Laser Treatments
We offer two laser treatments at the studio: laser tattoo removal and carbon laser facials. Every treatment starts with a consultation and test patch, and we support you with full aftercare advice throughout.
Laser Tattoo Removal Procedures
A special laser with a very short pulse is used to fragment the ink of your tattoo.
Your immune system then removes the tiny fragments over a 4 - 6 week period.
The laser beam creates a photo-acoustic shock wave which when absorbed by tattoo pigments causes them to fragment. Heat is released by the ink during this fragmentation which affects the cells surrounding the tattoo causing them to become white – a small white blister also forms at the surface of the skin with each laser impact.
Each impact on the skin from the laser will cause a feeling which many people describe as an elastic band being 'snapped' against the skin. Others describe it being similar to the hot fat that sometimes 'spits' onto the skin when frying food.
Occasionally tiny bleeding points may be noticed at the surface of the skin – these usually coagulate and stop bleeding before the treatment is over. If you have been drinking a lot of alcohol in the 24 hours prior to the treatment this bleeding may be prolonged due to dilation of your blood vessels. It is best if you abstain from alcohol intake before any treatment as the procedure may not be possible if there is too much bleeding.
There is a risk that scarring of the skin in the treated area may occur but precautions will be taken to minimize this risk. The laser energy will be adjusted if any adverse reaction appears or in severe cases the treatment will be abandoned.
The white blisters that form on the skin become translucent after approximately 20 minutes. It is essential that this blistered skin is looked after as described in the Laser Removal Aftercare advice, otherwise scarring may occur. It is a condition of the "Laser Removal Consent Form" that you agree to adhere to this post-treatment aftercare advice.
With some tattoo inks there is a risk that the blistering may be more severe than usual and the energy level will be reduced if this happens. Certain inks used by tattooists may form a black or brown metallic lump in the skin that cannot be removed – the test patches that will be carried out will show if this is likely to happen and will determine whether treatment can proceed.
It is normal to see some fading of the tattoo pigment a few weeks after the treatment. However many treatment sessions may be needed to remove a tattoo completely. It is necessary to wait 6 – 8 weeks between each treatment to allow the skin to heal before the laser sessions continue. It is not possible to accurately forecast how many treatment sessions will be needed as everyone's immune system and lifestyle varies. In some cases the last fragments of a tattoo may prove resistant to the laser and the tattoo may not be able to be completely removed.
You should be aware that any hair growing over the tattoo must be shaved before treatment and that the laser may stunt hair regrowth for prolonged periods.
The colour of the tattoo ink will influence whether laser treatment is possible on your tattoo. It is also important to realise that if the tattoo being removed overlies other tattoos it may not be possible to remove the tattoos underneath if they are pigments that will not absorb the laser energy. Any tattoo that is covering an older tattoo should be discussed with your Laser Practitioner before treatment begins.
Your skin type, medical history and medication will be checked during your Consultation to make sure you are suitable for treatment. Test patches will also be carried out during your initial visit to ensure no adverse skin reaction will occur. Your first full treatment cannot be carried out until these test patches have been reviewed by your Practitioner after 14 days. Photographs of your treatment will be made to document progress. It is a condition of consent that you allow these test patches and photographs to be carried out.
Carbon Laser Facial Procedures
A special Carbon Paste will be applied to areas of your face excluding an area around your eyes and a margin around your mouth. The Carbon Paste is allowed to dry for approximately 10 – 15 minutes and during this time will be absorbed by the superficial dead skin cells of your face but will not penetrate to deeper living cells.
A laser with a very short pulse is used to interact with the paste which causes the Carbon to vaporize along with the dead skin cells. The resulting skin will appear fresher, and the skin's pore size will reduce. Often blackheads/whiteheads are removed by the treatment.
A series of treatments will induce the deeper layers of the skin to produce new collagen that reduces the appearance of fine lines.
A second pass of the laser over areas that have fine lines will be carried out immediately following the removal of the Carbon - this enhances the effects of the laser on the collagen fibres.
Each impact on the skin from the laser will cause a slight tingling sensation – there is no pain associated with this Carbon Peel treatment.
There is a risk that the laser will have an adverse reaction on the skin in the treated area if your Skin Type is too dark or if you have red spots or pigmented blemishes on your skin at the time of treatment. Precautions will be taken to minimize this risk – your Skin Type will be assessed and any blemishes that may cause problems noted.
You should be aware that any excess hair growing on the face will need to be shaved although the normal fine downy hair on many women's faces will not pose a problem. Male clients will need to have a close shave before the treatment.
Your skin type, medical history and medication will be checked during your Consultation to make sure you are suitable for treatment. Test patches will also be carried out during your initial visit to ensure no adverse skin reaction will occur. Your first full treatment cannot be carried out until these test patches have been reviewed by your Practitioner – most clients are able to commence treatment 24 – 48 hrs after the test patch whilst those with slightly darker skin will need to wait for 10 -14 days before the full treatment can begin. Photographs of your treatment will be made to document progress. It is a condition of the "Carbon Laser Facial Consent Form" that you allow these test patches and photographs to be carried out.
Eye Injury
Eye injury due to use of lasers is a risk to the client and to the practitioner. However, the risks are almost completely eliminated with the use of proper eyewear. Your eyes will be covered during the laser procedure with goggles similar to those worn in a tanning booth. The practitioner and any other person in the treatment room will be wearing special eyewear that filters out the potential harmful light and allows them to clearly visualise the treatment area.
Aftercare
Looking after your skin between sessions is essential for the best results. Read the full aftercare advice for your treatment.