Medical Grade Laser Tattoo Removal in Colchester, Essex

Tattoo ink is deposited deep into the dermis, making it permanent because your body cannot naturally break down the large ink particles. Laser tattoo removal works by utilising selective photothermolysis, meaning the laser targets specific wavelengths absorbed by tattoo ink without damaging the surrounding skin.

Step-by-Step Process of Ink Breakdown:

• Laser Light Absorption: The Q-Switched ND:YAG laser emits extremely short, high-energy pulses of light at 1064nm (for black and darker inks) and 532nm (for red and lighter pigments). These wavelengths are selectively absorbed by the tattoo ink.
• Thermal Expansion & Photoacoustic Effect: The absorbed light rapidly heats and expands the ink particles, causing them to fracture into tiny fragments. This process is known as photomechanical breakdown.
• Lymphatic Clearance: Once fragmented, your lymphatic system (immune system’s waste disposal) gradually clears the ink from your body over weeks and months.
• Repeated Treatments Enhance Ink Breakdown: Each laser session further fragments the ink, allowing your immune system to continue removing the particles over time.

• Blood Circulation & Lymphatic Function – More efficient circulation = faster ink clearance.
• Lifestyle Choices – Smoking and alcohol impair the immune response, slowing down ink elimination, if you smoke or drink thius is worth taking into consideration that more sessions maybe required.
• Hydration & Exercise – Water helps flush out broken-down ink, as easy as it sounds its really imperative for flushing out the ink. Regular exercise boosts lymphatic function.
• Tattoo Location – Tattoos on areas with lower circulation (like hands and feet) take longer to fade.

To ensure the best possible results, follow these pre-treatment guidelines:

• No sun exposure or tanning for at least 4 weeks before your session. UV exposure increases skin
sensitivity and risks pigmentation changes.
• Stay hydrated—your body needs water to flush out ink particles efficiently.
• Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking, as they slow down your immune response.
• Avoid heat of any form, hot showers, working out etc.
• Maintain good circulation—gentle dry brushing can stimulate the lymphatic system.
• Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) 24 hours before treatment unless medically necessary.
• Avoid coffee the day of treatment.
• Apply an EMLA cream, this can be purchased at any chemist or big supermarkets. This should be applied 45 minutes prior to the treatment and applied liberally and completely covered in cling film.

The healthier your immune system, the faster the ink will clear!

The laser will deliver ultra-fast pulses that feel like a rapid snapping sensation on the skin. While it is strongly believed that tattoo removal can be extremely painful and people document not being able to go forward with treatment, here at Remedi it is with great importance that we take all measures to ensure the most comfortable experience as possible, advocating for numbing creams and using a cooling system and ensuring the energy settings are completely appropriate to the tattoo ink and area of skin that the removal is taking place.

The treatment may cause frosting, where the tattoo temporarily turns white due to gas release from ink particles breaking down, this is totally normal, and what we would expect to see, especially earlier on in the treatment process where the ink is more saturated.

Laser tattoo removal initiates a controlled healing response, so aftercare is essential to minimise complications and accelerate recovery.

Redness & Swelling – Typically subsides within 24–48 hours, however swelling can continue for around a week after removal. The tattoo can be warm and tender to the touch, however excessive heat or pain should be reported immediately.

• Pinpoint Bleeding– This can be common in high-ink-density tattoos, and red tattoos as a wavelength of 532nm is used which does not penetrate as deep into the skin layers, casuing more trauma as besides picking up the tattoo pigment the laser can also be absorbed by the surrounding tissue.
• Blistering & Scabbing – Do NOT pick or pop blisters. This is imperative. If you develop a blister that you feel could be easily popped by knocking the area get in touch as soon as possible and you will be given bespoke instructions on how to treat this.
• Itching & Dryness – As the skin repairs, some dryness or itching is normal, antihistamine can help with this along with lots of fluids and a cold compress.

Immediate Aftercare (First 72 Hours)

• Apply a cold compress (wrapped in a cloth) to reduce swelling.
• Keep the area clean and dry—wash gently with lukewarm water and pat dry.
• Apply Aloe to aid healing.
• Get in touch if any large blisters form.
• Avoid tight clothing over the treated area to prevent irritation.
• No swimming, hot tubs, saunas, or excessive sweating.

Ongoing Aftercare (3 Days – 2 Weeks)

• Keep the area moisturized with fragrance-free healing creams.
• Avoid direct sun exposure—always apply SPF 50+ when outdoors.
• Refrain from scratching or picking at scabs to prevent scarring.
• Heat Management – Avoid hot baths, saunas, and sun exposure for at least 2 weeks, as excess heat can increase inflammation and delay healing.
• Wear loose, breathable fabrics over the area.

• Hydration – Drink at least 2–3 litres of water daily to flush ink particles through your lymphatic system.
• Exercise – Activities like walking, cycling, or yoga stimulate circulation & ink clearance. Avoid high-impact workouts for the first 48 hours post-treatment.
• Avoid Smoking & Alcohol – Both slow lymphatic drainage and make the process less effective.
• Massage the area daily, working in and outward motion towards the nearest lymphatic drainage point (Neck, Armpit, Groin, behind the Knee, Elbows)

Unfortunately, no exact figure can be determined, Factors such as the ink used the location the individual lifestyle can hugely play a part. Tattoo removal is a gradual process, and multiple sessions are required for optimal results. Some can be removed in as little as 4 sessions while some could take 12. For lightening and cover up tattoos this can be achieved in as little as two sessions.

The Maximum size tattoo that will get treated in one sitting will never be any bigger that an accumulated size of an A4 piece of paper. The lymphatic system will not handle breaking down anymore ink than this, and any larger area is unnecessary and ineffective. You will be guided on the interval between your treatment on a case-to-case basis. (Typically, around 8+ weeks) Although it may feel like it makes sense to get the treatments in shorter intervals for a faster process- this is absolutely not the case with tattoo removal. Trauma is caused to the skin at every session, the skin needs time to heal and the lymphatic system needs time to flush the in particles. Coming in for a session too soon, would not only result in no quicker results but would also be a waste of your money.

Although we well endeavour to obtain full clearance for all our clients, it is not always possible—some tattoos leave a faint “shadow” or “ghosting” effect. This is worth taking into consideration before starting the process, if this is something you are going to be happy with.