Laser Tattoo Removal Guide Singapore

How does laser remove tattoos?

Laser treatments deliver large amounts of energy safely into the skin to shatter and breakdown tattoo pigments into fine particles. These broken-down pigments are then absorbed and cleared by macrophages which are part of your immune system.

Picosecond Lasers / Picolasers are one of the most effective and safest technology in the market currently for tattoo removal.

Compared to previous generation lasers, Picolasers emit laser beams with extremely short pulses durations, allowing more shots and more energy to be delivered in each second.

This increases the photoacoustic effect (process of laser energy mechanically breaking down pigments), enhancing the laser’s ability to shatter pigments into the smallest possible fragments for clearance by the body’s immune system.

Compared to traditional nanosecond lasers, picosecond lasers have the following benefits:

Higher Efficacy

Increased Safety

Reduced Discomfort

Can laser remove multi-coloured tattoos?

The Lutronic Picoplus Picolaser comes equipped with 4 separate wavelengths and 6 handpieces that allows it to target a wide spectrum of tattoo colours.

1064 nm – Black, Brown

532 nm – Red, Yellow, Orange    

660 nm – Green, Violet

595 nm - Blue

Treatment Experience

Strong topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area for 30 to 45 minutes to reduce discomfort.

During the laser treatment, patients may experience a stinging sensation. Cold air is continuously delivered to the treated area to further reduce discomfort and redness.

After laser, the treatment area may be red and swollen. For post-procedural care, Dr Edwin prescribes an intensive recovery cream for enhanced skin healing, topical antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory cream.

How long is the downtime?

Downtime consists of skin redness, mild swelling and scabbing and typically lasts between 3 to 7 days.

Sun protection with topical sunblock is crucial as well as post procedural creams such as the intensive recovery cream, topical antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory cream for optimal healing and results!

How long before results can be seen?

On average, 80-90% clearance of tattoos can be seen after 4 to 6 treatment sessions. The most significant improvements are usually seen in the first few sessions as larger amounts of tattoo pigments are removed.

The last 10-20% of remaining tattoo pigments may take a longer period for clearance.

What are the side effects?

Rarely, there may be skin pigmentary changes after treatment such as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.

The risk is increased in patients with darker skin tone, large complex tattoos and multi-coloured tattoos.

Scarring is very rare and can be minimized with proper post-treatment care.

Learn more about the Picosecond laser here.