Laser tattoo removal works by delivering extremely short pulses of laser energy into the tattoo. Specific wavelengths of light are absorbed by tattoo pigment, producing a rapid interaction that fragments pigment particles within the skin.

The body then gradually processes and clears the affected pigment over the weeks and months following treatment. This is why a tattoo does not disappear immediately after being lasered—the laser initiates the process, while much of the visible fading occurs progressively afterwards.

Your immune response plays an important role in this process, which is one reason results and the rate of fading can vary between individuals.

There is no exact number of treatments that can be predicted before beginning tattoo removal, and complete removal can never be guaranteed.

As a general guide, professional tattoos commonly require approximately 6–12 treatments, while cosmetic tattoos may require approximately 1–6 treatments. However, some tattoos may require fewer treatments and others considerably more.

Treatment response is influenced by many factors, including:

• Ink colour and pigment composition

• Amount, density and depth of ink

• Professional vs amateur application

• Tattoo age

• Tattoo location

• Multiple layers or cover-ups

• Scar tissue

• Skin type

• Individual immune response

• Whether the goal is fading or complete removal

Because of these variables, results vary from person to person and tattoo to tattoo. Even two tattoos that appear very similar can respond differently.

Older or lightly applied tattoos may sometimes respond more quickly, while dense professional work, heavily saturated tattoos and cover-ups can require a longer treatment course.

We can generally provide a better indication of how your individual tattoo is responding once we have observed its progress over the first few treatments.

At Renegade, we require a minimum of 8 weeks between laser treatments, with sessions generally spaced 8–12 weeks apart or longer where appropriate.

The skin may appear healed on the surface relatively quickly, but deeper recovery continues beyond what you can see. At the same time, the body continues processing affected tattoo pigment after the visible skin reaction has resolved.

Treating the tattoo more frequently does not result in faster removal.

Longer intervals may be recommended depending on your skin type, previous reaction, tattoo response and stage of removal.

A new tattoo must be at least 3 months old before we commence laser treatment. Although the surface may appear healed sooner, deeper tissue recovery and remodelling continue following tattooing.

Older tattoos can often respond well to treatment as some natural fading may have already occurred over time.

Cover-ups and layered tattoos can also be treated; however, they may require a longer treatment course because there can be a greater amount of pigment within the skin. As the newer tattoo fades, portions of the original tattoo underneath may become visible again. This is a normal part of treating layered tattoo work.

Yes. A skin examination by an appropriately qualified medical practitioner is required before commencing laser tattoo removal in Western Australia.

You must provide an official letter confirming that the treatment area has been examined and that there are no suspicious lesions or areas of concern within the area being treated.

Treatment cannot proceed without the required documentation.

For clients undergoing an ongoing course of tattoo removal, an updated skin check is required every 12 months.

Different tattoo pigments respond differently to laser treatment because different colours absorb different wavelengths of light.

Black and very dark pigments generally absorb commonly used tattoo-removal wavelengths efficiently and can respond very well. However, colour alone does not determine how easily a tattoo will remove.

A dense, deeply placed or heavily saturated black tattoo may require significantly more treatment than an older or lightly applied black tattoo.

Coloured pigments can also be treated, although some colours and pigment formulations are more resistant than others. The chemical composition of tattoo ink is also important, meaning two inks that appear to be the same colour may respond differently.

For this reason, treatment response cannot be determined by colour alone.

Yes. Cosmetic eyebrow tattoos can be treated for complete removal, correction or fading.

Cosmetic tattoo pigments can behave differently from conventional body tattoo inks because the visible colour may be created using several pigments blended together.

During treatment, individual pigment components can respond differently. As one component is altered or reduced, another previously less-visible colour may become apparent.

Depending on the pigment composition, cosmetic tattoos may appear red, orange, pink, yellow, grey, blue, green or darker during different stages of removal.

Certain pigment ingredients can also undergo colour changes following laser exposure. Because the exact composition of cosmetic pigments is not always known, these changes cannot always be predicted beforehand.

Yes. Laser tattoo removal can be performed on darker skin types, but treatment requires additional consideration.

Melanin—the pigment responsible for skin colour—can also absorb laser energy. Higher levels of epidermal melanin can therefore increase the risk of unwanted pigment changes.

These can include hyperpigmentation, where the skin becomes darker, and hypopigmentation, where the skin becomes lighter.

Treatment parameters and intervals must therefore be selected carefully according to skin type, tattoo characteristics and previous response. Longer intervals between treatments may also be recommended.

Recent tanning and significant sun exposure can also increase risk, which is why sun exposure should be avoided around treatment.

Laser tattoo removal can be uncomfortable, although the laser exposure itself is generally very quick. Smaller tattoos may only require seconds of actual laser treatment.

The sensation is commonly described as a brief, sharp heat or snapping sensation, although discomfort varies between individuals and treatment areas.

We use professional cooling equipment capable of delivering air down to approximately –30°C to assist with comfort and thermal management before, during and after treatment.

Clients may also choose to use topical numbing cream. If using numbing cream, apply a thick layer approximately 1.5–2 hours before your appointment and cover the area with cling film where appropriate.

We do not supply numbing cream in clinic, so it must be purchased beforehand and used according to the manufacturer's directions.

Immediately after treatment, it is normal to experience some degree of redness, swelling, warmth and tenderness.

Temporary white or opaque frosting may appear immediately after the laser passes over the tattoo. This is an immediate reaction within the treated tissue and generally resolves relatively quickly. Frosting is often more noticeable during earlier treatments when a greater concentration of pigment remains.

During the following hours or days, some clients may also experience bruising, itching, swelling, blistering, crusting or scabbing as the area heals.

Post-treatment reactions vary between individuals and can also differ from one session to another on the same tattoo. The severity of the visible skin reaction is not an indication of how much fading will ultimately occur.

You will be provided with detailed aftercare instructions following your treatment to support appropriate healing.

Scarring and changes in pigmentation are recognised potential complications of laser tattoo removal, although appropriate treatment technique, conservative treatment parameters, adequate spacing and correct aftercare help reduce these risks.

Temporary hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation can occur following treatment, particularly in darker or recently tanned skin.

Risk can also increase if healing skin is picked or scratched, blisters are intentionally opened, the area becomes infected, excessive friction occurs or the skin is exposed to significant UV during recovery.

Some tattoos also contain pre-existing scar tissue from the original tattooing process. As the pigment fades, this scar tissue can become more noticeable even though it was present before laser treatment.

Our treatment approach prioritises pigment reduction while maintaining the long-term health and integrity of the surrounding skin.

Yes.

Certain medications and medical conditions can affect photosensitivity, inflammation, wound healing, immune response or the skin's ability to recover following laser treatment.

All prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, supplements and recent antibiotics must be disclosed on your medical history form. If you begin taking a new medication during your treatment course, please contact us before your next appointment.

Do not stop prescribed medication simply to undergo laser treatment unless instructed by the prescribing medical practitioner.

We do not perform laser tattoo removal during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Treatment can be considered once pregnancy and breastfeeding have concluded and there are no other contraindications.

Yes. Complete removal is not always necessary.

Laser treatment can be used to reduce the density of an existing tattoo before a cover-up, giving your tattoo artist greater flexibility with the new design.

The amount of fading required depends on the existing tattoo and the proposed cover-up. We recommend discussing your plans with your tattoo artist so they can advise how much fading they would like before beginning the new piece.

After your final laser session, the skin must be completely recovered before it is tattooed again. We recommend waiting a minimum of 3 months, with longer intervals appropriate where the skin requires additional recovery.

Fading can also continue after your final laser treatment.

Before treatment, the skin should be healthy, intact and free from active infection, wounds or significant irritation.

Avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning and fake tan on the treatment area. Active skincare products should be avoided on the area for approximately 5 days before treatment, and hair may need to be shaved where necessary.

Please complete your consultation and medical history forms accurately and ensure you have your required skin-check documentation.

Following treatment, keep the area clean and protected while it heals. Avoid picking, scratching or intentionally opening blisters or scabs, minimise friction and protect the area from UV exposure.

Detailed aftercare instructions will be provided following treatment.

Pricing is determined primarily by the size and density of the tattoo or tattoos being treated.

Multiple smaller tattoos can often be treated within the same appointment. Very large tattoos, sleeves, wrap-around pieces or multiple large areas may need to be divided into separate appointments to better manage swelling and recovery.

Your first treatment appointment includes a consultation, assessment and personalised quote.

If you would like an accurate quote before booking, send us a clear photograph of your tattoo or tattoos via text or email.