Laser Tattoo Removal

Article by Dr Ben Mills, GP.

Dr Ben Mills, a GP, who set up and runs The Tattoo Removal Company in Derby, offers high quality laser tattoo removal with the unique addition of carrying out the procedure under local anaesthetic.

As the rapid rise in body art shows no sign of slowing down, some people will undoubtedly fall out of love with their ink for a variety of different reasons, whether it’s an ex partners name, a silly decision or just a badly executed design. Other than hiding it with another tattoo also known as a ‘coverup’ in the industry, laser tattoo removal is the only viable option.

Contrary to popular belief, laser tattoo removal is available on the NHS, but only if its existence is causing a person mental anguish or distress. In other words, it won’t simply be removed because a person no longer likes it.

A large number of individuals come to regret their tattoos - often from the moment they get them because it’s not what they imagined, or months and years later as they no longer feel the tattoo suits the person they’ve become. So, they look to have them removed.

It’s nowhere near as easy to remove them as it is to get them in the first place. Laser is the most effective method if done well, but it’s a slow process of repeated treatments over typically 2-3 years and each actual treatment is very painful, unless, like us you are able to offer local anaesthetic (we’ve found topical treatments have very poor efficacy).

Before and After of Laser Tattoo Removal

Some colours of ink are very difficult to remove, different colours require different laser wavelengths, which increases laser costs. Tattoos that may have been inexpensive to put on can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds to remove successfully.

It’s also very difficult for the individual to safely choose a laser provider. There are no minimum qualifications, no standards of treatment and no standards of equipment - meaning owners of unloved ink will often choose based on price. But the lower the price, the less will have been invested in qualifications, training and lasers. At best, the individual choosing the cheapest service has laser treatment that simply doesn’t work, or at worst they are left with a partially treated and now scarred tattoo.

But it can be done, with great results, if done well i.e. with the right equipment, the right people and with clear and honest discussions with the unhappy tattoo owner about time scales and costs at the outset. The clients we see that successfully remove their ink are so relieved and pleased. They all say, ‘I wish I’d done it sooner!”