Tattoos mean a lot when we get them, but tastes, lives and careers change. Sometimes you want a tattoo gone, or faded enough for a cover-up. Our pico laser is mainly used for pigmentation, and tattoo removal is one of its other key uses. Pico laser tattoo removal in Ipswich can treat multicolour tattoos and semi-permanent make-up on all skin types.
What is laser tattoo removal?
Laser tattoo removal uses very short pulses of light to break up tattoo ink in the skin. Your body’s immune system then gradually clears the tiny ink particles away. As a result, the tattoo fades over a course of sessions.
“Pico” stands for picosecond, one trillionth of a second. Because a pico laser fires its energy in such short bursts, it can shatter ink into very fine particles that the body clears more easily.
What can laser tattoo removal help with?
Our pico laser can help with:
- Black and dark tattoos
- Multicolour tattoos, including some harder-to-treat colours
- Fading a tattoo before a cover-up
- Amateur and professional tattoos
- Semi-permanent make-up, such as microbladed or tattooed brows and lip blush
- Old or faded cosmetic tattoos that have changed colour
Some tattoos fade completely, while others only lighten. To get an honest view of yours, book a free consultation.
How does pico laser tattoo removal work?
Different ink colours absorb different wavelengths of light. Our pico laser combines three wavelengths, 532nm, 785nm and 1064nm, so it can target a wider range of colours than a single-wavelength laser. For example, darker inks generally respond to one wavelength, while some greens and blues respond better to another.
It can also switch between ultra-short picosecond pulses and slightly longer nanosecond pulses, depending on the ink. Picosecond pulses can shatter ink into very fine particles. That makes them easier for the body to clear.
Our pico laser is suitable for skin types I to VI. In addition, its 785nm wavelength is designed for skin types III to VI, which lowers the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Semi-permanent make-up removal
Brows, lips and other cosmetic tattoos can fade unevenly or turn red, orange or grey over time. Laser can help lighten or remove this pigment. However, some cosmetic inks contain light-coloured pigments that can darken when treated. For this reason, we always test a small area first and check the result before treating more.
Your laser tattoo removal appointment in Ipswich
Free consultation with Dr Chi. We look at your tattoo’s size, colours, age and location. We also ask about your medical history and medicines. After that, we agree a personalised plan and talk honestly about likely results.
Patch test. We carry out a patch test before your first full session.
Treatment. You wear protective eyewear while the practitioner passes the handpiece over the tattoo. Most people feel heat or a snapping sensation. Sessions take 20 to 45 minutes, depending on size.
Downtime and aftercare
Most people go back to their day straight afterwards. The area may look red, slightly swollen or feel warm for a few hours. With tattoo removal, some people also get pinpoint bleeding, blistering or light scabbing for a few days. This is a normal part of healing.
Less commonly, the skin can become lighter or darker than the surrounding area, and this can be long-lasting. Scarring and allergic reactions to released ink are rare. We discuss these risks with you before treatment.
After treatment:
- Keep the area clean and dry, and follow the aftercare we give you
- Do not pick scabs or pop blisters
- Avoid direct sun and active skincare for 24 to 48 hours
- Once healed, protect the area with a broad-spectrum SPF50
How many sessions, and when will I see results?
Tattoo removal always needs several sessions. The number depends on the ink colour, how deep it sits and how dense it is. Other factors include the tattoo’s age, its location and your general health.
Sessions are usually spaced several weeks apart, because your body needs time to clear the ink. Many people see gradual fading after each session. Even so, some colours and very dense professional tattoos can take longer.
Is laser tattoo removal right for me?
We would usually advise waiting if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have an infection, cold sore or broken skin in the area
- Have a recent tan or fake tan
- Take medicines that make your skin more sensitive to light, or have taken prescription acne tablets in the last six months
- Tend to form raised or thickened (keloid) scars
- Have had an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink
The NHS advises thinking carefully and choosing a qualified practitioner, as explained in its guide on what to consider before a cosmetic procedure.
If you have other marks to deal with, see our guide to mole and skin tag removal in Ipswich. For sun spots and uneven tone, read about pico laser pigmentation treatment. If hair is your concern, see laser hair removal in Ipswich.
Laser tattoo removal prices in Ipswich
Every tattoo is different, so we price laser tattoo removal on size, colours and the likely number of sessions. Please ask us for a quote at your free consultation. Our other prices are on our pricing page, and you can learn more on our pico laser page.
Frequently asked questions
Can every tattoo be removed completely?
Not always. Many tattoos fade a great deal, but some only lighten. We will give you a realistic view at your consultation.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Most people feel heat or a snapping sensation. Your practitioner will talk you through comfort options.
Can you remove microbladed eyebrows?
Often, yes. We test a small area first, because some cosmetic inks can change colour when treated.
Can I fade a tattoo for a cover-up?
Yes. Lightening a tattoo first can give your tattoo artist more options for a new design.
Book your consultation
If you are ready to fade or remove a tattoo, we would be happy to help with laser tattoo removal in Ipswich. Book your consultation online for our clinic at 5 The Walk, Ipswich. Alternatively, call 01473 948 271 or WhatsApp us on 07938 168 157.
Recommended aftercare from our shop
- Sensilis Body Spray SPF 50+: high-factor protection for healed body tattoos between sessions.
- Obagi Sun Shield SPF50 Tint Warm: daily SPF50 for face and brow areas once the skin has healed.
- Obagi Lip Therapy Soothe & Protect SPF30: a protective lip balm after lip blush removal, once your practitioner says the skin has healed.
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