Tattoo Removal

The Gold Standard in Tattoo Removal.

South Wales leading Tattoo Removal.

We are the best at what we do and there is no Clinic with a combination of the technology that we have, offering the level of service that we do, across Wales and the South West.

Tattoo removal in particular has become a massive industry in the UK – as much for tattoo fanatics as it is for those wanting to completely eliminate tattoos – the largest sector of our Clientele comes from those seeking the safe reduction of tattoo ink so that a successful cover up can be achieved.

Our biggest point of referral (other than our Clients) are Tattooists themselves, who recognise we have a Premium service and technology to offer potential Clients that no other business in our locality has. Clients travel far and wide for what we have to offer them.

We use the state of the art technology.

Cynosure Picosecond

Cynosure Picosecond is an unparalleled breakthrough in laser technology that delivers ultra-short pulse bursts of energy to the skin in trillionths of a second.

Picosecond pulse width is 100 times shorter than nanosecond technology, enabling unmatched photomechanical impact for better clearance with fewer treatments and less fluency – sparing the skin high thermal damage and targeting the ink/pigment chromophore with precision not found in ordinary nanosecond lasers.

In addition, the PicoSure boasts a Boost Adjustable Pressure feature that amplifies PicoSure’s PressureWave™ to levels never before possible. Magnifying pressure 70% and shortening pulse widths to 550ps, allows for unprecedented treatment options. Boost is ideal for recalcitrant tattoos and enhanced shattering of pigment for optimised results.

The Quanta System

The Quanta system is different to other Q-switched lasers because it is a short pulsed laser with the technological breakthrough of OPTIBEAM TECHNOLOGY – Optimal Laser Beam Profile.

The Optibeam handpiece generates a perfect ‘Flat Top’ beam profile with Optical Technology that is able to distribute the power of the laser homogeneously on ALL spot sizes!

This is crucially important technology with regards to Q-Switch lasers as it is this even consistency of power distribution that promotes a healthy and shorter healing time and less negative side effects (burning/blistering/hypo-pigmentation).

What is Tattoo Removal?

What is it?

Tattoo removal has been performed as long as the art of Tattooing itself through various methods including dermabrasion, surgical removal and the injection of saline salts/waters to fully or partially remove tattoo ink.

However, the most effective method is without a doubt, removal of tattoos through the use of lasers. Using lasers has become the ‘standard modality’ for tattoo removal. Lasers are a ‘non-invasive’ removal of tattoo pigments historically using q-switch lasers that penetrate the skin, shatter the ink and allow the body’s natural process of toxin removal to destroy and carry out the ink particle through the macrophages in the blood and the lymphatic system.

Continuing technological advancements mean that it is no longer just Q-switch lasers that can remove Tattoos, but Alexandrite ‘pico-second’ laser beams too – allowing for the complete removal of the full spectrum of tattoo ink colours with quicker responses, fewer sessions and less pain.

At SkinDeep we are unique in our approach to Tattoo Removal – using a bespoke combination of both Picosecond and Nano-second lasers and their wavelengths to create the safest and most effective Tattoo removal protocols ever seen in the Tattoo removal industry. Our wealth of investment has not just been financial but educational too – our staff are trained and experienced to a highly significant standard that leaves other Clinics standing.

How it works

Cynosure PicoSure Laser

This machine uses ‘PicoSecond’ Technology and Alexandrite 755nm and 532nm wavelengths to undoubtedly provide the best results in the removal of coloured ink.

The PicoSure breaks down and removes ink using a Photomechanical Impact – this means that the PicoSure is the first of a new generation of Aesthetic lasers which do not rely solely on heat to burn or melt away unwanted tattoo ink or melanin, the pigment that causes dark spots in your skin. Instead, PicoSure engineers have used cutting edge physics and medical science to help practitioners treat patients in a new way!

Quanta Q-Plus Series Laser

At SkinDeep we continually invest in our Clinic and pride ourselves on offering CHOICES when it comes to any kind of treatment – Laser or otherwise!

We do not believe that any one product or technology is solely the best at what it does… one size does not ‘fit all’ and some benefits of some technologies can easily compliment or enhance the effectiveness of others.. that is why we have introduced the Quanta Q-Plus A laser to our portfolio…

The Quanta Q-Plus range uses advanced second generation technology for unrivalled results on solid black tattoos and a huge spectrum of pigmented lesions.

The technology used in this machine uses a ‘Photoacoustic’ effect of the Q-switched laser beam, for high peak power that shatters solid targets such as dense black and stubborn red tattoo ink particles and melanosomes in pigmentation.

The Photoacoustic Effect is when the laser radiation from the laser penetrates the biological tissue (skin) and reaches the destination particle (ink or pigmentation).

Provided the laser has the correct wavelength – the absorption point of the particle will rapidly rise in temperature and this combined with a short laser pulse will mean the rapid and local warming of the particle at the absorption point will cause a violent expansion – resulting in an Acoustic Shock Wave.

Benefits

Cynosure PicoSure Laser

Traditional lasers predominantly rely on photo-thermal action, delivering heat to the pigment and surrounding tissue – often resulting in damage to the tissue and surrounding tissue areas which does not always repair. In the past, it would be fair to say that the extreme heat from photo-thermal action can scar or leave behind white ghosting in the skin, long after the course of treatment is finished.

PicoSure’s ultra-short pulse duration goes beyond photo-thermal action creating an intense Photomechanical impact, patented PressureWave™, resulting in greater disruption of the target (ink or pigment) for better clearance with fewer treatments, less fluence and without injury to the surrounding skin.

Picosecond pulse width is 100X shorter than nanosecond technology and only ultrashort pulse durations can trigger this photomechanical effect.

PressureWave Technology is used to shatter the target ink into tiny particles that are easily eliminated by the body. Even dark, stubborn blue and green inks, as well as previously-treated, recalcitrant tattoos can be removed.

Quanta Q-Pluus Series Laser

The advancements used in Quanta Q-Plus q-switched sources can generate a photoacoustic effect targeted at inks and pigmentations leaving the surrounding skin intact.

The Acoustic Shock Wave previously mentioned means that to the Client receiving the treatment a very loud snapping noise will be heard. However, on Quanta Lasers ALL of the energy will be in the Acoustic Wave – with NO thermal effect – therefore NO DAMAGE to the surrounding skin tissue!!

These laser systems are able to fragment the target in small particles making them easily processed by the human body with the phagocytosis process.

Ultimately, this means IF the laser pulse has been short and strong enough, this Acoustic Shock wave should be enough to fragment the particle.

This particle is then attacked by the macrophages in the body and when small enough to be engulfed by the cell membrane they are digested by the body’s natural immune system. Successfully removing it through the lymphatic system and out of the body altogether.

Sessions

Recommended number of sessions

As with ANY Laser Tattoo Removal Platform the total number of sessions cannot be predicted or guaranteed. There are too many variables – type of ink, age of ink, depth of ink and amount of ink to name but a few.

Experience often allows us to ‘estimate’ the number of Tattoo Removal Sessions required but the true answer is.. that it is impossible to actually tell!

What we can say with certainty though is that due to the unique way the PicoSure laser ‘shatters’ the coloured ink in your skin, Clients will need fewer sessions – up to 75% less!!

Traditional laser tattoo removal would take on average 10– 20 sessions for a small professional tattoo (up to 5cm sq), whereas 4-8 sessions using the PicoSure laser will generally be enough to remove your tattoo, leaving behind almost no trace.

In the case of the Quanta System, its second generation and Optibeam Technology combined with the additional Fractional Handpiece Protocols mean that it can remove Tattoos in half the time of its Q-switch competitors. Dense black Inks that traditionally have required 20 sessions or more are now successfully removed in sometimes less than half the sessions – and with virtually NO damage to surrounding skin tissue.

Results

Duration of Results

Once removed the duration of your Results would be permanent.

Should a small ‘ghosting’ of the Tattoo remain, this will generally become less obvious as time goes by and we aid this process massively with our bespoke protocol which uses our fractional laser in the Quanta System to aid skin recovery.

(* please note, that owing to the nature of some rare inks on the market – some tattoos will never be removed in their entirety – whilst we offer the best technology and experience, no results can ever be guaranteed).

Treatment Areas

Treatment Areas

Essentially any area of the body that carries Tattoo Ink – provided it is safe to do so within treatment protocol guidelines, the skin is not broken and regulated eye protection is worn.

Risks

Risks and Complications

The possible risks and complications of any Laser Tattoo removal include:

Blistering
Infection
Poor wound healing
Unfavourable scarring
Skin discoloration that may be permanent
Suboptimal aesthetic result.

As scary as this may sound, please be reassured that as a Clinic, we do everything in our power to prevent the occurrence of all of these. We stick to our Protocol guidelines with regards to safety, have medical oversight and are very thorough in the aftercare we give our Clients.

It is recommended that you wait a minimum of 6 weeks between sessions to allow the treated area to heal. To help speed up your recovery and improve the overall results we advise you to follow our laser tattoo removal before and after care instructions.

We want to remove your tattoo… but we want to remove it safely and with as little damage to your skin as possible!! Skin needs time to recover from any kind of laser treatment, so we encourage our Clients to listen to us when we say… the best tattoo removal takes a little longer in time… but gets the best results in less sessions!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt?

Tattoo removal treatment and skin pigmentation treatment can be moderately painful, yes. It is not always the case – and much depends on the size and depth of ink in the Tattoo, in addition to the Individual Clients pain barrier.

The PicoSure is considered less painful than the Quanta because of its Picosecond Pulse – but an electrical impulse/elastic band snapping sensation has been reported for both.

What sometimes makes the Quanta appear more painful is often actually the body’s response to the noise it makes – a very loud snapping sound known as the Photoacoustic effect. Some of our Clients choose to wear ear plugs to reduce this effect during treatment time.

To ensure client comfort we use a “cooler” machine that blows cold air onto the area being treated to ensure that any discomfort felt is minimal.

We also advise Clients to ensure they have eaten before they come in, are hydrated and generally in good health – to minimise any unnecessary sensitivity to pain.

How often will I need to come for treatment?

Every 6 – 8 weeks or until the skin is completely healed.

How will my tattoo look directly after treatment?

Immediately after tattoo removal treatment your tattoo will look red, raised, swollen with white frosting where the pigment has been shattered. This can last up to a week and can be followed by bruising.

In some cases the Tattoo may blister.

It is extremely important that you follow the after-care advice given by your practitioner.