LASER TATTOO REMOVAL IN CORK

PicoWay™ laser tattoo removal at shirley’s beauty & laser clinic

Laser Tattoo Removal is a common treatment used to remove professional, amateur, tribal, traumatic and cosmetic tattoos. Many of our clients come in with a change of minds about their tattoos for all sorts of reasons and they want to either remove their tattoo completely or fade the tattoo so that they can get a cover-up. Removing a tattoo is an extremely personal decision; this is something that you will think about for a period of time prior to choosing PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal.

At Shirley’s Beauty & Laser Clinic our team of expert Candela Clinical Laser Specialists will guide you through the process with care and attentiveness to achieve the best results possible. We utilise the Gold Standard Laser Tattoo Removal system the PicoWay™, one of the latest and most advanced Picosecond Laser systems available worldwide. PicoWay Laser technology allows us to remove any colour of a tattoo, anywhere on the body safely and effectively which produces fantastic results!

We are one of Cork’s largest independent Beauty, Skin & Laser Clinics so you have come to the right place for help. At Shirley’s we use the industries safest, most effective advanced laser tattoo removal technology, your tattoo will be a distant memory in no time!

We are very proud to be one of the very first clinics in Ireland — and the only clinic in Cork City to offer the technologically advanced, picosecond PicoWay Laser By Candela. The FDA’s latest approved Laser Tattoo Removal has multiple wavelengths to effectively treat tattoos of every colour on every skin type unlike no other.

laser tattoo removal in cork city, ireland

All PicoWay treatments use a picosecond laser with high power and the shortest laser pulses available. A picosecond is a trillionth of a second! The ultra-short pulses with PicoWay are important because they lead to a “photoacoustic” effect that avoids heating the skin rather than a photothermal (or heat) approach that heats the skin and can lead to side effects, such as downtime and scarring.

Because the PicoWay Laser uses ultra-short laser pulses, the result is a laser that has little to no downtime after the treatment. The PicoWay laser reaches under the skin for its impact, leaving the outer layer of the skin intact. This allows us to offer better results and a better experience for our clients. With this world class equipment combined with our unsurpassed skill and experience, we are able to safely reach the ink in the deeper layers, even after the tattoo has faded, which standard lasers tend to leave behind. In other words, you are guaranteed a faster removal of your unwanted tattoo with less hassle!

How long does a Laser tattoo removal treatment take?

Treatments are really quick! With our PicoWay Laser system which uses a picosecond laser with high power and the shortest laser pulses available. So most treatments last anywhere between a couple of seconds for a small tattoo and only a few minutes for a large tattoo. It will be over in a flash!

What are the benefits of Candela PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal:

Less Painful, Less Heat & Less Side Effects = More Ink Removed
Less Treatments Required (6-12 Treatments On Average)
Quick Recovery After Treatment
Clears Tattoo Ink Colours, Including Black, Brown, Blue, Green, Purple, Red, Yellow, And Orange
Triple Wavelengths – 532nm, 730nm & 1064nm To Treat All Skin Types
Large Spot Sizes – Reaches The Deepest Pigment And Tattoo Ink
Shortest Picosecond Pulses = Faster Results
Safe, Effective & Real Results

Is Tattoo Removal Safe?

Yes, it is very safe. The laser energy is selectively absorbed by the tattoo ink only, meaning that surrounding tissues are not affected and there is no damage to the skin.

Laser tattoo removal using a Pico-second laser is regarded as the safest treatment option, compared to the older generation lasers, excision or dermabrasion.

What colour tattoos can the PicoWay Laser Remove?

We use three different Laser Wavelengths with the PicoWay Laser, which enables us to treat even the difficult multi colour tattoos including tattoos ranging from black, brown, purple to the more difficult colours of yellow, orange, red, blue and green.

532nm - used for red, yellow and orange tattoos.
730nm - used for green and blue tattoos.
1064nm - used for black, brown and purple tattoos.

The number of PicoWay laser treatments to fade could be just a few treatments depending on your goals, the colour and depth of your ink, as well as your health and skin type. With PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal, you can expect fewer treatment sessions, fewer side effects, shorter downtime, and more success regardless of your skin tone and the colour of your tattoos.

If you are looking to cover up your tattoo with a new one, you can do it after your original has faded to a point where it will no longer be seen under your new artwork. We recommend waiting at least 8 weeks after laser treatments before having the area tattooed!

How do i Book A Laser Tattoo Removal Consultation?

At Shirley’s Beauty & Laser Clinic our team of expert Candela Clinical Laser Specialists will guide you through the process with care and attentiveness to achieve the best results possible. We will discuss your medical history, perform a patch test and assess your skin to ensure you are suitable for treatment, we will also answer any questions that you may have prior to commencing your PicoWay Laser Tattoo or Pigmentation Removal Journey

We utilise the Gold Standard Laser Tattoo Removal system the PicoWay™, one of the latest and most advanced Picosecond Laser systems available worldwide. PicoWay Laser technology allows us to remove any colour of a tattoo, anywhere on the body safely and effectively which produces fantastic results!

Consultation is €20.

Book A Laser Consultation

Can I get my tattoo faded with laser tattoo removal?

If you would prefer to have the darkest or most undesired areas (e.g. bright colours) of your tattoo faded in order to get a cover-up then this can be a really cost-effective and sensible way to achieve exactly what is wanted with the new tattoo work of art.

Most tattoos fade a little over time, but laser tattoo removal speeds up this process. Starting with the cleanest canvas possible on your skin not only benefits you, but also your tattoo artist. When you have your tattoo faded this is removing the majority of the old ink, essentially covering up a faded tattoo after laser tattoo removal gives you much more freedom with the design in terms of placement, colour, density of ink and size. This ultimately results in a far better quality cover-up tattoo and one in which you will love forever.

Do I need a referral for Laser Tattoo Removal?

No, you do not need a referral letter. You can book a consultation appointment with a Candela Clinical Laser Specialist to discuss your treatment options and any concerns or questions that you may have.

HOW DOES LASER TATTOO REMOVAL WORK?

The PicoWay® by Syneron Candela is the world’s first and only dual laser that pulsates with higher levels of comfort, compared to other lasers. PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal treatment delivers ultra-short picosecond (one trillionth of a second) pulses of energy to the tissue. These bursts of energy create a photo-mechanical impact, breaking up the tattoo ink or pigmentation into tiny more easily eliminated particles. Your body’s immune system then naturally absorbs the ink into your body safely without damaging the surrounding tissue, before expelling it through your lymphatic system.

If you have seen laser tattoo removal videos online you would have seen the skin begin “frosting”. The frosting is produced by small gas bubbles rising to the surface enabling the breaking down of tattoo pigments and is harmless.

Once the area under treatment has been covered by the laser, the tattoo will be wrapped in gauze to protect it. Your therapist will the discuss the best aftercare for you.

How does my body remove the shattered ink after Laser Tattoo Removal?

There is two key processes that will break up the ink – the pigment in your tattoo will absorb the energy from the laser and break apart into tiny particles; also, the incredibly fast pulse (one trillionth of a second) and energy of the laser will cause the ink to shatter like a sugar cube breaking apart. Once the ink is broken down by the laser, your body responds by moving fluid to the area to help flush away the ink through your immune system. Over the next 6-8 weeks the ink will removed through your lymphatic system.

How long will it take to get my tattoo removed?

The PicoWay Tattoo Removal Laser By Candela is the world’s first and only triple wavelength laser that pulsates with higher levels of comfort, compared to other lasers. The PicoWay uses photo-mechanical principles as opposed to photo-thermal alone, combined with ultra-short pulses, called pico-seconds (one trillionth of a second) to shatter the ink into tiny particles which your body then eliminates itself.

This powerful process means the whole tattoo can be erased in 6-12 treatments at a minimum. Requiring less heat and less energy means that the surrounding tissue is left unharmed and the space between treatment can be much shorter too. After your treatment, your body continues to remove the destroyed ink particles for up to a year. Although most clearing occurs in the 6-8 weeks post-treatment.

Shirley’s Beauty & Laser Clinic is very proud to be the first salon in Cork to provide a laser wavelength capable of reducing blue and green pigments in as little as three to five sessions. In comparison to other tattoo removal clinics, who use the Q-switch lasers which tend to remove these difficult pigments within 10 or more treatments.

Using the PicoWay Laser, our clients will have their number of treatments reduced by nearly half.

Why do I need to wait 6 to 8 weeks between my Laser tattoo removal treatments?

The longer you wait between treatments, the better. As ink particles are flushed naturally through the body’s lymphatic system, treating a tattoo earlier than the advised time does not speed-up the process of laser tattoo removal. In addition to this, you are more at risk of scarring if you repeatedly have laser treatments while your skin’s surface is still healing which is something that we will not allow.

How Far apart do I leave my Tattoo Removal Sessions?

It can take up to 8 months to two years to remove your tattoo as treatments are done with gaps of 8 weeks between appointments. The number of treatments to fully remove your tattoo is largely dependent on a number of factors, including the tattoo size, amount of ink, tattoo depth, tattoo colours, your skin pigmentation, and so much more.

If you have a new tattoo, you must wait a minimum of 3 months before booking a consultation and patch test.

At your Laser Tattoo Removal consultation, your therapist will be able to give you a better indication of how many treatments you personally need and answer any other questions you may have about Laser Tattoo Removal.

Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?

At Shirley’s Beauty & Laser Clinic we believe removing a tattoo should be as painless as possible. Our highly trained therapists and state-of-the-art technology allows us to be keenly focused on minimizing your pain. Everyone has a different pain threshold however we will perform a patch test in the consultation and if you find it too uncomfortable we recommend using a topical anaesthetic cream on the tattoo wrapped in clinic film for at least 30 minutes before your arrival for treatment.

After numbing the area, our experienced therapists will pulse a laser light through a hand piece held directly over your tattoo. As this takes place, you will hear a fast clicking sound as the laser light is rapidly pulsed.

Clients often describe PicoWay Laser Tattoo Removal treatments like ‘being flicked with an elastic band’. The majority of clients find the treatment very tolerable with only some slight discomfort.

Will I Scar after laser tattoo removal?

From the state-of-the-art lasers we use, to our highly experienced team we have, every measure is taken to ensure your safety at all times. Our number one priority is to protect your skin. During your consultation, your therapist will perform a patch test on your skin to determine the precise energy level and pulse width required to effectively and safely remove your tattoo with no scarring.

How do I prepare for a Laser tattoo removal treatment?

No Sun Exposure prior to your treatment.
Always wear SPF 50 & reapply each day throughout the day regardless of it being sunny or not.
Avoid shaving, waxing, or exfoliating before treatment.
Avoid tanning, sun beds and spray tans several weeks prior to your procedure.
Remove all make up, creams & oils prior to treatment.
Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.
Keep hydrated before and then after your treatment.

What aftercare is required after Laser Tattoo Removal?

Having laser tattoo removal done by a professional is just one step in your tattoo removal journey. At Shirley’s Beauty & Laser Clinic, we want to make sure that you get the best results from your Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment. Following your session, it is important to keep a few things in mind:

Keep the tattoo removal area clean and dry for the first three days.

Never pick, poke or scratch the treatment area.
Avoid vigorous exercise for the first 24-28 hours so as not to bump the treatment area.
No Sun Exposure, cover your treatment area with clothing or a bandage.
Always wear SPF 50 & reapply each day throughout the day regardless of it being sunny or not.
Refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking in order to allow the kidneys to flush out the ink particles from your body and to ensure you are 100% hydrated.
No fake tan of any kind on the treatment area.
Avoid any water & heat for 48 hours on the treatment area.
Maintain a healthy diet & stay hydrated. A healthy immune system will ensure your body is working to its full capacity to flush out the ink particles as quick as possible