If your dream tattoo has become a nightmare, we can remove it for you
How does Tattoo removal work?
Lasers are considered the gold standard in tattoo removal. They are by far the safest and most effective way to deal with unwanted tattoos, and it is the only way to go if you want to have appreciable result while reducing damage on the skin over which the tattoo was inked.
What kind of laser is used?
In our clinic we use the tried and tested Q-switched lasers. Q-switch refers to the technology that enables the laser machine to fire an extremely short duration pulse, usually either in the nano (one billionth of) or pico (one trillionth of) second range. The extremely short pulse causes the pigment molecules of the tattoo (or pigmentation) to shatter into smaller pieces from the photoacoustic effect. These smaller pieces are then carried away by the body's immune system and lymphatics. The extremely short pulse also does not give enough time for the surround tissues to heat up, resulting in less scarring and side effects.
Dr. Ma was featured on The Straits Times for his work on laser tattoo removal 2015. Source: The Straits Times
What is the difference between the picosecond and nanosecond Q-switch lasers?
The new generation of Picosecond lasers are able to fire laser beams with even shorter pulse durations in the picosecond (trillionth of a second) duration. It is an improved technology from older traditional Q-switched Nd:Yag lasers which fire laser beams in the nanosecond (billionth of a second) duration. With a shorter pulse duration, the laser energy is able to shatter the tattoo pigment at a higher pressure. This photoacoustic effect breaks tattoo inks into a fine dust cloud, with dust particles tinier than those fragmented by traditional nanosecond Nd:Yag lasers. Pulverized pigments are absorbed much more efficiently, resulting in speedier elimination of the ink particles by the body. This means you need less treatment sessions to remove a tattoo compared with the traditional types of laser. The ultra-short bursts also mean even lesser thermal damage to surrounding normal tissue, thus there is lesser redness and swelling compared to its traditional counterpart, dramatically reducing the risks of scarring.
The Cynosure Picosure laser system was the world’s first picosecond laser to receive FDA approval for the removal of tattoos and benign pigmented lesions. (There have been other picosecond lasers to receive FDA clearance since).
Even the most challenging blue, green and purple inks, or stubborn tattoos previously treated by conventional lasers can be effectively removed with these lasers. Individual variation can occur with any laser tattoo treatment. Our doctor will advise you on suitability, success rates and expected outcomes of our treatments.
What type of tattoos does the removal work on?
Professional tattoos, amatuer tattoos, cosmetic e.g. eyebrow tattoos, traumatic tattoos.
Here at Freia Medical, we have both a Nd:YAG and an Alexandrite pico laser, which can produce lasers of wavelengths of 532nm, 755nm and 1064nm. In general, 532nm is good for red tattoos, 755nm is good for black and green tattoos, and 1064 is good for black and deeper tattoos. Having a variety of different wavelengths allows us to treat tattoos of different colours effectively.
Treatment duration, pain and downtimes
Treatment duration depends on how big the tattoo is. The larger the tattoo, longer the time taken. In general, for a palmed size tattoo, it may take about 10 minutes.
A topical anesthetic cream is routinely applied for 20-30 minutes prior to treatment. A gentle stream of Zimmer cool air is continuously blown at the treatment area. This not only protects the treatment area but increases comfort levels throughout the laser treatment. There is some discomfort during the procedure, but it is usually very well tolerated. Patients describe the sensation of a rubber band snapping on the skin. In some cases, a local anaesthetic can be injected prior, to make the treatment even more comfortable.
Dr. Ma was humbled to receive an award from the Director of Prisons in 2011, for pro-bono Laser Tattoo Removal for ex-offenders, helping them rehabilitate back to society
Dr Ma receiving a long service award in September 2013 for his continuing prison volunteer work of Laser Tattoo Removal with ex-offenders
Dr. Ma is proud to receive the 5 year long service award in 2015 for his Laser Tattoo Removal work with ex-offenders
FAQs
Tattoos are removed by directing laser energy at the tattooed area in very short pulses, passing through the outer layer of the skin and directly targeting the tattoo ink. The laser selectively destroys the tattoo ink. Over the next few weeks, the body’s scavenger cells remove pigment residues, resulting in lightening of the tattoo. It takes time for the treated area to heal as your body’s immune system works overtime to flush the ink away. Generally, sessions can be repeated at intervals of 4 to 8 weeks depending on the healing.
Will the tattoo completely disappear?
Most of the time, yes. However, it is very important to know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide. Not knowing which tattoo ink, how deep or how much was used, makes it difficult to predict with 100% certainty. The Kirby-Desai scale gives a good estimation of number of sessions required and the likelihood of complete clearance.
No two tattoos are alike and we are not talking about the aesthetics aspect of them. There are many factors that govern how a tattoo will look after it’s healed, and just as many that determine its ease or difficulty of removal. The number of treatments required to remove a tattoo depends upon several factors including size, location, color, depth, how the tattoo was applied, the length of time it has been on the skin, and the patient’s individual skin type (Kirby-Desai Tattoo Removal Scale helps to estimate number of sessions needed). Most patients will require around 5 to 8 treatments sessions upwards, while others will appreciate satisfactory lightening in 3 or 4 sessions upwards. In some cases, they might need more than 12 treatment sessions if there is considerable skin disfigurement or layered tattoos.
The type and quality of the ink used as well as the color itself will affect the outcome of laser tattoo removal. Some compounds in ink, such as beryllium, are hard to remove. Contrary to what you might think, darker inks are actually easier to remove than lighter inks, with black and dark blue ink being the easiest to remove. Most traditional lasers such as the Q switched Nd:Yag struggle to remove green, pale blue, and yellow, but the newer generation of picosecond lasers can tackle these colours much more effectively. With the Picosure laser, this has been reduced to half the original number of sessions required, and even stubborn tattoos have shown to respond remarkably well. Individual variation can occur.
Topical antibiotic /steroid cream
Sunblock
Avoid aggravating factors
Some contraindications include
- Pregnancy or lactation
- Hypertrophic scarring tendencies
- History of light or photo-allergy reactions
Please let our doctors know if there is
- Presence of inflammatory skin conditions such as active acne, allergies, or infections
- Highly sensitive skin or severe skin issues
- Existing skin disorders such as eczema, keloids, scars, or skin cancer
Some risks include
- Incomplete clearance of tattoo even after multiple treatment sessions: “left-over shadows”
- Hyperpigmentation, textural change and hypopigmentation (which may be permanent)
WE CAN HELP YOU REMOVE THE INK THAT HOLDS YOU BACK EMOTIONALLY.
Don't let visible reminders of the past chain you down and stop you from living the best life ahead.