ND YAG LASER TATTOO REMOVAL

MANCHESTER UK

Although getting a tattoo may seem like a very good idea at first, our opinion may change over time and we may not want to see our tattoo anymore. Thanks to the developments in laser technology, it is possible to safely and effectively remove the permanent ink used during the tattooing process from the skin. 

ND YAG Laser Q-Switch

ND stands for neodymium doped yttrium aluminium garnet, which is the medium the laser passes through. Q-Switched mode laser produces 2 beams: one in the infrared range, which, is 1064nm wavelength for darker/black tattoo removal, and a second beam of 532nm wavelength which is useful for light coloured tattoos and superficial skin lesions e.g. skin Pigmentation, Birthmarks and Thread Veins. Machines that are not Q-Switched cannot provide the desired results, as they are not powerful enough to shatter the tattoo ink particles.

How do lasers work in tattoo removal?

Lasers used in tattoo removal break the artificial pigment into small pieces. Pieces of ink that are cut into small pieces are removed by cells that are part of our immune system, which we call macrophages. Completion of laser pulses within nanoseconds is one of the most important factors preventing the burning of the tissue around the pigment and the formation of scars. Another important factor is that sufficient energy reaches the tissue for pigment breakdown. High energy levels can cause tissue damage, while low energy levels may be insufficient to break down the pigment. 

Which laser is tattoo removal done with?

Q switch NDYAG lasers are the gold standard of choice in tattoo removal. Since the light created by Q switch ND YAG lasers is not trapped by the skin’s own color pigment melanin, the risk of leaving light or dark marks on the skin after tattoo removal is very low.

While black tattoos can be treated with Q switch NDYAG (1064) lasers, lasers of different wavelengths are required to remove multicolored tattoos. 

Q-switch Frequency doubled NDYAG (532nm) : for removing red and orange tattoos

Q-switch Ruby (694nm): It is used to remove green and dark tattoo particles. Except for very fair-skinned people, the use of this laser may cause the formation of unwanted spots and scars. 

Q-switch Alexandrite (755nm): Its highest activity is in green pigments, but it is not effective in red, orange, brown colors. Since it is a low-energy laser, it is very unlikely to cause undesirable color change in the natural color of the skin. 

What are the side effects of tattoo removal?

As with all procedures, laser treatments also carry some risks. Possible side effects: light-dark discoloration of the skin, darkening of the tattoo, blistering, allergic reaction or development of scars may occur. The likelihood of these side effects may vary depending on the tattoo structure, the device used and personal characteristics. Blistering is a condition that can be seen during the normal recovery period after the procedure. 

Skin care is very important during the recovery period after the procedure, so it is recommended that you choose an experienced specialist who can follow your healing process together with you, after laser application. 

How many sessions does laser tattoo removal take?

Although it varies according to the structure and location of the tattoo, an average of 6 sessions with an interval of 6 weeks can be recommended. 

What are the prices of laser tattoo removal?

Tattoo removal application fee may vary depending on the size and location of the tattoo. 

You can contact us for detailed information and appointment. 

Q-switched ND Yag Laser System

Mini Tattoo

Up to 2cm2

£50

Small Tattoo

Up to 5cm2

£75

Medium Tattoo

Up to 8cm2

£99

Large Tattoo

Up to 12cm2

£150

The price for an area larger than 12cm2 are to be agreed in the consultation. The body can only cope with a certain amount of treatment in one sitting, spaces tattooed larger than 12cm2 may need to be completed over more than one sitting.

How It Works?

When ND YAG Q-Switched laser comes into contact with a tattoo the laser light is absorbed by the tattoo ink and it creates a photo acoustic shock wave that releases the heat from the tattoo and shatters into minute particles. When this response shatters the particles this is known as a photo mechanical effect. When the particles are shattered they are then able to be carried away by macrophages and leave the body through the lymphatic system, For this effect only, a Q-Switched laser can be used as a photo acoustic shock wave which is needed to create the photo mechanical effect. Using Lasers without Q-Switch will result in not removing the tattoo. 

What Types of Tattoos Can We Treat?

  • Professional Tattoos – Placed 2-3mm in the dermis and usually with colours and dense ink. Note: Theses tattoos can be harder to remove and may require more sessions.

  • Amateur Tattoos – Usually blue and black inks and are not as deep, ink may not be as dense making it easier to remove

What Are The Benefits Of Laser Tattoo Removal With Us?

  •  Treats blue-black tattoo

  • The most advanced technology for tattoo removal in the world today

  • Safe and hygienic

  • Reduced risk of scarring as the laser does not heat up the surrounding tissues
    Without Q Switched mode the laser cannot produce enough high intensity energy in short pulses (nanoseconds) to shatter ink particles. This would result in less effective results

  • ND YAG Q-SWITCHED Laser machines remain the gold standard in the market as the power produced creates the mechanical effect to shatter and remove ink particles which other lasers can’t! 

Procedure time

This depends on the size of the tattoo; a small tattoo might take 5 minutes, whereas a large, or multiple tattoos could take an hour or more of treatment,

Pain

The amount of pain felt will depend on the type of tattoo, the amount of treatment required and your own threshold. Some clients would describe it as no more than uncomfortable, where others will describe it as an elastic band flickering against your skin.

Recovery Time

No downtime, however, the treated area may feel very tender to touch and white gas bubbles will be apparent. It is important that the skin is looked after immediately after the treatment. The area must not be picked, especially if blisters appear. Keep the area clean and dry. Whilst healing Aloe Vera gel can be applied or an antiseptic cream for the next 3 days. You can apply cold compresses if necessary to reduce discomfort and inflammation. No scrubbing the area when showering or bathing and no exposure to sun without sunscreen. SPF 30 is recommended.

Side Affects

White gas bubbles may rise on the skin immediately. This is a good sign that the heat has been released from the shattered ink particles. This will disappear within 20 minutes of treatment. Pinpoint bleeding may occur as this is due to the tiny blood vessels within the skin erupting. This also should stop within 20 minutes. Skin redness may be present and temporary swelling due to the heat and intensity of the treatment. (All these side effects are considered normal and should clear up within 20 minutes).

Sessions needed

Customers will see a reduction after the first treatment. However, to completely remove a tattoo depending on the ink colour and how deep it is in the skin, it could take between 6-12 sessions with intervals of 6 weeks between treatments. In some clients, more sessions may be necessary for complete removal.

Note

It is encouraged to drink plenty of water after the treatment to flush out debris.