Laser tattoo removal in Chelmsford
An ex's name. A drunken holiday tattoo. Or an old design you've simply outgrown. Whether you want it gone completely or faded enough to make way for something new, I'll give you honest advice on what's achievable and the best way to get there.
Tattoo removal prices
Larger tattoos are priced individually following assessment.
Final price is confirmed at your consultation, once we have measured the tattoo.
The honest answer
Does it hurt?
Everyone's pain tolerance is different, but I'm not going to tell you it's completely painless. I usually describe it as feeling like hot fat spitting from a frying pan, or an elastic band flicking against the skin.
The good news is the laser treatment itself is very quick. I use ice packs before and after treatment to help cool the area, and for larger tattoos I can recommend a suitable numbing cream to use beforehand.
I'll talk you through everything as we go, and if you need a break at any point, just say. There's no rush.
No false promises
How many sessions will I need?
I won't give you a made up number of sessions just because it sounds good. Every tattoo is different.
Aaron, VTCT Level 4 qualified
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Every tattoo is different, and so is every person.
How quickly a tattoo fades depends on things like the depth and amount of ink, the colours used, where it is on your body and how efficiently your body clears the broken down ink.
At your consultation, I'll assess your tattoo properly and give you a realistic idea of what to expect. Sessions are usually spaced around 8 weeks apart, giving your skin time to fully heal and your body time to continue clearing the ink between treatments.
What actually happens
The laser breaks the ink up. Your body clears it.
The laser targets the tattoo ink beneath your skin, breaking it down into tiny fragments. Your body then gradually clears these fragments over the following weeks, allowing the tattoo to fade between treatments.
You'll usually see a temporary white reaction known as frosting immediately after the laser passes over the tattoo. It's completely normal and usually disappears within around 10 to 15 minutes.
Some redness and swelling afterwards is also normal and will settle as the area begins to heal.
The machine
One laser, two wavelengths
I use an AW3 Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser, manufactured in the UK by AllWhite Laser. It delivers extremely short, high-energy pulses that target and break down tattoo pigment while minimising damage to the surrounding skin.
The laser uses two different wavelengths, allowing me to target different ink colours effectively depending on the tattoo being treated.
- 1064 nmBlack and darker tattoo pigments
- 532 nmRed and warmer or lighter tattoo pigments
- TrainingAllWhite Laser certified
Cover-ups
You may not need full removal
If you're planning a cover up, you may not need to remove the old tattoo completely. Fading it down can give your tattoo artist far more freedom with the new design, and could mean fewer laser sessions than going for full removal.
Tell me what you're looking to achieve at your consultation and I'll give you honest advice on how much fading you're likely to need.
The proof
Real removals, real clients
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8 sessions Black ink, forearm
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5 sessions Fine line script
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1 session Fine line, wrist
Reasons for removal
There are plenty of reasons to remove a tattoo. None need explaining.
- An ex's name
- A drunken holiday tattoo
- An old tattoo that doesn't feel like you anymore
- Something that didn't turn out how you wanted
- A tattoo you want lightened for a cover-up
- Or simply deciding you don't want it anymore
Other questions
All FAQs-
How much is the consultation and patch test?
The consultation and patch test is £25. I'll assess your tattoo, talk through what you want to achieve, explain how the removal process works and what you can realistically expect. I'll then carry out a small patch test so we can see how your skin responds before going ahead with treatment.
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How much does tattoo removal cost?
Tattoo removal starts from £45 per session. The price is based mainly on the size of the tattoo, with the exact cost confirmed at your consultation once I've measured and assessed it.
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Can laser tattoo removal cause scarring?
Scarring from correctly performed laser tattoo removal is uncommon. The risk increases if the skin is overtreated, sessions are too close together or aftercare isn't followed properly. I leave around 8 weeks between sessions to give your skin time to fully heal before treating it again.
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What will my skin look like afterwards?
During treatment you'll usually see a temporary white reaction known as frosting, which normally settles within 10 to 15 minutes. Redness and swelling afterwards are common. I'll explain exactly what to expect and how to look after the area after every session.
Start with a consultation and patch test
Your first appointment is £25. We will look at the tattoo, discuss your goal and answer any questions before you book treatment.