Cosmetic Tattoo Laser Removal Guide

If you're unhappy with your tattooed eyebrows or have experienced fading and colour change over time, laser tattoo removal is an option. At Tanya Beauty Care, we specialise in brow tattoo removal. In our comprehensive guide, we step you through the process and answer all your questions.

How does cosmetic tattoo laser removal work?

Laser tattoo removal is an increasingly popular method for removing and correcting tattoos, including eyebrow tattoos. At Tanya Beauty Care, we can remove and correct eyebrow tattoos if you're unhappy with a change in the colour of your tattooed brows, poor shaping and placement or if the colour is too heavy in opacity. 

The method uses laser energy to break down the ink particles in your skin, which your body naturally eliminates. 

We use an advanced Q-switched laser that emits light at precise wavelengths in extremely high-energy bursts. These bursts are absorbed by the tattoo's pigment, leading to the creation of an acoustic shockwave. 

This shockwave effectively breaks apart the pigment particles, freeing them from their encapsulation and fragmenting them into tiny pieces that the body can naturally remove. Over a series of treatments, the tattoo fades and eventually disappears.

The length of the laser pulse really matters. When the tattoo ink takes in the laser's energy, it gets hot and bursts. Instead of using one single laser beam, it's better to use many quick, powerful laser pulses over and over on the tattoo. This gives time for the heat from the burst ink to cool down before the next laser pulse. The process is less painful and helps to avoid leaving a scar.

Using a Q-switched laser means this machine has no thermal component; therefore, your hair follicles won't be damaged, and no hair loss is involved. Some other laser treatments damage the brow hair while removing the tattoo. 

Does laser tattoo removal work?

Laser removal is one of the most effective treatments for eliminating tattoos. When done correctly, you can achieve a great result and create a clearer foundation for a fresh set of microbladed brows if that's what you wish to do. 

The procedure can help correct and remove:

• Fine hair strokes that have gradually changed into more solid lines
• Fading tattoos that have changed colour; for example slowly turning more red or purple. 
• Uneven shaping
• Pigment that is too dark or light

The results may vary depending on factors like the colour and type of ink used, the depth of the tattoo, and your skin type. 

Laser eyebrow tattoo removal process

At Tanya Beauty Care, the process starts with booking an initial consultation. During the consultation, our laser specialist technician Anne will assess if you're an appropriate candidate for the procedure, address any questions or concerns, and develop a tailored treatment plan that suits you. 

Our laser specialist technician will also give you a complete list of pre-treatment instructions to follow to ensure the best outcome.

If you're happy to proceed, we'll carry out a small test patch to observe how your tattoo and skin react. Once the test patch has healed, we'll treat the entire tattoo over a series of sessions in the clinic. 

Depending on your skin type, preferences and pigmentation of the tattoo, you may require several sessions. Most clients require 2-4 sessions.

Each session lasts approximately 1 hour, and it takes multiple sessions to remove the tattoo as the original ink was applied in layers. 

The laser breaks the ink down into tiny particles in each layer, and it takes time for your body to flush the ink out. Plus, your skin needs time to heal between sessions. 

We'll guide you on post-care instructions to follow, ensuring a smooth recovery and rapid healing. We also share these tips further along in the guide; follow them to a T!

Does laser tattoo removal hurt?

The process isn't pain-free, but most people only experience a little discomfort and find the treatment tolerable. It can feel like quick snaps of an elastic band on the skin. Your technician will also apply a numbing cream to the area to minimise discomfort.

You'll also be given eye protection to wear throughout the treatment, which is crucial for the safety of your eyes.

How to prepare for your treatment 

Make sure your skin is prepared for each treatment if you want the best outcome; both preparation and post-care matter.

• Be careful about sun exposure leading up to the treatment; your skin shouldn't be tanned or sunburned. Apply SPF when you're outdoors. 
• Don't use self-tanner or spray tan.
• Make sure you're well-hydrated for each appointment. Drinking plenty of water will help boost circulation throughout your body, including the affected area of a tattoo undergoing removal. Increased blood flow brings essential white blood cells to the treated area, which can help the removal of tattoo ink particles and promote the skin's healing process.
• If you're a smoker, take this as extra motivation to quit! Smoking can slow down the recovery and healing process. 
• Don't shave, wax or exfoliate your brow area in the days before the treatment. You don’t want your skin to be sensitised or irritated. 
• Avoid taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication in the lead-up to the treatment, as these types of medications can potentially increase bleeding. 

What happens after laser tattoo removal treatment?

After your laser eyebrow tattoo removal, it's common to experience mild swelling, which should subside within 24 hours, and some bleeding. 

Some people also experience laser tattoo removal blisters. If this is the case, be gentle with the blisters and don't peel the blister skin off once it has popped; let it come off on its own to avoid scarring. 

Eyebrow healing process

The laser eyebrow tattoo removal healing process usually takes around 5 days for the skin to heal. However, you will still need to wait 6 weeks before your next tattoo removal session with Tanya Beauty Care. 

After laser tattoo removal, it's common for the treated area to appear lighter or slightly discoloured. 

This is a temporary effect as the skin heals and the body eliminates the fragmented ink particles. The original colour of your eyebrows may gradually return or can be enhanced with other cosmetic techniques like microblading or shading.

Laser tattoo removal aftercare

Take your post-care treatment seriously and follow these tips to care for your skin after laser tattoo removal:

• We will supply you with an aftercare cream to help prevent infection and speed up healing; apply this as directed.
• Other than applying the aftercare cream, don't touch the treated area for 3 days post-treatment.
• Keep your brows dry. Avoid exposure to water for 3 days to avoid infection. 
• Sleep on your back to avoid rubbing your face (and brows) against the pillow while you sleep. 
• Don't apply makeup or skincare to your brows.

Proper aftercare is your responsibility and crucial to the success of your laser tattoo removal; reducing the risk of complications, such as scarring or infection.

 

What to consider for laser tattoo removal

Before deciding on laser tattoo removal, there are a few things to consider for the process:

• How much it costs
• Risk of scarring 
• How effective the treatment is 
• How long it will take 

How much does laser tattoo removal cost?

Laser tattoo removal cost in Australia varies depending on the number of sessions you need to remove the tattoo. This will depend on the size of the tattoo, the amount of ink used and whether you have any scar tissue.

At Tanya Beauty Care, the cost per session ranges at $300 for the first session and subsequent sessions range from; $250 for the second session, $200 for the third session and $150 for the fourth session. We will let you know in the initial consultation how many you will need. 

Does laser tattoo removal leave scars?

While laser tattoo removal is generally considered a safe procedure, there is always a small risk of scarring. The chances of scarring are higher if you have a history of keloid scarring or if your skin has been damaged during the tattooing process. 

However, by choosing a qualified and experienced professional and following the aftercare instructions provided, you can significantly minimise the risk of scarring.

If there are existing scars in the treated area, they will remain even after the pigment is removed. To ensure a proper assessment, any pre-existing scarring is documented during the initial consultation before starting the laser treatment.

How long does laser removal take?

The laser removal process for eyebrows depends on your skin type, preferences and pigmentation of the tattoo; you may require several sessions. Most of our clients require 2-4 sessions. The session itself takes around 1 hour. 

You'll need to wait 6 weeks between each session to allow your skin to heal and recover between sessions. 

How soon can I have my eyebrows microbladed?  

After having your last laser tattoo removal session, we recommend waiting at least 10-12 weeks before getting microblading for new brows over the top. 

Factors affecting your results

The outcome of laser tattoo removal can be affected by a few things. Understanding how these come into play can help set up realistic expectations of what to expect. 

Age of the tattoo: Older tattoos may fade more quickly than newer ones because your body has had more time to break down the ink particles. The ink in older tattoos usually degrades naturally over time, making them easier to remove.

Quality of the ink used: The removal process is also impacted by the quality of the ink used in the tattoo. High-quality inks are generally harder to remove, while lower-quality inks tend to fade more easily. Also, some ink colours respond better to laser removal than others, with black being one of the easiest to remove.

The technique of the original tattoo artist: If the original artist applied the ink consistently, it could be easier to remove, but a less experienced technician may have been inconsistent with the application, which can make the removal process more challenging.

The role of your immune system 

Did you know your immune system plays an essential role in how quickly ink is removed from your body? 

When you have a healthy immune system, your body can more effectively remove the ink particles after they've been broken down by the laser, leading to better tattoo removal results. 

Smoking, dehydration, and poor diet can impact the health of your immune system; these factors make it harder to achieve the best outcome for your treatment. The healthier your immune system is, the quicker you’ll see results.

 

Tattoo removal laser FAQs

Here are a few of the most common questions we're asked about laser tattoo removal for eyebrow tattoos. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to reach out to our team.

Q: Can I get laser tattoo removal while pregnant?

A: No, laser tattoo removal is not recommended for pregnant women. While it is not considered unsafe, there is insufficient research to establish the procedure as a risk-free process for pregnant women. 

Q: Can I shower after laser tattoo removal?

A: Yes, you can shower after laser tattoo removal, but avoid direct water pressure on the treated area and keep the area clean and dry.

Q: Can I swim after laser tattoo removal?

A: It's best to avoid swimming in pools or natural bodies of water for at least two weeks following your treatment to minimise the risk of infection.

Q: Can laser tattoo removal cause scarring?

A: While laser tattoo removal is generally safe, there is a risk of scarring. However, choosing an experienced professional and following proper aftercare can help minimise this risk.

Book your appointment for laser tattoo removal with our expert technicians at Tanya Beauty Care today!