3 things you simply must consider before choosing a tattoo removalist

There are some horror stories out there of people trying to get their unwanted ink removed, only to end up with disfiguring scars or permanent skin changes.

In one case, a man who had selected a major chain for his laser tattoo removal found he had to have 15 to 20 sessions rather than the 10 to 12 quoted by his provider. When he asked his laser technician why he was not getting the promised results she turned the machine up "as high as it goes," which resulted in treatment area suffering from third-degree burns. This man is now left with a long and expensive healing process and permanent scarring on his hands: see (https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/beauty/face-body/tattoo-laser-removal-queensland-man-suffers-serious-burns-after-trying-to-get-his-tattoos-removed/news-story/183200c8ca225d4df1d2f82dc8a40696)

So what should you consider and what research should you conduct before choosing a laser tattoo removal treatment provider? We give you our top 3 considerations which you ought to have front of mind when looking into this type of treatment.

1. What qualifications/ certifications does your prospective treatment provider hold? 

Different states in Australia have different regulations when it comes to the laser tattoo removal industry.

In Queensland there is a minimum standard which is regulated by Queensland Radiation Health. Your treatment provider should hold a licence to perform laser tattoo removal services. You can look up the register following this link: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/157445/laser-use-licensees.pdf

If the person who is going to treat you is not on this register, it is probably best to stay away as they are providing a service which they are not qualified or licenced to provide.

2.  Is the treatment provider a generalist or a specialist? 

Some laser treatments are relatively low risk and can done safely by clinics offering a buffet of treatments. IPL is one such treatment.  Laser tattoo removal is not.

There are many factors your treatment provider needs to take into consideration when providing you with laser tattoo removal services. A specialist knows these risk factors and will provide you with treatment catered to lessen, if not totally negate those risks. Furthermore, a specialist will have a good knowledge of the inks used in tattoos, their constituent make-up and how they respond and react to laser treatment.

Funnily enough, specialists also tend to be more cost-effective than generalists. This is because Specialists often have state-of-the-art lasers which (a)  reduce the risk of deleterious outcomes and (b)  take fewer sessions to remove your unwanted ink.

Always be sure to read reviews - seek them from Google, Facebook and other sites. You can get a real vibe of the person and their skills from these reviews.

3. What laser does the treatment provider use? 

Lasers ain't lasers - like oils ain't oils.

Not all lasers can safely treat tattoo ink. Some people have tried to use IPL machines for this purpose to their great regret. IPL lasers cost between $10,000 and $15,000 and are not suitable for laser tattoo removal. Whilst IPL machines are often marketed as all-purpose lasers, they are most certainly not suitable for tattoo removal and will be sure to leave a scar if used to treat tattoo ink.

Now, you may have heard the term "Q-Switch Nd:Yag" laser. This is a generic term for the type of laser used. Q-Switched Nd:Yag lasers are the gold standard in laser tattoo removal.

There are various types of Q-Switched Nd:Yag lasers out there and you need to be careful what is used on you. Ask your prospective treatment provider what type of laser they use and do your research on it. Read reviews to ensure that it really is a good machine for your type of tattoo.

For example, if you have a tattoo with blue ink, you need to make sure that your prospective treatment provider can treat it. Most tattoo removal clinics, specialist or no, have lasers which treat at 1064nm and 532nm wavelengths. These wavelengths will effectively treat black and reds, however, they will simply not remove blue or green ink. You need one with a 585 wavelenth or similar to fracture blue ink. Furthermore, with green ink, you need one with a 650nm wavelength or similar to effectively treat this ink.

Some lasers are cheap, costing $40,000 to $60,000. These are usually not considered to be state of the art by the industry. Most specialists invest heavily in their business and have lasers which cost over $150,000. In this case, quality does matter. With the more expensive machines comes a superior beam profile which means more effective treatments and a better, more comfortable aftercare period.

Why should you consider and choose City Tattoo Removal for your tattoo removal?

At City Tattoo Removal we only use state of the art specialist lasers to treat your unwanted ink. We are proud to say we use Fotona's QX MAX which is one of the best lasers in the world for tattoo removal. It is one of the only lasers which can offer 4 true wavelengths (1064nm, 532nm, 585nm and 650nm) to treat all common tattoo inks and colours.

Furthermore, the clinic is owned, operated and run by Natasha Collings, a tattoo removal specialist. Natasha holds all the relevant certificates and licences required in Queensland to remove tattoos using a laser. In the last year, Natasha has performed over 2000 separate tattoo removal procedures. Natasha continues to learn and research her craft and regularly writes articles for her website and contributes to blogs and industry discussion groups.

Please do not hesitate to call 3003 0358 to book a consultation to see how easy and cost effective tattoo removal with City Tattoo Removal actually is!


Natasha Collings
City Tattoo Removal
www.citytattooremoval.com.au

Laser Tattoo Removal - a Quick Overview

Laser Tattoo removal 

Even though medical research has been conducted into the use of lasers to remove tattoos since the 1960s, it was not really until the new breed of lasers emerged in the early 2000s that it became a popular and viable competitor to the other removal methods discussed above.  

Can all lasers safely treat tattoos?

It is important to remember not all lasers are suitable for removing tattoos. If you think of the laser beam as being a key and the ink as being a lock, you need to ensure you have the right key for the right lock. Tattoo removal lasers are a special breed all of their own.

IPL lasers are not rated to treat tattoo inks and will cause damage to your skin if used as a tattoo removal device.

Unfortunately, in recent years there have been some occurrences of people trying to use improper equipment, such as intense light pulse light (“IPL”) lasers, for tattoo removal. This equipment, in particular, the IPL lasers, simply do not have the correct treatment parameters for tattoo removal. Attempts to use this machine for tattoo removal have resulted in significant scars to a few unfortunate individuals. 

The new wave of tattoo removal lasers

While it is true, the first lasers used for tattoo removal had a tendency to leave scars, this is no longer the case. The new breed of lasers, particularly those manufactured after 2006, represent a quantum leap in laser tattoo removal treatment.  Nowadays the lasers used for tattoo removal can selectively treat targeted structures without damaging any of the surrounding tissue.

Fotona lasers have been market leaders in medical lasers for over 50 years

There are several different types of tattoo removal lasers in the market, however Q-Switch Nd: Yag lasers are considered by industry professionals to be the gold standard in tattoo removal modalities. As such we will focus the rest of our discussion on these machines.

It is very rare to develop scarring as a result of treatment from a Q-Switch Nd:Yag laser, however in some rare cases it can occur. It is therefore important to be informed about the risk of scarring and the ways scars could occur as a result of a laser tattoo removal treatment.

Like “Oils ain’t oils”, “lasers ain’t lasers.”

While the Q-Switched Nd: Yag lasers are considered the gold standard in tattoo removal, it is important to remember as with most things there is a sliding scale of quality found in the breadth of machines available on the market.

We recommend you research the types of lasers your local service providers have. Not all tattoo removal lasers were created equal, and it is worthwhile noting the more even the beam profile (which tends to be the case in the European and American manufactured lasers) the less chance you have of getting a scar from the procedure. 

We use Fotona's QX MAX which is one of the best lasers in the world for tattoo removal. 

Choose a treatment provider suited to treat all of your unwanted ink

Many treatment providers are easily able to treat black, red and purple inks because they have lasers which treat at the 1064nm and the 532nm light range. Hard to treat colours, such as light blue and green need different light range frequencies to treat. With Fotona's QX MAX we can use a 650nm to treat greens and 585nm to treat blues. Hence, we are able to treat all common ink colours including black, dark blue, brown, grey, white, red, tan, orange, sky blue green and cosmetic inks.

Go to a qualified technician, preferably a specialist

Make sure your service provider is trained, qualified and experienced in tattoo removal procedures. 

Not all states in Australia are regulated. It is therefore imperative for you to do your research in non-regulated states, such as New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, on the treatment providers in your area and their skills and experience in this industry.

Thankfully, Queensland, where we are based, is heavily regulated and treatment providers have to undergo extensive training before being certified to treat people without supervision. Of course, not all technicians are equal, however, in Queensland, you can at least rest assured the certified technicians have a decent standard of training and experience. 

We also recommend you use a treatment provider who is a dedicated tattoo removal specialist, rather than go to a beauty spa which offers a myriad of services, most of which are not applicable to the practice of tattoo removal. 

A specialist knows tattoos and how to remove them efficiently and safely. Given one of the focuses of this article is the risks for scarring, we would say a tattoo removal specialist would be more aware of and attuned to these risks in tattoo removal than, say a beauty therapist who offers an expansive menu of treatments, with tattoo removal only being one of them. 

In this regard, it is important to know that over-treatment during your laser session could result in breaks in the skin with pin point bleeding or excessive blistering, both of which can have the potential to lead to scars on the treatment site. 

An excellent clinician will often see risks and manage for them. It is our practice to make sure our clients leave the clinic with their treated area in a sterile state (with antiseptic powder or ointment and dressing applied). We think this is just good practice given the greatest risk of scarring from laser tattoo removal treatments comes from infection in the aftercare phase. 

Avoid infections at all costs 

To our mind, the biggest risk for scarring comes from any infections following treatment.  It is therefore imperative for you to follow any aftercare instructions given to you by your treatment provider. 

These instructions should provide you all the information you need to avoid infections, and hence prevent scarring. Make sure you discuss any concerns or queries you may have about the aftercare instructions with your treatment provider. 

Aftercare materials are essential

Some treatment providers will offer their clients aftercare packs (we do!). Make sure the packages contain all you need to ensure you have ease of aftercare, for example, our kits typically include, Bepanthan, Saline, Prontosan, tape, dressings, gloves, cream applicators and moisturising cream. 

We recommend you make sure you get value for money in your aftercare needs. Sometimes you will be recommended a product which will go out of date before you have finished using it. Where possible, buy small tubes of ointment, because the active aftercare wound management period following treatment should be minimal. 

If in doubt talk to your doctor or treatment provider

Finally, if you have any concerns at all, or if you are healing in a way which is not usual for you, make sure you contact your treatment provider or your doctor. Don’t put it off. Just remember, infections can lead to scars.

Conclusion

Of the many methods available, laser tattoo removal with a Q-Switched Nd: Yag device is by far the best method for tattoo removal due to its ability to treat and effectively remove tattoos with a minimum risk of scarring. At City Tattoo Removal we use only the best, world leading technology to remove your unwanted ink safely and effectively. Fotona's QX MAX is a true master at treating ink of all colours. If you want the best results for your tattoo removal journey give us a call!


City Tattoo Removal

www.citytattooremoval.com.au

Surgical excision as a tattoo removal technique and the risks of scarring

Surgical excision 

Surgical removal was a viable and popular method to remove tattoos before the new breed of lasers was released.

While the treatment is extremely invasive, it is effective. A medical surgeon completely cuts away the tattooed skin and stitches up the resulting wound. At one stage surgical removal was the only guaranteed way of achieving a successful removal.  

This technique is not suitable for large tattoos. While we have heard of examples where large tattoos have been removed using this method, we don’t recommend it. In one case a patient was subjected to several surgeries because the tattoo was so large the surgeon had no option but to break the removal process up into sections. In this case, the surgeon excised a section of the tattoo and then stitched up the wound. He allowed time for the wound to heal and the skin to stretch, before performing the process all over again. The surgeon repeated this procedure until the tattoo was completely removed. As you can imagine, the process left large, angry scar on the patient. 

The effectiveness of surgical removal depends on the size and location of the tattoo. For example, tattoos removed from an area of the body with stretched skin, for example, the scalp,  may not be as suitable for the procedure, or enjoy the same results, as other regions of the body, such as the forearm.

Professional tattoo removalists do not recommend this method. The technique is incredibly invasive and requires the patient to have surgery under a general anaesthetic. 

Scarring is almost certain to occur; however, the level of scarring will often depend on the location of the removal, the size of the tattoo, and the skill of the surgeon’s hand with stitching. 

At City Tattoo Removal we use world proven and leading laser technology to remove your unwanted ink. This technology will safely and effectively remove tattoos with a minimal risk of scarring.


City Tattoo Removal
www.citytattooremoval.com.au

Chemical and acid peels used as a tattoo removal method and their risks for scarring

Chemical/Acid Peel

This procedure involves using acid or other chemicals to burn away the layers of skin holding the tattoo ink pigments. This procedure has the advantage of removing the tattoo in one session. The disadvantage is this technique will almost certainly result in a scar which looks like a burn. The nature of this treatment does not make it suitable to remove large tattoos. 

There is a substantially increased chance of infection and hence greater scarring, due to the depth of the wound and the exposed flesh. Aftercare is therefore critical to minimise the appearance of scarring. 

Chemical/ acid peels are not preferred methods to remove tattoos due to the highly aggressive nature of the treatment, which is certain to leave a scar and presents a greater risk of infection during the aftercare period. 

We do not recommend this technique for people prone to abnormal scarring or for those worried about scarring as a result of their tattoo removal procedure. 

At City Tattoo Removal we use only state of art laser technology to safely and effectively remove your unwanted ink. This risk of scarring from this procedure is minimal.

See photos below for progress shots and scarring which occurred as a result of a chemical peel treatment: 

Photos courtesy of: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4506436/Student-s-horrific-scars-trying-remove-tattoo.html


Read further on our blog to check out several methods of tattoo removal and their risks for scarring.

What is salabrasion and what are the risks for scarring when used as a tattoo removal method?

Salabrasion

The technique is similar to microdermabrasion, however granular salt and water are used instead of a diamond wheel or an abrasive brush.

In-clinic professionals blast a salt and water mix onto the skin. 

People also achieve salabrasion at home by using salt and a sponge. 

Salabrasion strips away the outer layers of skin. The technique is repeated every few days until the scarred tissue sloughs off, supposedly leaving healthy tissue underneath.  Salabrasion, like dermabrasion, is incredibly painful and as such professionals use robust local anaesthesia when performing treatment in a clinical situation.

Like dermabrasion, there is a substantially elevated risk of scarring and infection, compared with other tattoo removal methods, due to the stripping away of the dermis and part of the epidermis, which forms the body’s protective cover. 

Like microdermabrasion, this technique is not recommended for people who may be prone to abnormal scarring because most people scar as a result of this procedure.

Again, this is not a preferred removal method among professionals in the tattoo removal industry. We do not recommend this technique if you are worried about scarring.

At City Tattoo Removal we use only state of art laser technology to safely and effectively remove your unwanted ink. This risk of scarring from this procedure is minimal.


Images courtesy of:
http://naturaltattooremovalinfo.blogspot.com/2013/03/chemical-peels-tattoo-removal-before.html


Read further on our blog to check out several methods of tattoo removal and their risks for scarring.

What is micro-dermabrasion and what are the risks for scarring when used as a tattoo removal method

What is Micro-dermabrasion and what are the risks of scarring when this technique is used for tattoo removal?

Micro-dermabrasion

Therapists using this technique use an abrasive device, such as a brush or a diamond wheel, to sand down the skin until the epidermis and the ink-containing layers of the dermis are removed. 

People can achieve dermabrasion at home using substances such as brown sugar crystals, powdered pumice and ground down apricot kernels. 

This treatment is incredibly painful. Patients are given strong anaesthesia when the procedure is performed in a clinical situation. 

Due to the aggressive nature of the treatment, more than one session is required to remove the tattoo.  This technique is not suitable for large tattoos and is limited in its ability to remove tattoos with heavily impregnated ink or tattoos with complex colours or shades.

There is a massive risk of scarring and infection, compared with other tattoo removal techniques, due to the sheer volume of exposed flesh resulting from treatment. Healing time is also longer than other treatment methods. Aftercare is therefore critical to avoid infections which can lead to scarring.

The treatment provider's skills and abilities are paramount for a successful outcome from this procedure. The method is not precise. It is very easy for the abrasive brush or diamond wheel to take away more skin than is required to remove the tattoo. 

This technique is not recommended for people prone to abnormal scarring, as most people experience scars in the treatment area as a result of this procedure. 

Microdermabrasion is not a preferred method among tattoo removal professionals. We do not recommend this technique if you are worried about scarring. 


At City Tattoo Removal we use only state of art laser technology to safely and effectively remove your unwanted ink. This risk of scarring from this procedure is minimal.

What is a scar and how do scars develop?

What is a scar and how do scars develop? 

What is a scar?

A scar is: “A mark left on the skin or within body tissue where a wound, burn, or sore has not healed completely, and fibrous connective tissue has developed” (https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/scar)

Who is at most risk of scarring and why? 

As a general rule, the risk of scarring increases in thin skin. The location of the wound is therefore important when considering the potential for scarring. For example, you would expect there to a greater risk of scarring on your chest than on the palm of your hand. 

It is worthwhile keeping in mind that all treatments which break the skin carry with them a risk of scarring.  The risk increases if the wound transects a joint (for example a shoulder), skin creases, (for example at the back of the knee), or major muscle groups, (for example the lower abdomen).  Scars may also result from an infection in a wound.

Young children and young adults are prone to scarring from traumatic injuries because their bodies usually heal more vigorously.  As a result, these individuals can develop thick, pink scars; however, these will often fade as the young person ages. 

Adults do not tend to scar in the same way as children. Their wounds are not likely to be as affected by skin tension. Scars in adults do, however, tend to react more to UV rays, which can lead to noticeable pigment changes. 

Abnormal scarring

Visible scarring is a natural part of the body’s healing process when there has been an injury to the skin. Scar types can vary over a broad spectrum; however, abnormal scars can cause psychological distress, are often aesthetically displeasing and can cause impediments in physical functioning.

In general, people with very fair and very dark skin tones may be prone to abnormal scarring.

One of the more well-known types of abnormal scars is a keloid scar. Keloid scars can occur in individuals of all ages. Keloids develop due to an overgrowth of collagen in the wound site which causes dense, fibrous scar tissue to grow outside the borders of the original wound. Keloid scars tend to take on a red or purplish tone. There is some evidence that keloid scarring is hereditary, so people who have family members with keloid scars are at greater risk than the general public. Studies have found that individuals with darker skin types are more prone to keloid scarring, as are people between ten and thirty years of age. 

Wounds which reach deep into the dermis may result in hypertrophic scarring. Like keloid scars, hypertrophic scars are caused by an overgrowth of collagen. They appear raised and red. However, unlike keloid scars, they are confined to the original wound site.

At City Tattoo Removal we use only state of art laser technology to safely and effectively remove your unwanted ink. This risk of scarring from this procedure is minimal. 

Read further on our blog to check out several methods of tattoo removal and their risks for scarring.

Our top safety tips for people considering a laser procedure

Our top 8 safety  tips for people considering a  laser procedure.

Laser treatments are a safe and effective therapy for numerous medically necessary and elective cosmetic procedures. Before undergoing a procedure, we recommend individuals considering laser treatments keep these safety tips in mind.

1. Find out who will be administering the treatment

Ensure the treatment is being performed by a laser operator and clinic certified by, and registered with, Queensland Radiation Health. You can check to see if the clinic and technician are qualified via the following link: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/radiationhealth.

2. Ask questions

What are the risks? What is the cost? How long is the recuperation period? What post-treatment care will be required? Who will be performing the procedure — what are the person’s credentials and experience?

3. Discuss your medical history with your treatment provider

Some pre-existing medical conditions, previous medical or cosmetic procedures, current medications, (including herbal remedies and vitamin supplements) and whether you have a tan can impact on treatment. Make sure you tell your treatment provider about any of these factors as they may impact on treatment. 

4. Ask if this laser is right for your skin type

Has this laser been approved for your skin type/hair colour/medical condition? Is the laser appropriate for use on the area of the body you want treated? 

5. Does your treatment provider conduct patch tests?

Your treatment provider should conduct a test patch on your skin before each treatment session to make sure no unforeseen complications arise from treatment. If you have sensitive skin, and your treatment provider does not offer a test patch as a matter of course, ask them to perform one (this should be free). Just remember, it’s your skin and it will be much easier to treat a complication on a small patch of skin than a larger area. 

6. Manage expectations

Ask your treatment provider what type of results can be expected from treatment - for example,  will your condition improve/tattoo fade/lose hair (whichever is applicable) after one treatment, or will you require multiple treatments for optimal results?

7. Let your treatment provider know in advance if you have a history of scarring or herpes

You absolutely must advise your treatment provider if you have an active herpes infection. Not only could this be a bar to treatment whilst the infection is active, your treatment provider may have to take extra infection control measures when consulting with and treating you.

Some people are more prone to scarring issues, such as keloid scarring, than others. Make sure your treatment provider is aware of any scarring issues you have had in the past. 

8. If something does not feel right, don’t delay in seeking assistance

If you experience intense pain or any other unexpected side effects following a procedure, such as healing in a way which is not usual to you, call your treatment provider or consult your medical practitioner.  Do not wait to see if it will go away.

TATT CHAT

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