but it was largely bearable, akin to a bruise. I also had a few crusts that fell off quickly.

Today, I no longer have a tattoo that I regret, but if that were the case, I wouldn’t hesitate to make an appointment for laser tattoo removal, as it is a truly effective technique, and in terms of scars, it leaves almost no trace.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU REGRET A TATTOO?

Marking one's skin with a tattoo is a strong statement. One might choose to imprint the name of a loved one, a place that has moved them, or a symbol that perfectly encapsulates what they want to do with their life. In France, tattoos are still very much in vogue. According to an Ifop study conducted for the National Union of Tattoo Artists (SNAT), 7 million French people have one or more tattoos. This represents 14% of the population.

However, it can happen that someone regrets a tattoo and wishes to erase it from their skin. According to the French Society of Dermatology (SFD), 10% of tattooed individuals wish to get rid of a tattoo.

But how to go about it? The most effective method is the laser. The SFD has observed that in the last ten years, the number of consultations for tattoo removal has significantly increased.

HOW DOES A TATTOO REMOVAL SESSION WORK?

Our laser specialists use a pigment laser known as Q-Switched Revlite®. This laser has the specificity of having a very short emission time, which allows it to break down pigment molecules without leaving necessary traces to fragment the ink droplets until they reach a size of 5 or 10 microns. At this size, they will be dissolved by the body. However, the ink will not disappear after the first session.

It is also essential to know that certain colours are more challenging to remove. Black and red, for example, fade more easily than green or blue.

These tattoo removal methods work on all parts of the body.

DURING THE SESSION, IS IT PAINFUL?

The laser tattoo removal treatment involves a series of pulses that are accompanied by a sensation of tingling and mild burning. The feeling of the laser treatment can be compared to the snap of an elastic band. A numbing cream can be applied 1 to 2 hours before the laser session.

WHAT ARE THE IMMEDIATE AFTERMATHS?

In the immediate aftermath, laser tattoo removal causes whitening of the treated area, swelling, and possible minimal superficial bleeding.

POST-SESSION CARE?

The application of a healing cream is recommended during the days following the laser session. In some cases, an occlusive dressing with greasy tulle may be applied for a few days to speed up healing.

Full sun protection is essential for 4 weeks after laser tattoo removal treatment.

HOW MANY LASER TATTOO REMOVAL SESSIONS WILL BE NECESSARY?

It is extremely difficult to determine the number of laser sessions needed for tattoo removal, as this depends on the type of ink used and how the tattoo was applied. We often have pleasant surprises with disappearances after just a few sessions, but the vast majority of patients require 10 sessions.

Generally, between 3 to 15 sessions are needed to achieve successful laser tattoo removal, depending on the pigment density, its depth, and the colours used.

Treatment performed with our Revlite laser in 2 sessions!

Special cases regarding eyebrow tattoos:

WHAT ARE THE CONTRAINDICATIONS?

Laser treatment is never performed on:
- a pregnant woman
- tanned skin
- someone undergoing isotretinoin treatment
- certain skin diseases.

WHO CAN PERFORM LASER TATTOO REMOVAL?

Only doctors qualified in medical laser procedures. A free preliminary assessment by a doctor will be carried out at the centre. During this assessment, a detailed estimate will be provided to the patient.

WHAT ARE THE TIME FRAMES TO CONSIDER BETWEEN LASER TATTOO REMOVAL SESSIONS?

Sessions are spaced at least a month and a half apart to allow the skin to eliminate fragmented pigments and to heal.

Tattoo removal treatment is a genuine medical procedure, so think carefully before getting a tattoo.

Pricing for tattoo removal: from €100 to €300.