Don't let old ink dictate your new art. At Ink Erase, we use medical-grade Q-Switch Nd:YAG laser technology to safely break down tattoo ink, whether you're aiming for complete removal or simply fading a piece ready for a cover-up. Below is an honest look at how the treatment actually works, what affects your results, and what to expect from your first session onward.
How Laser Tattoo Removal Works
Laser tattoo removal uses highly concentrated pulses of light energy to target the pigment particles trapped in your skin. The laser energy heats the ink particles rapidly, causing them to fragment into much smaller pieces. Over the days and weeks following treatment, your body's lymphatic system — the same network responsible for draining waste from your tissues — gradually clears these broken-down fragments away naturally, which is why fading happens progressively over a course of sessions rather than all at once.
We use the Eternal Laser Systems PHANTOM Nd:YAG Q-Switch laser, a dual-wavelength system. Our 1064nm setting targets dark and black ink most effectively, while our 532nm setting targets red, orange, yellow and violet tones. Matching the right wavelength to your ink's colour is central to getting an effective result.
Why Sessions Vary Person to Person
There's no single number of sessions we can promise before assessing your tattoo. Ink colour and density, your skin type, and your individual immune system all play a part in how quickly your results show. We'll talk through exactly what to expect for your specific tattoo at your free consultation.
Your First Visit: Consultation & Patch Test
Every new client starts with a free online consultation, where we assess your tattoo's size, colour, depth and location, review your skin type and medical history, and explain honestly how your specific ink is likely to respond. There's no pressure to book further treatment.
Before your first full session, we carry out a patch test (£30) — a small, controlled test treatment on a section of your tattoo. This lets us check how your individual skin reacts to the laser and confirm safe settings, with your skin monitored over the following 48 hours for any signs of an adverse reaction, before we proceed with full treatment.
Certain medical conditions and medications — including pregnancy, epilepsy, blood thinners, and recent Botox or filler — affect eligibility or require GP clearance first. See our full eligibility breakdown in the FAQ.
During Treatment: What to Expect
We use ice packs before, during and after each session to keep you as comfortable as possible. A whitish "frosting" on the skin and mild redness afterwards are both normal — we'll walk you through exactly what happens, step by step, at your free consultation.
Aftercare & Healing
Treat the treated area as you would a minor burn for the first week or so. Apply aloe vera gel to soothe and cool the skin, clean it using warm water only — avoiding soap, perfume and other irritants — and protect it completely from sun exposure while it heals, since UV exposure increases the risk of pigmentation changes in treated skin.
Avoid saunas, hot baths and jacuzzis until fully healed, and never pick at scabs or blisters that form — this delays healing and increases infection risk. You'll be given full written aftercare guidance after every session, and we're on hand if you have any concerns during your recovery.
Why Clients Choose Ink Erase
Every treatment plan is bespoke, built around your specific ink, skin and goals — not a one-size-fits-all package. Our technicians are trained to the highest standard through Eternal Laser Academy's Level 5 Tattoo Removal Masterclass, covering laser science, skin types, ink composition, contraindications and safe treatment protocols in depth. We're based in Ripley, Derbyshire, with free on-site parking, just 30 minutes from Nottingham city centre — see our real client results or check our current pricing.
Ready to start your consultation?
Book a free, no-obligation consultation and we'll give you an honest assessment of your tattoo, your skin, and what to realistically expect.