Tattoos

What is a tattoo?

Tattoos are caused by pigment or ink being embedded into the skin. The body forms a fibrous coating around the pigment particles so that they are not absorbed and removed by the body.

We can treat the following types of tattoo:

• Indian ink tattoos (often used in amateur tattoos).
• Single colour tattoos.
• Multicoloured tattoos.
• Accidental tattoos - where something like pencil graphite or gravel gets embedded in the skin during an accident.

How does laser treatment fade the tattoo?

We use Qswitched NdYag and Ruby lasers for treating tattoos. These lasers use short bursts of energy that are absorbed by the tattoo particles. This breaks up the pigment particles and fibrous coating around the pigment so the body can absorb them. This is a safe and effective way of treating tattoos.

How successful is treatment?

This depends on the type of ink used, and can be difficult to predict because there are hundreds of different ink recipes. Some tattoos clear completely following laser treatment but it is never possible to guarantee 100% removal.

Indian ink and single colour black or red tattoos usually respond well to treatment. Other colours like green, blue, purple, and orange do not respond as well.

How well your tattoo may respond will be discussed with you at your consultation.

What does treatment involve? 

The number of sessions needed varies depending on the type of ink and size of tattoo but may be around:

• Indian ink - 4-6 treatment sessions.
• Professional tattoos - 10-12 sessions.

Treatments are spaced at least 8 weeks apart to allow the body to absorb the pigment.

You will need to look after your skin carefully for 1-2 weeks after each treatment. You may also need to wear high factor sunblock on the tattoo for the whole course of treatment.

You are advised not to have a tattoo treated if you have a heavy suntan because this increases the risk of scarring and is not as effective.

We recommend you do not have tattoo removal laser treatment during pregnancy.

Are there any side-effects?

The risk of scarring from treatment with the Qswitched laser is low.

The treatment can occasionally cause the normal pigment in skin to decrease or increase, leaving a pale or dark mark where the treatment was. This usually returns to normal but can take a long time.

Side-effects are more common if your skin is tanned when treated. Laser treatment may not be suitable for people with very dark skin because of the increased risk of side-effects.

Some light-coloured tattoo inks can get darker with laser treatment, which may be temporary or permanent.

The risk of side-effects will be fully discussed with you at your consultation.

Funding for laser treatment

Laser treatment for tattoo removal is not routinely funded on the NHS. In severe or exceptional cases the Exceptional Funding Panel in your area may consider this. If you think you may be eligible, discuss this with your GP.

If you cannot get NHS funding you can self-fund your consultation and treatment at Bristol Laser Centre. We offer a sensitive, personal, honest approach.

An initial consultation with a specialist doctor is always required. This costs £120. During the initial consultation you will discuss your specific needs. We may then offer a test patch to show how well you may respond to the treatment

Tattoo removal laser treatments start from £70 per session.

How do I book in? 

If you have any questions or would like to arrange a consultation, please phone us on 0117 414 1212.

Or fill in our online form: Contact Bristol Laser Centre

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published April 2025. Review due April 2028. NBT002020