Laser Tattoo Removal
Q-switched laser tattoo removal — full clearance or fade-for-cover-up, course-based.
Duration
60 min
From
£150
Per session, depending on tattoo size. Per-tattoo estimate provided after assessment.
Treatment Summary
Q-switched laser tattoo removal uses extremely short pulses of light to fragment tattoo pigment so the body can clear it via the immune system. Black, dark blue and dark green ink respond best; lighter colours are more variable. Full removal of professional tattoos typically takes 6–12 sessions at 6–8 week intervals; fade-for-cover-up takes fewer. Skin type and pigment risk are carefully assessed — strict SPF aftercare is essential, and risk of temporary hypo- or hyperpigmentation is greater in darker skin.
Also known as: Q-switched laser tattoo removal · tattoo lightening · fade for cover-up · professional tattoo removal · ink removal laser
Key Benefits
Q-Switched Technology
Short-pulse laser fragments pigment efficiently across multiple ink colours.
Skin-Type Aware Settings
Energy and intervals calibrated for your Fitzpatrick type.
Cover-Up Friendly
We can fade rather than fully clear when a cover-up tattoo is the goal.
Honest Session Counts
Realistic per-tattoo estimates, reviewed every few sessions.
How laser tattoo removal works
Q-switched lasers deliver light energy in extremely short pulses — billionths of a second. The pulse is absorbed by the tattoo pigment particles, which fragment under the rapid energy delivery (the "photoacoustic" effect). The fragments are then cleared over weeks by the body's immune system. The skin between pigment particles is largely unaffected because the pulse is faster than the time it takes heat to spread to surrounding tissue.
Different wavelengths target different ink colours: 1064nm Nd:YAG is the workhorse for black, dark blue and dark green; 532nm targets red, orange and brown; specific wavelengths address other colours where available.
Realistic session counts
Tattoo removal is a marathon, not a sprint. Approximate ranges:
- Amateur tattoos: 4–8 sessions
- Professional black-ink tattoos: 6–12 sessions
- Multi-coloured tattoos: 8–15+ sessions
- Fade-for-cover-up: 3–6 sessions
These are estimates; individual response varies based on ink composition, depth, age, location, your skin type and your immune clearance. We provide a per-tattoo estimate at consultation and review every few sessions.
Skin type matters
Treating black ink on Fitzpatrick II skin is a different problem from treating green ink on Fitzpatrick V skin. We calibrate settings to your skin type and use longer intervals between sessions for darker skin to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory pigment changes. We are honest at consultation about the higher risk of temporary hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation in darker skin types.
If you have a recent tan, sunburn or recent sunbed use, we will not treat — the laser interaction with melanin makes pigment change far more likely. We ask for a 4–6 week sun break before treatment.
What happens at a session
After cleaning and topical anaesthetic, the area is cooled. The laser is then applied across the tattoo — typically only minutes for the laser application itself. Immediately afterwards the tattoo looks frosted and white; this fades over the next hours and the area scabs over the following days.
Aftercare matters
- Keep the area clean and dry as instructed
- Do not pick at scabs
- SPF 50 on the area between sessions, every time, no exceptions
- Avoid swimming, saunas and intense exercise for 48–72 hours
SPF compliance is the single biggest predictor of safe outcome — pigment changes are far more likely with sun-exposed treated skin.
Honest expectations
Some tattoos clear beautifully. Some leave faint shadowing. A small minority leave subtle pigment change or skin texture even after careful treatment. We will not promise an outcome we can't reliably deliver. If your tattoo is unlikely to respond well to the methods we offer, we will say so at consultation rather than start a course you'd regret.
What to Expect
- 1
Assessment & Test Patch
Tattoo, ink, depth and skin type assessed; small test patch performed where uncertain.
- 2
Treatment Session
Topical anaesthetic and skin cooling; the laser is applied across the tattoo — minutes for most pieces.
- 3
Healing
The tattoo darkens and forms a small scab; over 4–6 weeks the body clears fragmented pigment and the tattoo lightens.
- 4
Repeat at 6–8 Weeks
Sessions are spaced for the body to clear pigment; we review every few sessions and adjust the plan.
Suitability
Aesthetic care is highly individual. The points below are general guidance — final suitability for laser tattoo removal is always confirmed in your consultation.
Often suitable for
- Removing an unwanted tattoo over a course of sessions
- Fading a tattoo enough to take a clean cover-up
- Black, dark blue or dark green ink tattoos
- Selected coloured tattoos after test patch
- Touching up partially-removed tattoos started elsewhere
May not be suitable if
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Active skin infection or significant inflammation over the tattoo
- Recent tan, sunburn or use of sunbeds in the previous 4–6 weeks
- Photosensitising medications without clearance (e.g. isotretinoin)
- Anyone unwilling to commit to strict SPF and a multi-session course
Aftercare
Caring for your results
A few simple steps in the first 24–48 hours help your results settle as expected.
- Apply prescribed aftercare and keep the area clean and dry
- Do not pick at scabs — they protect healing skin
- Avoid sun exposure on the treated area; SPF 50 is non-negotiable between sessions
- Avoid swimming, saunas, hot tubs and intense exercise for 48–72 hours
- Report any prolonged blistering, signs of infection or pigment change
- Allow the full 6–8 week interval before the next session
Evidence & Standards
Q-switched lasers (typically Nd:YAG at 1064nm and 532nm) have a long evidence base for tattoo pigment fragmentation via photoacoustic effect. Outcome depends on ink composition and depth, skin type, location, age of tattoo and number of sessions. Strict SPF aftercare reduces risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in Fitzpatrick III–VI skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will I need?
Why are sessions 6–8 weeks apart?
Does it hurt?
What about coloured ink?
What are the risks?
Can darker skin types be treated?
Can I get a cover-up over partially-removed ink?
Related Treatments
You might also consider
Other treatments often paired with laser tattoo removal or considered as alternatives.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a private consultation with our team to discuss laser tattoo removal in West Hampstead and decide together whether it is the right treatment for you.