Tattoos are treated using a laser. The short pulse of laser light is absorbed by the tattoo ink particle, breaking them down into smaller pieces. Your natural immune defences will then absorb and disperse of the ink. A gradual fading of the tattoo occurs over a series of treatments.

Patients may find treatment uncomfortable. Most patients describe the sensation similar to a hot pin prick or the flick of an elastic band.

This depends on various factors including the density and the colour of the ink as well as the age of the tattoo. 4-8 sessions are typically required for amateur tattoos. 8-12 sessions are required for professional tattoos at 8-10 weekly intervals. 

An instant whitening of the skin is seen after treatment which fades quickly. The area is likely to feel tender for a couple of hours and can be red and swollen for up to 48 hours. Some tattoos will form a graze which must be left to heal naturally. Initially the tattoo is unlikely to look any different but will start to fade over the next 4 - 8 weeks. 

Very rarely the skin can become lighter or darker or a small blister may form. Changes to the skins texture and scarring is possible although uncommon.