Laser tattoo removal is a medical procedure

Tattoo ink is not on the surface of the skin but beneath it, in the dermis. Laser treatment does not “wipe” the ink away. Instead, it breaks the ink into particles so small that the body can carry them away gradually through the lymphatic system. This is why a tattoo fades over several weeks and treatment sessions, not all at once.

At Ihosairaala, tattoo removal is always performed with a two-laser protocol planned by a dermatologist: a fractional laser pretreats the skin, and the actual work is done by the picosecond laser Pico Premium. Treatment is almost always combined with numbing as well.

How the treatment proceeds

• Assessment visit. We review the colour, age, depth and location of the tattoo, as well as your skin type. We also check that there are no other skin findings in the area that require attention. Based on this, we draw up a treatment plan and estimate the number of sessions needed.
• Pretreatment with a fractional laser. Before the picosecond laser, the skin is pretreated with a fractional laser, which creates microscopic channels in the skin. Through these channels, the numbing cream is absorbed more effectively and deeper than usual. At the same time, the pretreatment improves the conditions for the next stage.
• Picosecond laser treatment. The picosecond laser breaks down the tattoo ink with extremely short light pulses. A short pulse means that the ink shatters more effectively and more colours respond than with older lasers.
• Several sessions at suitable intervals. A few weeks are left between sessions so that the body has time to clear the broken-down pigment before the next treatment.

Why choose Ihosairaala

• Device choice is based on measurable properties. We chose Pico Premium after comparing the devices on the market in terms of pulse duration, peak power and range of wavelengths – these three factors determine how effectively and safely the ink breaks down, including in multicoloured tattoos.
• Treatment planned and supervised by a doctor. Tattoo removal is not a procedure within the scope of a beautician’s work. Treatment is performed by staff experienced in skin procedures, and a doctor is available when needed to assess skin findings and possible reactions.
• Pain management is part of the protocol, not an additional service. Combining fractional pretreatment with numbing is an established part of our treatment, so that the procedure can be carried out calmly and with effective settings.

Who is the treatment suitable for

Treatment is always planned individually. A few things are worth knowing in advance:

• Black and dark blue ink usually clears best. Pale shades, yellow and some colours used in permanent makeup are more difficult, and the result may sometimes remain partial.
• Skin type affects the treatment settings – on darker skin, treatment proceeds more cautiously because of the risk of pigmentation changes.
• The number of sessions cannot be promised in advance, because it depends on the colour, depth and age of the ink and the location of the tattoo. An estimate is always given personally at the assessment visit.
• Certain situations, such as pregnancy or a skin infection in the treatment area, affect the timing of treatment and require a separate assessment.

Frequently asked questions

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Laser tattoo removal – pricing