Condition
Tattoo Removal
Regretting a tattoo, or ready for a change? Laser removal can significantly reduce or clear unwanted ink
Overview
Regretting a tattoo, or ready for a change? Laser removal can significantly reduce or clear unwanted ink
Tattoo regret is more common than many people realise. Whether a design no longer reflects who you are, the result was not what you expected, or your circumstances have simply changed, the desire to remove or reduce unwanted ink is a very understandable one. The process requires patience, but with the right approach, significant clearance is achievable for most people.
At Maison Restorative we use Q-switched laser technology to treat unwanted tattoos. The laser targets the ink pigment with short bursts of concentrated light energy, which shatters the particles into smaller fragments that the body's immune system can then clear away gradually. Multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart are needed, as the body continues breaking down the ink between appointments.
The number of sessions required depends on the tattoo's age, size, colour and the depth at which the ink was placed. Darker inks such as black and dark blue respond most readily; brighter colours, particularly greens and yellows, can be more resistant. Your practitioner will assess the tattoo at consultation and give an honest estimate of what is achievable.
Available Treatments
How we treat tattoo removal
Symptoms
What it looks and feels like
- Dissatisfaction with the design, placement or quality of the tattoo
- A tattoo that has faded, blurred or spread unevenly over time
- A design that no longer feels appropriate for professional or personal reasons
- Cosmetic or medical tattoos (including brow tattooing or areola reconstruction) that need correction
- A previous removal attempt that resulted in partial fading, requiring further treatment
Causes
Why it happens
- Change in personal taste or identity over time
- Poor or unexpected outcome from the original tattooing
- Tattoo placed in a location that causes professional or social difficulty
- Relationship or name-related tattoos following a change in circumstances
- Cosmetic tattooing (permanent make-up or paramedical tattooing) that requires adjustment
When to seek advice
If you have been considering tattoo removal for a while, a consultation is the best way to understand what is realistically achievable for your specific tattoo. Older, faded tattoos and black or dark-ink designs generally respond best to laser treatment, but your practitioner can give a much more accurate assessment in person.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How many sessions will I need?
The number varies considerably depending on the tattoo's size, ink colours, age and depth. Professional tattoos with dense ink typically require more sessions than amateur work. Most tattoos need anywhere from six to twelve sessions, though your practitioner will give a more specific estimate at consultation.
Will the tattoo be completely removed?
Significant clearance is achievable for many tattoos, particularly those with dark inks. Complete removal cannot always be guaranteed, as results depend on factors including ink colour, depth and your skin's response to treatment. Your practitioner will be honest about realistic expectations at your initial consultation.
Is laser tattoo removal painful?
Most patients describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. Numbing cream can be applied beforehand to make the session more comfortable.
How long do I need to wait between sessions?
Sessions are typically spaced six to eight weeks apart to allow the skin to heal fully and for the body to clear the fragmented ink particles before the next treatment.
Can all ink colours be removed?
Black and dark navy inks respond most readily to Q-switched laser treatment. Brighter colours such as green, yellow and light blue are harder to remove and may require more sessions or a different laser wavelength. Your practitioner will assess the specific colours in your tattoo at consultation.
Can you remove eyebrow tattoos or microblading?
Cosmetic and permanent makeup tattoos, including eyebrow tattooing and microblading, can often be treated, but they need careful assessment first because some cosmetic pigments can change colour when lasered. Your practitioner will test and advise on the safest approach at consultation.
How much does laser tattoo removal cost?
Pricing depends on the size, colours and number of sessions your tattoo needs and is confirmed in writing at your consultation, with no obligation to proceed.
Concerned about tattoo removal?
Book a consultation with our specialist team. We will assess the cause and recommend the right combination of treatments for you.
Book a consultation