Archives for November 2014

Here at the Devon Laser Clinic we use 2 class 4 active medical lasers called a Q-Switched Ruby and a Q-Switched Nd:YAG.

These lasers are not to be confused with the small desktop passive lasers that can be purchased from China which are sometimes used in tattoo clinics to lighten a tattoo before covering, or by mobile tattoo removal operators.

Our lasers are very expensive, therefore the price per treatment is more than it would be if carried out with a desktop passive laser. We do however believe that our prices are very competitive for the South West compared to clinics with similar types of machine.

Also, very importantly, all laser treatments at the Devon Laser Clinic are carried out by Sara Colvin who is a retired Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience of working with medical lasers.

Start With A Tattoo Removal Test Patch

A test patch is a small trial in the treatment area which allows the clinician to assess how well the light energy is being absorbed and whether the skin is responding as would be expected. Generally black tattoos respond best to treatment, but with the Q-Swtiched Ruby laser, we are also be able to treat blues, greens and browns but not red. Some colours will not respond to any laser tattoo removal including white and yellow.

Please take note of any changes to the skin following the test patch so that you can report back to Sara before proceeding with treatment.

Pre-Treatment

• The area to be treated should be free from make-up, perfume, deodorant, body or face creams and fake tan including gradual tanning moisturisers.
• There should be NO SUNTAN nor FAKE TAN in the area to be treated. Use of sunbeds or exposure to sunlight is not permitted the month prior to treatment and an SPF 30 must be used on the area between treatments. Suntans must be left to fade completely before treatment can start.
• Fake tans must also be fully removed before treatment can commence.
• We reserve the right to charge for any appointment booked but abandoned due to active sun-tan or fake tan. Avoid aspirin and alcohol for 24 hours before treatment for tattoos to help prevent pin-point bleeding.
• A medical history is taken at consultation, but we rely on you to inform us of any changes to this. We need to know of any medication you are taking and if there has been any change to your health.

Post-Treatment

• Typically, normal activities can proceed following treatment but it is best to avoid any activity that will cause excessive heat e.g. saunas, exercise or massage to the area. Apply cool packs if the treated area feels hot.
• Make-up should be avoided on the treated area.
• The area may appear red and raised following treatment and you may experience a tingling sensation. This is completely normal and will settle over a few days.
• Wash and bathe as normal but take warm showers instead of hot baths. The skin should be patted dry rather than rubbed. Use aloe vera gel to soothe the skin.
• Swelling after treatment is common and is normally worse for the first 1-2 days after treatment. Cool packs will will reduce the swelling.
• Use a sunscreen (SPF 30+) to protect the area from sunlight as much as possible between treatments and for at least one month after treatment ends. LASER TREATMENTS ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SUNTANNING.
• Blistering can and does occur after laser tattoo removal. Don’t worry! If the area does blister, keep the area clean and dry and do not deliberately burst blisters. Do not use any lotions or creams on open skin as this may increase the risk of an infection.

If you have any urgent concerns or queries regarding the treated area, please phone the clinic for advice on 01271 327700.