Laser Tattoo Removal

You are many to 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 is known as tattoo removal.

First, discover the opinion of one of our patients who dreamed of a tattoo:

Aurélie’s Opinion:

As a teenager, I dreamed of a tattoo, to the point that as soon as I turned eighteen, I went for it: a rose on the upper part of my chest. Luckily, I wanted it to be relatively small and colourless, as it was my first tattoo and I was afraid of the pain. But in my haste, I went to the first tattoo artist I found without taking the time to think. The result? A badly drawn tattoo, which over time came to resemble more of a scribble than a rose. In short, something I just wanted to see disappear.

HOW DOES TATTOO REMOVAL WORK?

After much reflection, I decided to have this tattoo removed with laser treatment. During the first consultation, the doctor explained how the device works and warned me about the contraindications. Since it was an old and small tattoo, we planned for three sessions to make it completely disappear. However, it is important to know that nothing is certain from the start. I left with a date for my first session and precautions to take before attending.

DOES LASER TATTOO REMOVAL HURT?

Honestly, that was my greatest fear. I was sure it would hurt even more than the tattoo itself. In fact, it is neither more nor less painful; it’s different. Unlike the tattoo, which feels like a burn, the laser emits a pulse that feels like a small electric shock. One cannot really say it is "painful". That being said, the doctor had recommended that I apply an anaesthetic cream to the area 1 to 2 hours before the session, and I believe that helped a lot.

AND AFTERWARDS? HOW MANY SESSIONS FOR WHAT RESULT?

I definitely needed all three sessions to completely remove the tattoo, but by the first session, it was already well faded. After each session, I made sure to follow the doctor’s instructions: apply a healing cream, avoid exposing the area to sunlight, and, above all, not to scratch.

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

Today, I no longer have a tattoo I regret, but if I did, I would not hesitate to make another appointment for laser tattoo removal, as it is a truly effective technique and regarding scars, it leaves almost no trace.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU REGRET A TATTOO?

Marking one's skin with a tattoo is a strong sign. One may choose to imprint the name of a loved one, a place that has touched them, or a symbol that perfectly summarises what they want to make of their existence. In France, tattoos are still very much in vogue. According to a study by Ifop 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 one regrets a tattoo and wishes to erase it from their skin. According to the French Society of Dermatology (SFD), 10% of tattooed individuals want to get rid of a tattoo.

But how does one go about it? The most effective method is laser removal. The SFD has noted that in the past ten years, the number of consultations related to tattoo removal has significantly increased.

HOW DOES A TATTOO REMOVAL SESSION PROCEED?

Our laser specialists use a pigment laser called Q-Switched Revlite®. This laser is characterised by a very short emission time, which allows for the explosion of pigment molecules, without leaving necessary traces to fragment the ink droplets until they reach the 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 should also be noted that certain colours are more difficult to remove. Black and red, for example, disappear 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 slight burning. The sensation of the laser treatment can be compared to that of a rubber band snapping. A numbing cream may be applied 1 to 2 hours prior to the laser session.

WHAT ARE THE IMMEDIATE AFTERMATHS?

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

AFTERCARE POST SESSION?

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

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

HOW MANY LASER TATTOO REMOVAL SESSIONS WILL BE REQUIRED?

It is extremely difficult to determine the number of laser sessions required for tattoo removal, as this depends on the type of ink used and the way in which the tattoo was applied. We often experience pleasant surprises with removals achieved in just a few sessions, but the vast majority of patients require 10 sessions.

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

Treatment performed with our Revlite laser over 2 sessions!

Specific cases of eyebrow tattoos:

WHAT ARE THE CONTRAINDICATIONS?

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

WHO CAN PERFORM LASER TATTOO REMOVAL?

Only doctors specialised in medical lasers. A preliminary free assessment by a doctor will be conducted at the centre. During this assessment, a detailed quote will be provided to the patient.

WHAT ARE THE WAITING TIMES 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 heal.

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

Costs for tattoo removal: from €100 to €300