Tattoo Removal

This information is of a general nature only and is for public information and education. Your individual problem needs to be assessed by your family doctor who will advise you on appropriate further steps.

Q-swithced Nd:YAG Laser Removal of Tattoos

While a reasonable sized tattoo can be done in a short time, removing it is another matter altogether, with even the most sophisticated equipment needing multiple sessions, and 6 to 8 weeks between treatments.

Techniques of Removal

Older Techniques relied on skin abrasion, using chemicals or mechanical means, to remove the implanted dye.

Current Techniques involve the use of lasers, with the most effective being the Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser. It acts by fragmenting the dye, to permit removal of the small fragments by the 'scavenger' cells of the body.

Black and dark blue/black dyes respond best.

Using the Q-switch, the wavelength of the laser is doubled, making it effective in the removal of red , as well as orange and purple dyes. Yellow and bright blue dyes are difficult to treat.

This laser has very few side effects, and at the completion of treatment, the treated skin is near normal in appearance and feel.

The Good News: The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is now available at:

The Plastic Cosmetic Laser Surgery Centre. please phone for details.

The Plastic, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery Centre
Suite 3, 18-20 Scarba Street
Coffs Harbour, NSW