Here at armoury we provide tattoo removal
Tattoos are 'permanent' because the ink particles placed into the layers of your skin are bigger than the white blood cells can break down. Our experienced laser tattoo removal tech uses an nd: YAG laser - a medical grade piece of equipment that targets the ink particles, breaking them down to a size small enough that your white blood cells can naturally remove them from your body. This procedure can effectively treat 90 - 95% of tattoos.
At Armoury, our laser specifically targets red and black inks only. We cannot treat other colours in your tattoo.
Prices vary on the size of tattoo and number of sessions required, which are extensive for complete removal.
We offer partial removal and lightening services as part of a cover up plan which allows for more possibilities when covering up your tattoo, and reduces the cost and discomfort for you. Many people prefer to only fade a tattoo, or remove only a section, to facilitate a coverup as the quickest, cheapest and least painful option.
Please contact Armoury Tattoo via email if you wish to enquire about laser tattoo removal.
At Armoury, our laser specifically targets red and black inks only. We cannot treat other colours in your tattoo.
Prices vary on the size of tattoo and number of sessions required, which are extensive for complete removal.
We offer partial removal and lightening services as part of a cover up plan which allows for more possibilities when covering up your tattoo, and reduces the cost and discomfort for you. Many people prefer to only fade a tattoo, or remove only a section, to facilitate a coverup as the quickest, cheapest and least painful option.
Please contact Armoury Tattoo via email if you wish to enquire about laser tattoo removal.
Further information:
What to think about before you have a tattoo removed:
(NHS source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/tattoo-removal/)
COST:
The cost of removing a tattoo will depend on its size and the number of sessions needed.
The price can range from £50 for a single session to remove a small tattoo, to more than £1,000 for several sessions to remove a large tattoo.
LIMITATIONS:
Tattoo removal has some limitations including:
Your skin may be red with a raised rash for a short while after treatment. Holding an ice pack to your skin may help. Try a packet of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel.
You may have some slight bleeding before your skin scabs over. Use aloe vera gel or Vaseline to help it heal.
Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 1 week after a treatment. Cover the area with clothing and use a sunscreen with at least SPF30.
You should avoid:
Possible risks are:
(end source NHS uk)
What are the risks of laser tattoo removal?
(Source: NHS trust: https://www.swbh.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Laser-Tattoo-Removal-ML4800.pdf)
Changes in skin pigment (colour)
• Darkening of the skin (hyper-pigmentation) in the area that has been treated is the most common risk of laser tattoo removal and is more likely to occur in people who tan easily or who have darker skin. Hyper-pigmentation will usually resolve itself in the next 3 – 6 months.
FAQ:
Can I have someone with me?
Unfortunately due to safety issues only the client and practitioner may be in the laser treatment room at the time of operation.
Is there risk to the eyes?
You will be given safety goggles to wear to ensure there is no laser risk to the eyes.
Is there risk to the skin?
Please read above for associated risks. Your skin will be cooled prior and during the treatment to minimise risks.
Clients prone to keloid scarring should avoid laser removal. Common side effects are listed below.
Will you conduct a test patch?
On larger tattoos this may be advised. A 3 week wait is then required to assess healing. On smaller tattoos the "test" is simply the first session, which will use low settings rather than a variety, and the healing outcome from the introductory session will determine progression.
How often will my sessions be?
6-8 weeks is the recommended interval to allow for maximum systemic removal and minimum damage. However, if skin pigment changes have occurred, sessions may need to be spaced further apart until normal colouration recurs. Session frequency may become reduced as the tattoo fades . Increasing frequency only serves to damage the skin and not speed the removal process, as your immune system is continuing to do the work required without additional overly-frequent laser sessions.
The most common side effects are:
How do I care for the area after removal?
Follow standard tattoo aftercare advice. A leaflet will be provided to you. This includes avoiding sun and swimming for around 2 weeks. Any picking or scratching of the area will increase the likelihood of scarring. Apply an ice pack or cold compress over the covered area several times a day (if needed) to help reduce bruising and swelling—can last from one hour to seven days.
Is it painful?
Most people report laser removal as significantly more painful than the tattooing process, yet much quicker.
Can I have pain relief?
You make take paracetamol or ibuprofen one hour beforehand. Some clients may like to use a numbing cream, such as lidocaine or emla cream. Emla is available without prescription from most pharmacies. We are not licensed to provide you with this and you will need to apply it at home around one hour prior to arrival for your appointment. Further information on application is available on the emla website: https://www.emla.co.uk/emla-for-cosmetic-procedures/
Will there be instant fade?
No. Youtube videos showing instant fade are actually only showing the frosting (and often damage) of the skin. Laser removal does not directly fade the tattoo, but rather breaks up the ink molecules. Your body then does the work slowly releasing them. This process can continue for up to a year.
Can I help my body remove ink particles?
Yes. Good health, improved circulation in the area and lymphatic drainage massage may all assist.
Information from "fresh Skin Canvas" may be of interest:
(Soucre https://www.freshskincanvas.com.au/relationship-between-the-lymphatic-system-and-laser-tattoo-removal/)
Laser does not magically make the ink disappear. Instead, it is a long-drawn process which involves excretion of the ink through the lymphatic system of our bodies.
Thus to completely remove the pigment, you need to have a healthy flow in the lymphatic system to speed up the removal process. This is the reason why the two are connected to each other. Let us explain in detail the relationship between the lymphatic system and laser tattoo removal.
What Is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is a group of vessels which aid in the removal of toxins and waste material from the body. The network is made up of lymphatic vessels, which appear like the veins and capillaries of the circulatory system. The lymphatic system is a part of the immune system and is considered to be the sewerage system.
The drainage network ensures that the body fluid levels are optimum at all times and protects it from infections. The lymph vessels work on draining fluids from the tissues so that the foreign particles are transported to the lymph nodes which remove the toxins. Thus it saves the body from infections. It is also responsible for the absorption of fats and fat-soluble nutrients in the digestive system.
Role of Lymphatic System In Laser Tattoo Removal:
The laser tattoo removal procedure involves a series of laser treatments which are separated by a period of 4-6 weeks. During each session, the high-intensity light emitted by the laser is absorbed by the tattoo pigment, which results in the breakdown of the ink.
The small particles are easier for the lymphatic system to eliminate, and that is why there is an emphasis on the disintegration of the ink through laser. The ink usually consists of a variety of compounds that differ with each tattoo parlour you visit. However, the common components are the heavy metals including lead, copper and manganese.
The lymphatic system understands the presence of foreign material as soon as you get inked, but it is not able to excrete it because the size of the ink particle is too big. Finally, the breakdown due to laser treatment aids in the excretion of the ink through the natural immune system of the body. The speed with which the pigment is removed is dependent on the location of the tattoo on the body.
The body parts which are close to the heart have a high flow of blood circulation, and thus, these tattoos fade faster than those located away from the heart. This is the reason why tattoos on ankles take a lot of sessions to fade away completely.
How To Speed Up The Removal Process
Besides taking care of your skin after the laser treatment, you can follow a few lifestyle changes to make sure the lymphatic system is clean and functioning optimally. Here is what you need to do:
(NHS source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/tattoo-removal/)
COST:
The cost of removing a tattoo will depend on its size and the number of sessions needed.
The price can range from £50 for a single session to remove a small tattoo, to more than £1,000 for several sessions to remove a large tattoo.
LIMITATIONS:
Tattoo removal has some limitations including:
- it can be uncomfortable
- it's a very slow process – 10 or more sessions may be needed to remove the tattoo
- many tattoos cannot be completely removed – it's quite common to have some ink left in the skin
- some colours do not fade as well as others
- are pregnant – there's a small risk to your baby
- have a suntan or fake tan – wait for it to fade
Your skin may be red with a raised rash for a short while after treatment. Holding an ice pack to your skin may help. Try a packet of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel.
You may have some slight bleeding before your skin scabs over. Use aloe vera gel or Vaseline to help it heal.
Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 1 week after a treatment. Cover the area with clothing and use a sunscreen with at least SPF30.
You should avoid:
- picking or scratching the scab
- using soap or perfumed products on the area for the first 48 hours
- strenuous physical activities for a couple of days
- swimming and saunas until the scab has dropped off (they may slow the healing process)
Possible risks are:
- some colours not completely fading – yellow, green and purple ink requires more sessions to fade than black, blue and red
- a small chance your skin may become temporarily darker or paler than the surrounding skin
- a slight chance of permanent scarring (3 in 100 people develop a scar)
(end source NHS uk)
What are the risks of laser tattoo removal?
(Source: NHS trust: https://www.swbh.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Laser-Tattoo-Removal-ML4800.pdf)
Changes in skin pigment (colour)
• Darkening of the skin (hyper-pigmentation) in the area that has been treated is the most common risk of laser tattoo removal and is more likely to occur in people who tan easily or who have darker skin. Hyper-pigmentation will usually resolve itself in the next 3 – 6 months.
- Whitening of the skin (hypo-pigmentation) can also occur and in most cases this will
resolve by itself over a few weeks, but in some rare cases it can be permanent. - If your tattoo contains iron pigment (usually in cosmetic tattoos) then rarely the treated area can darken immediately after treatment and turn black. A test treatment will be carried out on your tattoo first so that we can try to predict if this would happen.
Scarring
3 in 100 patients develop a scar in the area that has been treated. To reduce this risk it is important that you do not pick, scratch or aggravate the area as removing a scab or blister can increase your risk of developing a scar.
Not achieving the desired result
Unfortunately we are not able to guarantee 100% clearance of the tattoo.
After the treatment
Immediately after your treatment the treated area will be red, slightly elevated and the skin will have a frosted appearance which is due to the release of tiny steam bubbles in your skin; this will disappear quickly. There may also be some minor bleeding from the area, but this will heal by itself and should not cause any problems.
FAQ:
Can I have someone with me?
Unfortunately due to safety issues only the client and practitioner may be in the laser treatment room at the time of operation.
Is there risk to the eyes?
You will be given safety goggles to wear to ensure there is no laser risk to the eyes.
Is there risk to the skin?
Please read above for associated risks. Your skin will be cooled prior and during the treatment to minimise risks.
Clients prone to keloid scarring should avoid laser removal. Common side effects are listed below.
Will you conduct a test patch?
On larger tattoos this may be advised. A 3 week wait is then required to assess healing. On smaller tattoos the "test" is simply the first session, which will use low settings rather than a variety, and the healing outcome from the introductory session will determine progression.
How often will my sessions be?
6-8 weeks is the recommended interval to allow for maximum systemic removal and minimum damage. However, if skin pigment changes have occurred, sessions may need to be spaced further apart until normal colouration recurs. Session frequency may become reduced as the tattoo fades . Increasing frequency only serves to damage the skin and not speed the removal process, as your immune system is continuing to do the work required without additional overly-frequent laser sessions.
The most common side effects are:
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Blistering
- Scabs
- Bruising
- Hyperpigmentation
- Hypopigmentation
How do I care for the area after removal?
Follow standard tattoo aftercare advice. A leaflet will be provided to you. This includes avoiding sun and swimming for around 2 weeks. Any picking or scratching of the area will increase the likelihood of scarring. Apply an ice pack or cold compress over the covered area several times a day (if needed) to help reduce bruising and swelling—can last from one hour to seven days.
Is it painful?
Most people report laser removal as significantly more painful than the tattooing process, yet much quicker.
Can I have pain relief?
You make take paracetamol or ibuprofen one hour beforehand. Some clients may like to use a numbing cream, such as lidocaine or emla cream. Emla is available without prescription from most pharmacies. We are not licensed to provide you with this and you will need to apply it at home around one hour prior to arrival for your appointment. Further information on application is available on the emla website: https://www.emla.co.uk/emla-for-cosmetic-procedures/
Will there be instant fade?
No. Youtube videos showing instant fade are actually only showing the frosting (and often damage) of the skin. Laser removal does not directly fade the tattoo, but rather breaks up the ink molecules. Your body then does the work slowly releasing them. This process can continue for up to a year.
Can I help my body remove ink particles?
Yes. Good health, improved circulation in the area and lymphatic drainage massage may all assist.
Information from "fresh Skin Canvas" may be of interest:
(Soucre https://www.freshskincanvas.com.au/relationship-between-the-lymphatic-system-and-laser-tattoo-removal/)
Laser does not magically make the ink disappear. Instead, it is a long-drawn process which involves excretion of the ink through the lymphatic system of our bodies.
Thus to completely remove the pigment, you need to have a healthy flow in the lymphatic system to speed up the removal process. This is the reason why the two are connected to each other. Let us explain in detail the relationship between the lymphatic system and laser tattoo removal.
What Is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is a group of vessels which aid in the removal of toxins and waste material from the body. The network is made up of lymphatic vessels, which appear like the veins and capillaries of the circulatory system. The lymphatic system is a part of the immune system and is considered to be the sewerage system.
The drainage network ensures that the body fluid levels are optimum at all times and protects it from infections. The lymph vessels work on draining fluids from the tissues so that the foreign particles are transported to the lymph nodes which remove the toxins. Thus it saves the body from infections. It is also responsible for the absorption of fats and fat-soluble nutrients in the digestive system.
Role of Lymphatic System In Laser Tattoo Removal:
The laser tattoo removal procedure involves a series of laser treatments which are separated by a period of 4-6 weeks. During each session, the high-intensity light emitted by the laser is absorbed by the tattoo pigment, which results in the breakdown of the ink.
The small particles are easier for the lymphatic system to eliminate, and that is why there is an emphasis on the disintegration of the ink through laser. The ink usually consists of a variety of compounds that differ with each tattoo parlour you visit. However, the common components are the heavy metals including lead, copper and manganese.
The lymphatic system understands the presence of foreign material as soon as you get inked, but it is not able to excrete it because the size of the ink particle is too big. Finally, the breakdown due to laser treatment aids in the excretion of the ink through the natural immune system of the body. The speed with which the pigment is removed is dependent on the location of the tattoo on the body.
The body parts which are close to the heart have a high flow of blood circulation, and thus, these tattoos fade faster than those located away from the heart. This is the reason why tattoos on ankles take a lot of sessions to fade away completely.
How To Speed Up The Removal Process
Besides taking care of your skin after the laser treatment, you can follow a few lifestyle changes to make sure the lymphatic system is clean and functioning optimally. Here is what you need to do:
- Stop smoking as it interferes with the tattoo removal process by damaging the vessels and disrupting the functioning of the immune system.
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated as it helps in flushing out toxins from the body.
- Consume a well-balanced and seasonal diet which is devoid of processed foods and artificial additives and flavours. Include all the essential nutrients and eat fresh and raw foods that eliminate waste like beetroot, berries, pomegranate, etc.
- Exercise or physical activity should be on top of your mind if you need a healthy body. You must rest for 1-2 days after the sessions and then start exercising as it helps in making the lymph flow due to the movement of muscles.
- Practice meditation to keep calm and contain your stress levels which can play havoc with your fluid levels. You can also start yoga to speed up the filtration process.
- Many people also try lymphatic drainage massage, which manually pushes out the toxins from the body. It involves pressuring the movement of fluids towards the heart to detoxify the system by a trained therapist.
- Bouncing around may sound funny, but it can work wonders in boosting blood circulation. So you can get on that trampoline and keep jumping for as long as you want.
- (End source Fresh Skin Canvas)