Most people get their first tattoo in their teens or early 20s. By the time the 30s arrive, life has often changed and there can be a myriad of reasons why someone wants to get rid of a tattoo. These can include relationship breakups, career change or advancement, becoming a parent, or personal growth and psychological development. These changes can all lead a person feeling that a tattoo is no longer representative of who they are or who they want to be.

In fact, numerous surveys in the US and Australia found that between 8 and 27 percent of people regret at least one or more of their tattoos. In one survey, 76% of respondents believed that tattoos can hurt a person’s chance of being hired during a job interview.

What can you do about a tattoo you no longer want?

There are generally three ways to remove a tattoo – laser tattoo removal, dermabrasion, and surgical tattoo removal.

Laser tattoo removal is the most preferred option, as it usually produces the best results without causing lasting effects to the surrounding skin. It also generally has fewer side effects than other available treatments.

How does it work?

The laser tattoo removal treatment available at DermCosmesis works by focusing laser energy to break up the pigment and colour in your tattoo. The laser needs only a fraction of a second to break down the pigment, allowing your treatment to be completed in a short time. Tattoo removal lasers do not penetrate the deeper layers of skin, making scarring very rare and healing very fast.

An average tattoo takes anywhere from 5 to 20 treatments to remove completely. The number of treatments depends on the age, colour, quality of ink, and the technique used to create the tattoo.

Results will vary from patient to patient and some people may experience side effects from laser tattoo removal, including redness, swelling and minor blistering of the skin following laser treatment. These side effects are usually temporary.

For this client below, we used 16 treatment sessions. Each laser tattoo removal treatment was administered between 5-8 weeks apart.

Who can perform laser tattoo removal treatments?

In Western Australia, only level 1 Registered Nurses (with a minimum of 5-years’ experience) and Medical Doctors can perform laser tattoo removal.

At DermCosmesis, we have two Medical Doctors available for laser tattoo removal treatments.

Dr Dhruva Ramachandran is a General Practitioner with more than 16 years of experience in the field of Dermatology and Cosmetic Medicine. He has a particularly strong interest in laser medicine. Dr Ramachandran holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Diploma in Family Medicine (DFM), Diplomate in Practical Dermatology (DPD) and a Diplomate American Academy of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Medicine (DAAARM).

Dr Amiee Pikoos is the newest addition to the team. Amiee is a GP Registrar who holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and has a background and a keen interest in laser tattoo removal and skin rejuvenation.

Our team at DermCosmesis will discuss the number of treatments required, depending on the size and nature of your tattoo. You will be provided with detailed pre- and post-treatment instructions to help prepare for your treatment and manage your skin after any laser tattoo removal treatment.

Book in your free consultation today to discuss a plan to remove your unwanted tattoos!