Laser Tattoo Removal
For safe, effective laser tattoo removal, look no further - for all ink colours and skin types, including cosmetic tattoos. Book your consultation today.
Treatment Time
Numbing
Discomfort
Recovery Time
Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal uses targeted light energy to break down the ink particles within the skin. These particles are then gradually cleared by the body’s natural processes over time.
During your complimentary laser tattoo removal consultation, our highly experienced nurses will examine your tattoo and provide an estimate of the number of treatments required, along with the cost per session.
While we always aim to give you a clear understanding upfront, the actual number of treatments required for tattoo laser removal can vary depending on several factors. These include the size of the tattoo, the colours used, how deeply the ink sits in the skin, and your skin type.
Before your laser tattoo removal treatment, numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area for approximately one hour to make sure you are comfortable during the procedure.
Once skin sensitivity is reduced, the treatment will begin. Treatment time varies depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo being treated. In most cases, the procedure takes between 15 and 60 minutes.
Avoid unprotected sun exposure and fake tanning products for a minimum of two weeks prior to treatment.
On the day of your appointment, do not wear contact lenses, jewellery, or makeup to the clinic, including lipstick and mascara. The skin in the treatment area should be clean and free from creams or perfumes.
We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing and shoes, particularly if the tattoo being treated is in an area that may be sensitive after treatment.
After your laser tattoo removal treatment, an ice pack will be provided to help soothe the skin and reduce swelling.
We recommend applying ice packs for up to 10 minutes every hour or two for the remainder of the day. If your face has been treated, sleeping with your head elevated may help reduce swelling.
You can shower or bathe as normal using your usual products. Makeup can be worn, however perfume should not be applied to the treated area.
Vaseline can be applied two to three times a day for approximately three days to assist healing. SPF50+ sunscreen should be applied regularly until the skin has fully healed.
If you plan to spend time outdoors, keep the treated area covered or wear a hat to protect the skin.
You can book a tattoo removal consultation, free of charge, with one of our nurses. During this consultation, they will assess your tattoo and provide advice on the likely number of sessions required for tattoo removal, along with the estimated cost.
If you decide to proceed with treatment, your first laser tattoo removal session may be possible on the same day, depending on the clinic schedule on that day.
- Low risk of scarring
- Treatment is administered by highly trained nurses
- If required, medical pain killers are available
- Minimal impact on your daily life
What are the possible risks of tattoo removal treatment?
As with any laser treatment, there are some risks associated with laser tattoo removal, although tattoo laser technology is considered very safe.
Common and temporary effects may include redness, swelling, or a mild sunburn-like sensation in the treated area. These reactions are totally normal and typically settle within a few hours to a few days.
Less common risks include hypo-pigmentation (lightening of the skin) or hyper-pigmentation (darkening of the skin), which may occur more frequently in darker skin types. In rare cases, blistering, infection, or scarring may occur.
For this reason, it is important that patients with darker skin types seek treatment from experienced professionals with a wide range of pigment lasers available, offering the safest possible treatment.
During your consultation, our clinicians will assess your skin type and tattoo and discuss any potential risks before treatment begins.
Read our full guide on laser tattoo removal.
What is the cost of tattoo removal treatment?
At our clinic, treatment starts from $180 for a tattoo approximately 1cm in size. Larger tattoos require longer treatment times and therefore may involve a higher cost per session. Because most tattoos require multiple treatments, the total cost of tattoo laser removal will vary from patient to patient.
Your first step is always free consultation with one of our experienced nurses. During this appointment, your tattoo will be assessed and you will be provided with an estimate of the number of sessions required and the cost per treatment for full transparency.
What does tattoo removal treatment feel like?
The sensation experienced during laser tattoo removal can vary from patient to patient.
Many patients describe the feeling as similar to being flicked by an elastic band against the skin. To help minimise discomfort, numbing cream is applied before treatment. Additional pain relief may also be available if required.
Treatment sessions for tattoo removal are usually relatively quick, and most patients find the procedure manageable with the numbing cream applied beforehand.
Can tattoos be 100% removed?
Many tattoos can be significantly faded or removed completely using laser tattoo removal, although complete removal cannot always be guaranteed.
Results depend on several factors, including the type of ink used, the colours within the tattoo, how deeply the ink was placed in the skin, and your individual skin type. Professional tattoos and multi-coloured tattoos may require more sessions.
During your consultation, our clinicians will assess your tattoo and discuss what results you may realistically expect from tattoo laser removal.
Will tattoo removal leave a scar?
The risk of scarring is low. Laser treatments work by targeting the tattoo pigment without cutting or damaging the surrounding skin. Following proper aftercare instructions, such as protecting the area from sun exposure and allowing the skin to heal between treatments, can really help reduce the risk of scarring.
Your clinician will provide detailed aftercare advice.
How many sessions does laser tattoo removal take?
This is a common question. Most tattoos require multiple laser tattoo removal sessions to gradually break down the pigment in the skin.
The number of treatments required varies depending on the tattoo size, colour, location, and depth of the ink. Some tattoos may begin to fade after only a few sessions, while others may need several treatments for full removal.
Can cosmetic tattoos like microblading or eyebrow tattoos be removed?
Absolutely. Cosmetic tattoo removal, such as laser eyebrow tattoo removal and microblading pigment removal is very popular and can often be treated using specialised laser technology.
These types of tattoos may respond differently to treatment depending on the pigments used. During your consultation, our clinicians will assess the cosmetic tattoo and determine whether laser tattoo removal is best for you.
How long do I need to wait between tattoo removal sessions?
Treatments are usually spaced around 6–8 weeks apart. This allows the skin time to heal and gives the body time to gradually clear the broken-down tattoo pigment.
Spacing treatments appropriately is an important part of the laser tattoo removal process and helps achieve the best results while reducing the risk of complications.
Why should I see a dermatologist clinic for tattoo removal?
As a dermatology clinic with over 30 years experience removing tattoos we have experience working with a wide range of tattoo treatments, skin types and tattoo inks, as well as access to medical-grade laser technology.
During your consultation, our clinicians will assess your tattoo, discuss your goals, and determine the most appropriate laser approach based on the colours, depth and location of the tattoo. This helps ensure your laser tattoo removal treatment is carried out safely and effectively.
What happens during a tattoo removal consultation?
During your consultation, one of our clinicians will assess your tattoo and discuss treatment options with you.
They will look at the size, colours, and age of the tattoo, and provide an estimate of how many laser tattoo removal sessions may be required and the estimated cost. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about the laser tattoo removal treatment.
Our Practitioners
The doctors at Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic are highly trained medical professionals, with a caring and compassionate outlook, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results for our patients.
Dr. Terence Poon is the medical director of Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic. He is a dermatologist and laser specialist. He has trained extensively in Australia and internationally, in the laser-responsive cosmetic aspects of dermatology.
He undertook a fellowship with Dr Jim Walter, who pioneered the use of lasers in dermatology in Australia and who founded our clinic, which was the first full time laser dermatology clinic in Sydney.
Dr Marianne Nolan has been with the clinic for over two decades and is very experienced in all aspects of laser treatments and related cosmetic procedures. Her meticulous record of safety and competence has earned her a huge following of dedicated cosmetic skin care patients, who also enjoy warm, caring manner. She trained extensively with our founder, Dr James Walter, and has attended regular training programmes and conferences in Australia, Europe and the USA. Together with Dr Walter, she is co-developer of our bespoke rejuvenation treatments, the Walter Nolan Multi-Laser Procedures.
Dr Helena Torpinski has been with our clinic for nearly two decades. Her bright and lively manner continues to ensure she is popular with our patients. Helena works as a GP in Newtown when she is not at our clinic and this adds a great breadth of knowledge and understanding to her engagement with patients. She has expertise in all forms of laser and light-based treatments and has a commitment to ongoing education, training and regular conference attendance.
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