Tattoo removal service LA Erase has created a new ‘Glass Technique’ procedure to remove customer unwanted ink.
The laser technology system works by using the body’s own natural defence mechanisms to remove pigment in the tattoo and break up collagen within the ink.
It is also said to reduce the pain sensation traditionally experienced with laser tattoo removal, meaning patients will be less likely to opt for local anaesthetic in order to have the procedure.
The Glass Technique also keeps swelling, reddening and pinprick bleeding post-treatment to a minimum.
Kizzy Galvin, LA Erase’s Managing Director, said: “Tattoo regrets are on the increase and the demand for removal is growing 40% year on year, but current methods of removal are often painful, scarring and in a lot of cases unsuccessful.
“I am delighted to bring what is quite possibly the newest, most innovative and successful device for fast, reduced-pain tattoo removal to the UK with LA Erase.”
Laser Specialist, Mike Murphy is responsible for creating the technology.
He said: “Our system utilises shorter pulse widths than most other Q-switched (QS) lasers - around 3.5 nanoseconds.
“This generates higher peak powers in the dermis leading to a more powerful photo acoustic effect on the surface of the ink particles.
“This results in more ablation and plasma generation than other QS lasers, leading to a more thorough fragmentation of the ink.”
Murphy is General Secretary of the Association of Laser Safety Professionals and was responsible for opening the first tattoo removal clinic in Glasgow, Scotland.
This is a far cry from historic methods of tattoo removal, which included stripping away layers of skin until the ink was no longer visible, chemical tissue destruction, an intradermal injection of tannic acid which removed the tattoo, but resulted in a full-thickness burn that requiring skin grafting.