What is the most effective laser for tattoo removal?

It’s important to know that different ink colours require different laser wavelengths to target and shatter the ink particles. This is the basic principle behind effective laser tattoo removal. A milti-coloured tattoo requires multiple wavelengths to target each colour.

Finding out which wavelength is right for your specific tattoo is a very important factor to consider when researching a tattoo removal clinic. The capabilities of each wavelength are different, and it's important your laser clinic has the tools to treat your tattoo in the most effective way. 

Now, before we lose you amongst all the scientific stuff, let’s break these wavelengths down:

Black ink can be treated with either 1064nm & 755nm

Red, orange, yellow & pink ink require 532nm

Green, blue, purple ink require 755nm

*The number sequence indicates where this wavelength sits on the light spectrum

*nm stands for Nanometers, a unit of measurement  

The quality of a laser machine plays a huge part in its effectiveness and safety of a laser treatment. A great quality machine will reduce the risk of scarring and damage caused to the skin whilst optimizing results. Our choice of laser technology for the past decade is hands down Cynosure. Cynosure is one of the world’s most trusted manufactures of medical grade lasers.

Our super artillery consists of the following lasers:

• Cynosure MedliteC6, a Q-Switch laser we predominantly use to target heavy and deep black ink using the 1064nm wavelength and red, orange, yellow and pink ink by using its 532nm wavelength.

• For green, blue and purple ink we bust out our Cynosure PicoSure laser using the 755nm wavelength. This wavelength is also proving effective on removing stubborn black ink as it has the ability to shatter ink particles even smaller making them easier for our body’s immune system to remove.  

LaserTat is the ONLY clinic in South Australia who offer both laser machines which allows us to treat every single colour at maximum effectiveness.

So in summary – the best laser for treating your tattoo all comes down to what colours of ink you have and the quality of laser machine. The best lasers are always FDA approved and come from quality manufactures with proven results.

You can check out our laser results by clicking here.

Committing to a laser tattoo removal journey can be a long one and often expensive. We’ll leave you with this last piece of advice:
Research, research, research!!

How to prepare for your laser treatment

We all know getting laser isn’t the easiest, most comfortable experience.

Fortunately, over the past 9 years of doing what we love, we’ve had plenty of experience preparing you for your treatment, so here goes:
 

• Please eat!
  It doesn’t have to be a full meal, just a snack before your appointment. When you have an empty stomach & endure laser treatments you tend to get light-headed.

  If this tip slips your mind we have lollies, snacks & soft drinks available for you to treat yourself with.

• Drink plenty of fluids
  We have water on hand if you feel you haven’t had enough. Staying hydrated keeps your skin healthy. It also helps those ink particles hitch a ride out of your body!

• Get those 8 hours
  Sleep is so important for our bodies. The night before your laser treatment is no exception. Sleep helps the body repair, regenerate and recover. So rest up before and after your treatment.
  
  

• Sickness vs laser
  It’s best to receive your laser treatment when your body is strong & healthy.
  If you’re fighting off or showing any signs of infection such as a cold, flu, gastro, cold sore or injury it’s best to rest and wait until you are back to good health.
  Your immune system can then focus all of its energy on expelling ink particles rather than fighting other conditions.

• Avoid direct sunlight

  This applies before and after your treatment.
  Our laser technicians won’t be able to treat your tattoo if you’re sunburnt.

  You will also need to keep your tattoo out of the direct sunlight for a minimum of 2 weeks after your laser treatment. Planning your treatments around outdoor outings is super important. 
  
  

• LADIES, this one is for you!
  Timing is everything… yes, we are talking about ‘that time of the month’.
  During your menstrual cycle you may be more sensitive than usual, therefore making your treatments more intense.
  We are more than happy to reschedule to a time more suitable for you.
  
  

• Wear loose fitted clothing
  There is nothing worse than having your clothes rub on your tattoo after your treatment. This can irritate the area and create friction. Ditch the active wear for your favourite comfy clothes.

• Numb if you need to!
  Look, there are some areas that are more painful than others.
  Personally we love ‘Numit’ numbing cream. You can purchase it over the counter at a chemist or pharmacy. Numbing cream needs to be applied 2 hours prior to your appointment, wrapped in glad wrap and taped down so it’s airtight. Come in with it on and we’ll clean it up before we start. Excess body hair will need to be shaved prior to applying numbing cream.
  
  

• Changes to your health
  Please remember to let us know if you have commenced any new medication or have any new medical conditions. This is so important for us to know as it will affect how we approach your treatment.
  
  

• Ask questions
  Ask as many questions as you need to! Laser tattoo removal is a long term commitment. Helping you feel comfortable with your decision to start laser is important to us. If you have any questions or concerns you can contact us via Facebook, Instagram, email, call or SMS 0421 132 734. We are always happy to help!