Laser Tattoo Removal for Covent Garden – Expert Care in Nearby Shoreditch

Laser removal has established itself as the preferred approach for tattoo removal due to superior safety, effectiveness, and ability to handle diverse ink colours. It has largely superseded older techniques including surgical excision, dermabrasion, and salabrasion. Lasers prove safer because they selectively target tattoo pigment without harming surrounding skin tissue—unlike excision and dermabrasion methods that can damage skin extensively and create scarring. The laser process works by targeting pigment colours within the skin's dermis layer, fragmenting ink into particles your immune system can digest and eliminate. Whilst requiring multiple treatments, this approach successfully removes or significantly fades most tattoos. Modern laser technology handles even previously problematic colours like greens, yellows, and turquoise. As a less invasive procedure, laser treatment only affects the tattoo pigment itself. Additionally, laser removal typically produces minimal or no scarring at the tattoo site or surrounding areas, unlike alternative removal methods.

We use the PicoWay® laser, representing significant advancement over older Q-switched laser systems. PicoWay® operates as a picosecond laser—meaning it's considerably more effective and faster than previous-generation Q-switched technology. The system removes any ink colour through three specific wavelengths: 785nm targets green and blue pigments, 532nm proves effective on red, orange, and yellow shades, whilst 1064nm treats black, brown, purple, and other dark tones. For context, traditional removal often employs outdated Q-switched laser technology. Common Q-switched lasers include the Nd:YAG, ruby laser, and alexandrite laser. Q-switched ruby and alexandrite lasers address black, blue, and green pigments, whilst the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser can target a broader colour range depending on wavelength settings.

With our PicoWay® laser technology, side effects are substantially minimised through the use of photoacoustic waves rather than heat—unlike most other laser tattoo methods which employ thermal energy. That said, some typically temporary, short-term effects may occur, including crusting, swelling, rash, and blistering. These effects are generally confined to skin directly affected by the laser treatment and resolve naturally during the healing period. The photoacoustic approach of PicoWay® avoids the thermal damage associated with heat-based systems, protecting surrounding tissue whilst effectively breaking down ink particles.

Yes, you absolutely can fade your tattoo in preparation for cover-up work. Many clients visit us specifically to lighten or partially remove existing tattoos before commissioning new artwork. Strategic pre-fading is often recommended to prevent old designs from showing through or interfering with fresh ink, providing your tattoo artist with superior control over colour saturation and design intensity. We successfully fade even challenging tattoos featuring heavy line work and resistant colours like green or blue ink. Consulting both a professional tattoo artist and our laser removal specialists helps determine the appropriate fading level for your specific cover-up design. The timeline for laser removal depends on your chosen new design, with the technician and artist collaborating to determine necessary fading extent. Following your laser removal sessions, we recommend waiting approximately three months before having new tattoo work applied to ensure complete healing.