Laser Tattoo Removal Southampton
Medical-grade Q-Switched Nd:YAG tattoo removal
Regret a tattoo, need it faded for a cover-up, or simply ready for a change? We provide professional Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser tattoo removal for suitable tattoo inks, aimed either at maximum possible removal or at controlled fading before a cover-up. Every tattoo is different. Colour, depth, density, age, location and the composition of the ink all influence how it responds, which is why every client has an individual consultation, tattoo assessment and patch test first.
- Q-Switched Nd:YAG
- MHRA-registered device
- 1064nm and 532nm
- Black and dark ink specialists
- Fading for cover-ups
- Individual tattoo assessment
- Mandatory patch testing
- Over 15 years’ laser experience
- Advanced tattoo-removal qualifications
- Clients aged 18+ only
From £45 per session
Consultation, tattoo assessment and patch test – £10
- Over 15 years’ laser experience
- Level 5 qualified laser practitioner
- Advanced tattoo-removal qualifications
- UK Responsible Person, MHRA
- Medical-grade Q-Switched Nd:YAG
- Mandatory patch testing
Complete removal can never be guaranteed. No single laser platform removes every tattoo colour effectively. If we do not believe your tattoo is suitable for our laser, we will tell you before you spend money on treatments unlikely to produce a meaningful result.
Tattoo removal prices
Straightforward size-based pricing. Larger tattoos, sleeves and heavily saturated areas are assessed individually.
| Tattoo size | Approximate size | Price per session |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Up to 5cm | £45 |
| Medium | 5 to 8cm | £59 |
| Large | 8 to 12cm | £69 |
| Extra large | 12 to 20cm | £85 |
| Larger tattoos and sleeves | Assessed individually | Individual quotation |
| Consultation, tattoo assessment and patch test | – | £10 |
Large tattoos and sleeves
Large tattoos do not always need to be treated as one complete area in a single appointment. For full sleeves, half sleeves, large back pieces, large leg tattoos and extensive chest tattoos, we may divide the tattoo into manageable sections. That allows each section to be treated appropriately and avoids treating an excessively large area in one session.
How does Q-Switched laser tattoo removal work?
Tattoo pigment sits in the dermis, where the particles are too large for the body to remove easily on its own.
A Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser delivers extremely short pulses of energy into suitable tattoo pigment. The pigment absorbs that energy, creating a rapid photoacoustic effect that causes suitable ink particles to fragment into smaller pieces. Your body’s natural immune and lymphatic processes then gradually clear some of those fragments over the following weeks.
The laser does not physically pull ink out of the skin. It fragments suitable pigment, and your body performs the clearance afterwards. That is why results are judged over weeks rather than on the day.
The two wavelengths we use, and what each one is for
1064nm
Particularly useful for suitable black ink, dark blue, dark brown and some darker pigments. Black is generally one of the most responsive tattoo colours because it absorbs a broad range of light.
This wavelength is also valuable on darker skin, because it has comparatively lower melanin absorption than shorter wavelengths.
532nm
May be suitable for selected red, orange and warm pigments.
Not every red responds equally. Very deep reds, burgundy-type pigments, unusual red mixtures and some cosmetic-type pigments may respond poorly or unpredictably. Every colour is assessed individually.
Laser tattoo removal relies on the relationship between laser wavelength and pigment colour. Different inks absorb different wavelengths, so a black tattoo and a yellow tattoo can respond completely differently even if both look equally strong. There is no single wavelength capable of reliably removing every colour.
The colours we do not recommend treating with our laser
Being honest about what the technology cannot do matters. Our Q-Switched Nd:YAG is excellent for appropriate pigments, particularly black and darker inks. It is not the ideal system for every colour.
We generally do not recommend treatment where the tattoo is predominantly
These may contain pigments that absorb the wavelengths available from our system poorly, or that behave unpredictably.
Some clinics advertise tattoo removal as though every colour can simply be erased. That is not realistic. We would rather decline a treatment than take payment for repeated sessions unlikely to produce a meaningful result. Knowing when not to treat is as important as knowing how to treat.
What we can and cannot treat
Black
Generally one of the most responsive colours. Suitable black tattoos may gradually fade, become patchier, lose density and become suitable for a cover-up. Session numbers still vary considerably between individuals.
Red and orange
Some suitable brighter red and orange pigments may respond to 532nm. Very deep red, burgundy shades, mixed reds and certain cosmetic pigments are much less predictable. Consultation and patch test tell us whether treatment is appropriate.
Green
One of the more challenging colours. Some darker mixed pigments may show a degree of response, but our platform is not our recommended technology for predominantly bright green, light green, pastel green, teal or turquoise.
Yellow
Generally absorbs standard Nd:YAG wavelengths poorly, so we do not advertise yellow tattoo removal with this system. If yellow sits alongside darker treatable colours, we may still reduce the darker portions while the yellow remains.
Pastel shades
Often contain mixtures of white, titanium-based pigments, yellow, pink, pale blue and pale green. These may absorb laser energy poorly and some behave unpredictably, so we do not advertise complete pastel removal.
White
Requires particular caution. Some white pigments contain titanium compounds and can potentially become darker rather than lighter after laser exposure. Any tattoo with significant white pigment requires careful assessment.
If your tattoo contains several colours, we may be able to treat some effectively while others remain. For example, a tattoo containing black, yellow and bright green may fade well in the black while the yellow and green stay put. You will be told this before beginning a course, not part way through.
You may not need complete removal
Many clients simply need enough pigment reduced for a tattoo artist to create a successful cover-up. Cover-up fading often requires fewer sessions than attempting maximum removal.
Fading for a cover-up
- Reduce dark ink
- Reduce heavy saturation
- Lighten selected sections
- Give your tattoo artist greater design freedom
- Reduce visibility of the old tattoo underneath
If you can, ask your tattoo artist how much fading they would like before you begin.
Selective removal
- Names
- Dates
- Small symbols
- Sections of larger tattoos
- Tattoo borders
- Individual design elements
- Areas needed for a cover-up
Whether selective removal is appropriate depends on the design and the location of the pigment.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no exact number that applies to every tattoo. Removal is a gradual process. Many tattoos may require approximately six to twelve treatments, although some need fewer and others substantially more.
The number depends on
Amateur tattoos
Can sometimes need fewer sessions because less pigment may have been deposited, it may sit more superficially and be less densely packed. However, amateur tattoos can also have very inconsistent depth.
Professional tattoos
Commonly contain more pigment, greater density, more consistent placement, multiple layers and more complex colours, so they can take longer to reduce.
Older and newer tattoos
Older tattoos may respond differently because the body has already processed some pigment over time. Newer tattoos may be denser and more vibrant. Age alone cannot predict response.
Eight weeks or twelve, depending where the tattoo is
Tattoo removal does not finish when the laser stops. The laser fragments suitable pigment during the appointment; your body continues processing and clearing it for many weeks afterwards. Location influences how quickly visible fading develops, so we set our intervals partly by how close the tattoo is to the heart and central circulation.
Closer to the heart
Approximately 8 weeks between sessions.
Chest, upper back, shoulders, upper arms, upper abdomen and upper torso. These areas may have comparatively stronger circulation.
Further from the heart
Approximately 12 weeks between sessions.
Lower arms, wrists, hands, lower legs, ankles and feet. More distal areas can take longer to show pigment clearance, so a longer interval gives the body more time to work.
These are general intervals rather than an automatic appointment schedule. Your next treatment depends on complete skin healing, tattoo response, treatment area, ink density, previous response, practitioner assessment and manufacturer guidance. If your skin has not completely recovered, treatment will be postponed even if the usual interval has passed.
We do not routinely repeat treatment on the same tattoo every four weeks. More frequent laser treatment does not automatically mean faster removal, and it may expose the skin to unnecessary repeated trauma without a proportional improvement. Patience is part of the process.
What happens during tattoo removal
Consultation
We discuss your tattoo, how old it is, whether it was professionally or amateur applied, the ink colours, any previous removal attempts, medical history, medication, skin type and your treatment goal.
Tattoo assessment
We assess size, colour, density, location, skin condition, existing scarring and previous pigment response.
Patch test
Suitable pigment is patch tested before full treatment, so we can assess both the skin and the pigment response.
Laser treatment
The appropriate wavelength and individual parameters are selected, and the laser is delivered systematically across the treatment area.
Endpoint assessment
Your practitioner monitors the immediate response of both the tattoo and the surrounding skin.
Cooling and aftercare
Cooling may be provided where appropriate, and full aftercare instructions are given before you leave.
Frosting, healing and how it feels
What is frosting?
Immediately after treatment you may notice a temporary white or frosted appearance across the treated pigment, caused by the rapid interaction between the laser energy and the ink particles. It usually disappears fairly quickly.
It is an immediate response, not the final result. The tattoo continues changing over the following weeks.
How the skin may react
Temporary responses can include whitening or frosting, redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, pinpoint bleeding, blistering, crusting, temporary darkening and temporary colour change.
Blistering can happen and does not automatically mean something has gone wrong, but blisters need proper care. Do not pop blisters, pick crusts, scratch the area or pull away healing skin.
Does it hurt?
Most clients describe it as a series of quick hot flicks or elastic-band-like snaps. It can feel stronger than having the tattoo applied, but treatment is usually much quicker.
Numbing products are not automatically recommended, because topical anaesthetic can affect the skin locally and make treatment endpoints harder to assess. Please discuss it with us before your appointment rather than applying it unannounced.
You may notice the tattoo does not look dramatically different immediately after a session. That is normal. The visible fading develops over the following weeks as your body processes the treated ink.
What you should know before you commit
Any laser procedure capable of affecting tattoo pigment within the dermis carries potential risks. No responsible laser clinic should promise that tattoo removal carries zero risk of scarring.
Possible adverse effects
Risk can be influenced by skin type, tattoo characteristics, existing scar tissue, previous treatments, treatment parameters, treatment interval, aftercare, sun exposure, and picking or damaging healing skin.
Pigment changes
Laser treatment can potentially change the natural pigment in the surrounding skin, either darkening it (hyperpigmentation) or lightening it (hypopigmentation). Appropriate assessment and treatment planning help reduce that risk but cannot eliminate it completely.
Darker skin
The 1064nm wavelength can be particularly valuable when treating suitable darker tattoo pigment because it has comparatively lower melanin absorption than shorter wavelengths. Darker skin still requires careful planning, and we consider Fitzpatrick skin type, natural melanin, tattoo colour, location, previous pigment changes and patch-test response before selecting parameters.
Preparing for treatment and caring for the area
Before your appointment
- Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure
- Do not use fake tan on the treatment area
- Tell us about medication changes
- Tell us about changes to your medical history
- Keep the treatment area healthy and intact
- Do not deliberately irritate the skin
The tattoo cannot be treated if the skin is damaged, infected or inadequately healed.
After your treatment
- Keep the treatment area clean
- Follow your cooling instructions
- Avoid unnecessary heat and friction
- Do not pick crusting
- Do not pop blisters
- Protect the area from UV exposure
- Avoid fake tan until fully healed
The area must be completely healed before another session is considered. Contact us if you are concerned about your healing response.
Individual clearance varies considerably and may be influenced by general circulation, immune response, tattoo location, ink density and depth, smoking, general health, skin healing and treatment consistency. No two clients clear pigment at exactly the same rate.
Why choose SkinTastic for tattoo removal?
Tattoo removal requires much more than owning a laser. Wavelength selection, treatment parameters, skin assessment, pigment assessment and treatment intervals all matter.
No exaggerated promises. No pretending every colour can be removed. No rushing treatment intervals. Professional assessment, appropriate technology and a realistic treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions
What laser do you use?
A professional Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser with tattoo-removal wavelengths of 1064nm and 532nm.
Which colour responds best?
Black is generally one of the most responsive tattoo colours.
Can you remove red ink?
Some suitable red and orange pigments can respond to 532nm. Deep red and mixed red pigments are much less predictable and are assessed individually.
Can you remove green tattoos?
Our system is not our recommended technology for bright green, pale green, pastel green, teal or turquoise tattoos.
Can you remove yellow tattoos?
We do not advertise yellow tattoo removal with this system, because yellow generally responds poorly to the wavelengths available.
Can you remove pastel colours?
Pastels are often difficult and may contain white or other pigments that respond poorly or unpredictably. We generally do not recommend our system for predominantly pastel tattoos.
Can you remove white ink?
White pigment can behave unpredictably after laser exposure and may darken, so we do not routinely advertise white-ink removal.
Can all tattoo colours be removed?
No. No single laser platform removes every colour effectively. We will explain which colours in your tattoo we believe are suitable before treatment begins.
How many sessions will I need?
Many tattoos require approximately six to twelve sessions, although some need fewer and others substantially more.
How long between sessions?
Approximately eight weeks for tattoos closer to the heart, and approximately twelve weeks for tattoos further away. Your skin must be completely healed before another treatment.
Why longer intervals further from the heart?
Areas such as the lower legs, ankles, wrists, hands and feet can take longer to show pigment clearance, so we allow additional time before reassessing and treating again.
Can I have removal every four weeks?
We do not routinely repeat treatment on the same tattoo every four weeks. More frequent treatment does not automatically mean faster clearance and may expose the skin to unnecessary repeated trauma.
Can you fade a tattoo for a cover-up?
Yes. Fading for cover-ups is one of our most popular reasons for treatment and can require fewer sessions than maximum removal.
Will my tattoo completely disappear?
Complete removal is possible for some tattoos, but it cannot be guaranteed.
Can I use numbing cream?
Please discuss it with us before treatment rather than applying it without advice.
Can tattoo removal scar?
Scarring is a possible risk with any laser tattoo-removal procedure. Correct assessment, appropriate parameters, sufficient intervals and good aftercare all help reduce the risk.
Can darker skin have tattoo removal?
Suitable darker skin types may be treated following careful assessment and patch testing.
Do I need a patch test?
Yes. Every client requires a consultation, tattoo assessment and patch test before full treatment.
How much is the consultation?
£10.
What age do I need to be?
You must be 18 or older. We cannot provide laser tattoo removal to clients under 18 due to our insurance requirements.
Book your tattoo removal consultation in Southampton
The first step is a professional tattoo assessment. We will assess size, location, ink colours, ink density, tattoo age, skin type, previous treatments, medical history and your desired outcome before carrying out your patch test.
If your tattoo is suitable, we will create an individual treatment programme and set your interval according to where the tattoo sits: approximately eight weeks closer to the heart, approximately twelve weeks further away. If your tattoo predominantly contains colours our wavelengths cannot effectively target, we will tell you before you spend money on unnecessary treatments.
Consultation, tattoo assessment and patch test – £10
SkinTastic Aesthetics Southampton
26 The Avenue
Southampton
SO17 1XL
Telephone: 02381 946394
