Laser Tattoo Removal Bristol

Laser tattoo removal uses short, powerful pulses of laser light to break tattoo ink into tiny particles that your body’s immune system then clears away naturally. When you get a tattoo, the ink particles are too large for the body to remove, so they stay trapped in the skin. At Pro Clinics we use a picosecond laser, which delivers energy in extremely short pulses and breaks ink into finer particles than older lasers, so most tattoos fade in fewer sessions.

Yes. Laser tattoo removal is a well-established, safe and effective treatment. The laser itself is very unlikely to cause scarring; where problems do happen they are usually linked to aftercare, which is why we give every client clear aftercare advice to follow between sessions.

No. There is no evidence that laser tattoo removal causes cancer. Tattoo removal lasers do not emit UV light, which is the type of light linked to skin cancer, and laser devices used for tattoo removal are tested and cleared for safety and effectiveness.

We do not treat clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Although the risk is thought to be low, skin is more sensitive to light during pregnancy, which raises the risk of pigmentation changes, and broken-down ink particles could pass into breast milk. We recommend waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding, and we’re happy to plan your treatment for then.

Darker inks are the easiest to remove, with black and grey responding best. Red and dark blue usually respond well too. Lighter colours such as light blue, green and yellow take more sessions, and white or some fluorescent inks are very difficult and often can’t be fully removed. Inks vary a lot, so we’ll give you an honest view of what to expect at your free consultation.

It depends on the size, age, colours and depth of the ink, where the tattoo is on your body and how well your body clears the ink. As a guide, a simple black tattoo usually needs between 5 and 12 sessions, spaced around 6 weeks apart. We’ll give you an honest estimate for your tattoo at your free consultation, and we’ll never promise unrealistically quick results.

Fading for a cover-up usually takes far fewer sessions than full removal, often just a few, depending on how dark the original tattoo is and the design you want to go over it. Many of our clients fade a tattoo so a tattoo artist can create a new design in its place.

In many cases, yes. Some people are left with a faint shadow, sometimes called ghosting, which often continues to fade over time. Allowing enough time between sessions helps you get the best result.

It is uncomfortable, and we’d rather be honest about that. Most clients compare it to hot fat splashing on the skin or a sharp snapping sensation. The good news is it’s very quick, from a few seconds for a small tattoo to a few minutes for a larger piece. If you’re worried, you can apply a numbing cream such as EMLA about two hours before your appointment.

Your first visit starts with a free consultation and a test patch to check your skin’s response. Each session is quick, from a few seconds for a small tattoo to around twenty minutes for a large piece. Afterwards we apply a sterile dressing, explain your aftercare, and book your next session for around six weeks later.

Laser tattoo removal at Pro Clinics starts from £50 per session for a small tattoo, and all of our prices include VAT. The price depends on the size of your tattoo, and we offer discounts for larger or multiple tattoos. WhatsApp us a photo on 07760 160 091 for a quick quote.

Most people go back to work the same day. The area may be red, swollen or blistered for a few days, which is normal. Avoid exercise for 48 hours, and avoid swimming, hot baths, saunas, steam rooms and sun beds until the area has healed. Keep the area clean and dry, cover it with a sterile dressing if it blisters or rubs on clothing, and don’t pick scabs or scratch the area. Full healing usually takes from a few days to a few weeks.

Blistering, scabbing, swelling, redness and itching are normal and usually settle within a couple of weeks. Scarring and infection are rare and are usually linked to picking scabs or the area rubbing on clothing. If the area shows signs of infection, contact your GP. Following our aftercare advice keeps the risk of side effects low.

Laser tattoo removal works on most skin types, but darker skin tones need extra care because the laser can also affect the skin’s natural pigment, which raises the risk of lighter or darker patches. We assess every client’s skin and tattoo with a test patch at the free consultation, and we’ll only go ahead if it’s the right option for you.

Yes. Older methods such as dermabrasion, salabrasion, surgical excision, acid injections and removal creams are often painful, unproven or leave permanent scarring. Laser removal is the most effective and widely recommended method for removing unwanted tattoos.

In almost all cases, no. Tattoo removal is considered a cosmetic treatment, so it isn’t usually available on the NHS or covered by insurance unless there is a medical reason.

No, it’s usually the opposite. Older tattoos have already faded naturally and tend to clear more easily than fresh ones. And tattoo removal creams don’t work, so laser is the way to go.