Tattoo removal

Lasers provide one of the most common ways of removing a tattoo you no longer want. Unfortunately, injuries from the unsafe use of lasers can occur.

Most tattoo removal will involve lasers, but there are non-laser alternatives, for example:

• microneedling which injects creams
• injection of acids into the tattoo to act on the pigments.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) devices are not suitable for tattoo removal.

Laser tattoo removal

Laser devices remove tattoos using very specific wavelengths of light that target the pigment in ink. Different colours require different wavelengths. The precise beam of the laser allows experienced technicians to follow the tattoo design without damaging the surrounding skin.

How many applications are required for laser tattoo removal varies from person to person, taking into consideration:

• size and colour intensity of the tattoo
• type and colour of the ink used
• depth of the ink in the skin
• location of the tattoo
• skin type.

All these procedures may carry health risks—read more about ways to reduce these risks.

Reduce the health risks

Reduce the chance of permanent burns, scarring and infection by following these steps.

Ask to see the business licence and operator’s qualifications

Businesses that offer laser tattoo removal are classified as ‘higher risk personal appearance services’ as the service involves skin penetration. These businesses are required to hold a higher risk personal appearance service licence and meet strict infection control standards. In addition to this, all technicians delivering these services are required to hold approved infection control qualifications.

Laser tattoo removal is a specialised industry, and licences are needed to possess and operate the high-powered Class 4 lasers that are used.

Ask to see the possession licence for the business, and the individual operator's use licence before accepting their services. You can also check the register of all licensed cosmetic laser operators and owners in Queensland.

Class 3 lasers are unlicensed but you should ask about the operator's experience and training.

Make sure a medical practitioner is involved in your service

It is a condition of the laser operator's licence that they must follow the advice of a knowledgeable medical practitioner to avoid possible adverse health outcomes. This medical practitioner must also be supervising the progress of your service.

• Make sure that you discuss the laser service with your own medical practitioner, or the medical practitioner that is associated with the tattoo removal business, before you commence a course of tattoo removal service.
• Make sure the operator explains the effects of the laser on your skin while the service progresses over time. If the results differ from what is described, you should consult the cosmetic business and, if any injury or infection, your medical practitioner.

Do your research

While you should never seek tattoo removal from an unlicensed operator, the minimum licensing requirements for lasers are also no guarantee of a good outcome.

• ask to see examples of previous work, or check reviews and recommendations
• do a quick search online of the business and the operator to find out about other people's experiences.

Stay away from intense light sources

Intense light sources, including IPL devices are not designed to remove tattoos.

They can be effective at removing hair and for certain skin conditions, but they have the potential to cause serious burns and permanent scarring if not used for their intended purpose.

Seek medical advice for any injury

After the application

Common reactions to laser tattoo removal include:

• heat or sunburn sensation
• redness
• mild swelling
• minor scabbing.

The technician should provide instructions on how to care for the targeted area after the application. It is important that you follow their instructions carefully and contact them if you have questions after the application.

If you end up with a burn, scarring or infection because of poor laser-use practises, you should urgently seek the advice of your GP.

More information

• Read more about sun safety and skin cancer.
• Risk awareness—health risks associated with the beauty therapy industry.

Contacts

Anyone with information or a complaint about tattoo removal services, should call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or contact us via the online reporting form.