Frequently Asked Questions
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The laser works by breaking down tattoo pigment particles located beneath the skin into smaller pieces that can be eliminated by the lymphatic system. Right now, those ink particles are too big for our white blood cells to remove, which is why tattoos stay put.
During treatment, the laser shatters the ink into tiny particles that macrophages, a type of white blood cell, can absorb and get rid of. After each session, that shattered ink is flushed out by your body over a period of weeks and months. You’ll then come back for more treatments to target the next layer of pigment, and so on.
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There has been a steady rise in clinics offering tattoo removal with lower-quality lasers. Not all Pico and Q-Switch lasers have the power needed to effectively break down ink pigments, and some will cause permanent pigmentation damage or scarring if not used properly.
A Class 4 laser is the only safe and effective choice for tattoo removal. However, clinics using Class 4 lasers must operate under the supervision of a doctor. If there isn’t a doctor involved in the clinic, it either means they’re not using legitimate Class 4 equipment or they're operating outside the scope of their Radiological license.
Before undertaking tattoo removal, always ask if it's a class 4 laser being used, that there is a doctor on staff and that the clinic has a comprehensive gallery of real, successful removal results they can show you.
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We often hear the question of whether laser removal is painful, and to be honest, it can have a bit of a kick to it. The best comparison we can give you is that it feels like being flicked with a hot elastic band.
At SW Laser, we make it our priority to minimise any discomfort. Our doctor can provide you with a prescription-strength numbing cream and our laser techs all use state of the art cooling machines to help with the process.
Typically, a laser treatment only lasts a few minutes, so with the right numbing cream in place, it’s pretty manageable.
Our highly trained team understand that many clients may feel nervous. We’ve been through the experience ourselves, so we completely understand your concerns and take your pain management seriously.
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Request a quote on our website to receive a price per session for your tattoo removal or come in and chat with us, you are always welcome!
As a gauge, our minimum price is $120 for a Q-Switch or PICO PRO treatment. The cost of laser tattoo removal depends on factors such as the size, colour, and complexity of the tattoo.
Treating multiple tattoos in the same appointment will work out more cost effective so be sure to get a quote on all the pieces you are unhappy with and you can decide from there which ones to treat.
Unable to start laser straight away? Your quote will stay valid for 6 months prior to your first appointment. We try to tailor the removal according to your financial circumstances and can accept Cash, Afterpay, Amex, Visa and Mastercard at both clinics.
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Which laser to use comes down to the colours of your tattoo and the wavelength you need to remove that particular colour pigment.
There is a lot of hype around Pico technology but in order to successfully remove a tattoo you need multiple technologies that can deliver the various wavelengths required at the power needed to break down pigment until it’s gone.
One laser machine alone is unable to effectively produce the power required across all wavelengths to safely and effectively remove a multicoloured tattoo.
We have been lasering tattoos long enough to understand this, so we house both top of the line Q Switch and PicoPro technologies at both of our clinics.
Our staff are highly trained and understand the uses and advancements of both technologies and will move clients between lasers depending on your treatment progress and tattoo specifics.
Just reach out to our team if you would like more information on which laser is right for your specific tattoo.
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Scarring from legitimate laser tattoo removal treatments is rare. The laser light works by targeting and breaking down ink particles beneath the skin, which are then naturally flushed away by your lymphatic system. Unlike the tattooing process, where the needle punctures the skin, the laser doesn’t break the surface of the skin, which significantly reduces the risk of scarring.
However, the final result can be influenced by several factors. If the skin was damaged during the tattooing process, that scarring may still be visible after removal of ink is complete.
Proper aftercare plays a crucial role in how the skin heals post-treatment. Avoiding sun exposure during the laser process, allowing sufficient time between sessions for optimal healing, and keeping the skin hydrated will all contribute to the best possible outcome.
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Absolutely! Once the tattoo has been lightened enough, just hit up your favourite tattooist and book in for a new piece that you will be happy with. If you don’t have an artist in mind, just chat to our team. We work closely with the tattoo community and can point you in the direction of a few different artists who we know will nail your cover up.
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There are a number of factors that will dictate the amount of sessions required, including the size, colour, ink density, complexity, location and age of the tattoo plus person-specific factors such as skin type and general health.
On average, most tattoos require 2 to 4 sessions to lighten for a cover up and 8 to 10 sessions for removal.
We always provide you with a realistic and honest estimate of sessions and timeframe before your first session. We don’t underestimate just to get you through the door.
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Laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective way to get rid of tattoos. At SW Laser, we utilise advanced technology and adhere to strict safety protocols to ensure your comfort and minimise any risks.
The light spectrum used by our lasers is not in the UV range, making it completely safe for your skin. In addition, our lasers are also designed for skin rejuvenation, offering added benefits beyond tattoo removal.
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In a word… NO!
Recently, we've seen an increase in beauty clinics offering tattoo removal services using inferior lasers. Not all Pico and Q-Switch lasers are created equal—many lack the necessary power output to effectively break down ink pigments. Weaker lasers often result in multiple ineffective sessions, which not only waste your money but can also lead to permanent skin pigmentation issues and scarring.
Injectable solutions to remove a tattoo will only cause trauma and damage to the skin. We have had countless clients come to us with permanently damaged skin from injectable removal practices.
**This does not include saline removal on brows. Saline removal on brows is a different practise to injecting body tattoos for tattoo removal and can be a safe practise if done by an experienced removalist.
Topical creams are just that, topical. A tattoo sits far too deep in the skin for a tattoo removal cream to have any impact.
IPL lasers are designed to remove hair follicles, not tattoo pigments. IPL machines use a broad spectrum of light. This means IPL machines are more likely to damage surrounding skin tissue, remove melanin and can penetrate deeper into the skin than is ideal. Whilst IPL machines are safe and effective for targeting hair follicles we do not recommend them for tattoo removal.
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Most tattoo colors can be effectively removed with high-quality Q-Switch and PICO technology, when used under the right conditions.
Our Q-Switch lasers operate at specific wavelengths that are highly effective at targeting black and red pigments. For a broader range of colors, including blues and greens, we use our PICO lasers, which are designed to break down these traditionally more stubborn pigments.
However, some colors are more difficult to treat with any laser technology. Yellow ink, for example, is often too light to absorb the laser’s energy, making it very challenging to fully remove.
White ink presents its own unique challenges. In some cases, it will fade completely; in others, it may not fade at all. White ink can also sometimes oxidize, turning a slight brown or grey color. As we progress with your sessions, we’ll closely monitor any changes in white ink and can advise you accordingly. If oxidation occurs, you'll have the option to decide whether to continue removal or explore cover-up options.
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To achieve the most effective results from your laser sessions, it's important to understand how the process works. The laser breaks down the ink particles into smaller pieces, which are then removed by your body's white blood cells through the lymphatic system. Generally, the healthier and fitter you are, the better your results will be. Regular physical activity boosts blood and lymphatic flow, helping your body clear the ink more efficiently.
That said, tattoo removal takes time, and rushing the sessions won’t necessarily speed up the process. Giving your body sufficient time to break down the ink between sessions is crucial for optimal results.
Keeping the skin healthy is equally important. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, moisturize regularly, and protect the treated area from sun exposure to help your skin remain strong and better able to heal. Following all pre-treatment and aftercare instructions is also key to ensuring your skin heals properly and that you get the best possible results.
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Avoid sun-exposure: Keep your tattoo out of the sun for at least 2 weeks before your session. We cannot laser excessively sun-tanned skin. Sun burn requires a minimum month of skin recovery time before laser.
Keep healthy and hydrated: Ink is removed by a healthy immune system. Drinking plenty of water, moisturising the skin, regular exercise and a healthy diet improves your chances of ink clearance. Healthy immune cells and lymphatic drainage clears ink faster!
Communicate new medications: Some medications can increase your risk of blistering (photosensitive). Antibiotics, roaccutane and retinoids (vitamin A) are common culprits. If you are unsure please get in touch with our clinic.
Read our preparation advice: We will provide you with an overview of how to prepare for a session. This includes advice on how to use numbing cream.
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Generally light exercise such as walking is fine.
Any exercise that raises your body temperature and encourages heat into your tattoo removal site should be avoided for the first 48 hours.
After 72 hours most clients are able to return to heavier exercise and swimming.
If you excessively swell or blister it may take a little longer until you are safe to get back into the gym or pool.
See our aftercare guidelines or speak to our team for more information and guidance.
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Early signs -
Immediately after tattoo removal, a tattoo may appear darker due to bruising. However, once the full healing has occurred the ink will begin to noticeably lighten. Shading drops out first and can be gone after only 1-2 sessions. Thicker lines or denser ink can take a bit longer. Early on, you might notice the ink starting to dull or fade to a brownish color. It takes time, but over the months, the ink will gradually fade, and only then can we fully assess how much has been removed.Mid-way point -
Tattoo ink doesn’t drop out evenly. During the mid-section of your removal your tattoo may appear patchy and uneven, some areas may drop out faster than others.Latter stages -
In the latter stages of tattoo removal, the tattoo may appear like a light shadow of ink similar to veins that sit underneath your skin. -
Most of our clients find that the healing process after laser tattoo removal is really straightforward. Since the laser only passes light through the skin to break down the ink, the skin remains intact. Some swelling and tenderness are normal for the first day, but this can be significantly reduced by icing and elevating the treated area for 3-4 hours after the session.
To support the healing process, it’s important to keep the skin moisturised until your next session or cover-up. Avoiding sun exposure for at least two weeks before and after treatment is crucial to protect the skin and ensure the best results.
In rare cases, blistering may occur. If this happens, we will advise on how to care for the blister, typically with a protective dressing, while it heals