“If the price sounds too good to be true, chances are you’re going to get burned.” – CHOICE
As 4.2 million Australians have at least one tattoo, there is an expected increase in laser tattoo removals. Between differing removal methods, laser removal has proved most popular and widely available.
However, with a lack of training at some clinics, you could walk away with nasty scars and burns. Cheapest often means ‘less regulated’, and the results you want will not appear. So, if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Do your research, have a consultation first and know the facts to stay safe.
The Statistics
- Tattoo regret is so common, with three in ten Australians with a tattoo claiming that they regret one or more (The Sydney Morning Herald).
- 51 per cent of Australians were between 18 and 25 years old when they got their first tattoo (The Sydney Morning Herald).
- Tattoo removal demand has surged over 440% in the last ten years (No Ink).
- 26 per cent of tattoo removals require over fifteen sessions (Journal of the American Medical Association)
How Laser Technology Works For Removing Tattoos
Pigment (or tattoo ink) is inserted into the skin when getting a tattoo, and these pigment particles are small. Different colours sit at various levels under the skin as well, which is why the laser needs many wavelength levels to get the removal completed.
The laser shoots light into the skin as a zap, which breaks up the pigment particle, causing it to disappear. This is because the pigment particle has absorbed the energy, heated and broken up as a result. This feels like an elastic band flicking at the skin, and should not be much more painful than getting the tattoo in the first place.
Black ink is the easiest to remove, as black absorbs all the laser wavelengths, however, some colours are trickier as the only absorb particular wavelengths.
Not All Lasers Are The Same
With cheap, poorly made and ineffective laser machines that are on the market for $2000 AUD, it is no wonder individuals experience burning and scarring. In comparison, there are European medical lasers starting at $100,000.
A Q switched laser, which is what you see on the majority of tattoo removal sites, uses the powerful but brief laser pulse creation of q switching, rather than a continuous wave of light. The shorter and more targeted lights creates greater power to break the tattoo ink particles down and reabsorb them back into the bloodstream.
However, you should be wary of simple listings of a Q switched laser without referring to the exact model as not all are made the same. Or, the technician is not experienced enough to know the difference, which is a warning sign.
Therefore The Right Machine Matters
So which machine is the right one? There are many quite effective models (like the Q switched laser) however, the Discovery Pico Laser Machine is the first “second generation” picosecond Nd:YAG laser for tattoo removal, pigmented lesions and skin resurfacing/rejuvenation treatments. Next Level Clinic is proud to be one of few Clinics in Australia to offer this revolutionary technology to clients.
This laser series includes up to three wavelengths, 532 nm – 1064 nm – 694 nm, high peak power and up to four emission modes to combine maximum operating performances with the widest range of treatments.
As Does Skill & Experience
Of course, you want to be confident in the skills and experience of your laser removal technician. You can expect a consultation in person first to examine the tattoo, create a treatment plan depending on the size and colours within the tattoo. A skin type assessment and a cost estimate are also given.
We ensure an informed decision moving forward, as you walk away knowing how long and how many sessions are needed for optimal results. For reference, one session should last less than five minutes, and the average treatment frequency is 6-12 sessions depending on the colours and size. Due to the effective technology, and our technicians’ experienced knowledge of lasers, you can ensure the quickest and most effective removal.
We Use The Best Technology To Ensure Optimal Results For You
Stop looking at that tattoo with regret and actually do something about it. With the best technology and friendly, experienced technicians, you can feel better in your own skin. Contact us today, or check out our before and after tattoo removal results.
