Thinking about getting a tattoo removed? You are not alone. In fact, Aussies are one of the top tattooed nations in the world and of those 1 in 5 Australians who have a tattoo – a whopping 34% have regrets and are thinking about removal. Afterall, more tattoos equals more tattoo regret! To meet the growing demand, tattoo removal services have skyrocketed by 440% in the past decade.
In fact, as opposed to being singled out for having a tattoo, these days it is oftentimes more uncommon to find someone without one. For people within the 20-35 demographic, those without ink are more likely to be the odd one out– especially here in Australia.
Salon suppliers The Global Beauty Group chats to Tim Jarvis who runs a Melbourne tattoo removal studio called Lose Your Ink to get the low-down on tattoo removal.
What are the most common reasons people chose to get a tattoo removed?
The reason people choose to get a tattoo removed are unique to the individual and can be as varied as the reasons they chose to get tattooed in the first place, although Tim does see some commonalities. Whilst it is popular for people to get a tattoo that symbolises a memory or a defining moment in someone’s life, quite often a tattoo simply has not aged well, or the person has outgrown the style, or the tattoo has lost its significance to the person at this point in their life.
How does tattoo removal work?
Q-switched Nd:Yag lasers are the most widely used machine for tattoo removal for tattoo removal lasers due to their effectiveness and ability to safely treat the ink particles within a tattoo without damaging the surrounding tissue. Q-Switched lasers work by producing short, nano second-long pulses of powerful energy directed toward the skin. As the laser beam strikes, it shatters the ink into fine particles which are then processed and filtered out through the body’s lymphatic system.
What happens in the initial consultation?
At his Glen Iris tattoo removal studio, Tim offers his clients a free initial consultation, whereby your tattoo can be assessed, and the process will be thoroughly explained. You will be able to discuss cost, the predicted number of treatments required and the frequency, as well as talking through the aftercare. This will also give you the chance to ask any other questions you may have regarding the process.
How many sessions are required?
Tim says that whilst it is difficult to accurately predict the number of treatments necessary, most professionally-done tattoos will require at least 6-12 treatments to remove entirely, depending on the type, depth, colour and quality/amount of ink used in the tattoo. Gaps of 4-6 weeks between treatments is recommended, to allow the area time to adequately heal properly.
How much does it cost?
The price will depend on the size, colour and ink quality of the tattoo – but starts at $69 for a 1x2cm area. Packages are available, with discounts offered for multiple tattoos and large areas such as an arm sleave. Tim and his team will be able to offer you a quote at your initial appointment.
If you buy the sessions together in bulk upfront as opposed to individually, not only can you can save some money but this will also encourage you to complete the process, rather than stopping at the mid-way point.
What happens afterwards?
A cold compress afterwards will relieve any itching or discomfort, aloe vera is also very effective – Tim and his team will provide you with comprehensive aftercare instructions (including avoiding hot showers and exercise for at least 48 hours post-treatment).
Considering tattoo removal? For those in the Southeast or Melbourne metro area contact Tim and his team at Lose Your Ink on 0418 344 458 or 03 9563 4931.
For those outside of Melbourne, please call beauty wholesalers,The Global Beauty Group on (03) 8555 2246 to find a treatment specialist in your area.
