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Tattoo Removal

Cutis Dermatology, is the only centre in Australia to own 2 state of the art pico lasers. By running two devices we can pick the very best laser wavelengths from each device to deliver unparalleled results. Treatments are performed by experienced clinicians in our Brisbane laser suites. 
Scroll down to learn more about the types of tattoo removal we perform:
  • Picoway Tattoo Removal
  • Tattoo Scar Management
  • Iron staining tattoo removal
  • Dermal Toning Laser

Our results speak for themselves

Before

After

BA Medlite ARish Post10Tx treatment cutis dermatology brisbane 1

Nano laser tattoo removal

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    Before

    After

    BA PicoSure Geronemus Post6Tx Buttrfly treatment cutis dermatology brisbane

    Picosure tattoo removal

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      Before

      After

      PicoWay B A 1 lg treatment cutis dermatology brisbane

      Picoway 1064 tattoo removal

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        Our Tattoo Removal options

        Picoway Tattoo Removal
        Best for: All ink colours
        Down time: 1-2 days
        Comments: Best tattoo removal laser
        Tattoo Scar Management
        Best for: Scars in tattoos
        Down time: 0 day
        Comments: Dermatologists provide expert care
        Iron staining tattoo removal
        Best for: Iron infusion stains
        Down time: 0-2 days
        Comments: Accelerate iron infusion clearance
        Dermal Toning Laser
        Best for: Dirt tattoos
        Down time: 1 days
        Comments: Nano lasers are best for large particles
        You decide- total removal or cover up?
        The removal timeline. How many sessions?

        The first step of tattoo removal is to decide what your options are. Cover ups require less treatment sessions & time. Complete removal is possible, but it will take many more treatments. If you are contemplating cover ups, we will work with your tattoo artist to remove only the minimum areas required. We can get this job done in as little as 2- 3 sessions. 

        The second step in tattoo removal is to accurately estimate the number of laser sessions required. The industry uses a scale devised by dermatologists- The Kirby Desai Scale. This will accurately predict the number of sessions based upon the size, color, layering, density, & location of your tattoo. 

        Why Dermatologists?
        Picosecond lasers are the Gold Standard

        Our team have been removing tattoos in Brisbane for 20 years, & we were the first to invest in the generation one Picosure. Fast forward to today & we have 2 pico lasers- the Picoway & the Picosure Pro. We cover all aspects of tattoo care, from removals to tattoo reactions & scarring. 

        If you have done some research, you know the buzz word of PICO. These lasers are the gold standard in tattoo removal. Cutis Dermatology bought the first pico in 2015, the Picosure. In 2022 we have two Pico lasers, the Picoway & the Picosure Pro.  

        Pico lasers are by far the fastest way to safely remove old tattoos providing superior efficiency, safety & are less painful compared to older nano lasers.  

        Learn More 

        Our dermatologists have been removing tattoos for 20 years. Our clinic has two of the most advanced tattoo removal lasers- the Picoway & the Picosure Pro. Book a free* consultation with our team to learn more about laser tattoo removal & how we can remove unwanted ink.

        FAQs

        Why Cutis Dermatology?

        We are Queensland’s most experienced tattoo removal clinic, having treated thousands of patients over the past 15 years. We were the first clinic to incorporate pico lasers in 2015 & remain at the cutting edge of technology with both the Picoway & Picosure Pro systems. 

         

        Our dermatologists are lecturers on the topic of laser tattoo removal. Cutis Dermatology teaches the industry. 

        How many sessions are required?

        The most important question, & the most complex to answer. On average 5-6 for most tattoos, cover up jobs take 2-3 sessions, whilst home tattoos can be removed in as little as one to two sessions. We predict the number of laser sessions using a scale invented by dermatologists & adopted by the industry. It is called the Kirby Desai scale. 

        Why do we run two pico lasers?

        Here is an analogy, a car company does not make the best car for every field. Porsche makes great race cars, but pretty sh*tty off road vehicle. The same goes for laser companies. Picoway makes a great laser for treating BLACK & RED tattoo ink, whilst Picosure Pro with the 755 wavelength has the edge when it comes to other tattoo colours, including GREENS & YELLOWS. 

        At Cutis Dermatology, we don’t compromise, hence why we run two pico lasers. This way, patients are assured that they are getting the best results possible.

        What skin types can be treated?

        Using two Pico lasers we can optimize treatments based on skin type & tattoo colour. 

         

        Lighter skin: Picosure Pro laser. Best for green, black, blue, and purple ink. 

         

        Lighter & dark skin: Picoway laser can treat all skin types. This laser is better for red & orange ink. 

        What is the hardest tattoo ink colour to treat?

        Mixed pastel colours with reflective pigment. Did you know that most artists mix ink colours, including white? Mixing gives great eye-popping colours, but they are also harder to remove, as each colour has a different wavelength.

        Refractive metal oxides can reflect the laser beam, in turn more sessions are required. 

        What is the Desai Kirby scale?

        Kirby Desai scale is used to accurately predict the number of laser sessions to remove unwanted ink. Key elements include-

        Colours: Ink is made from a combination of varying compounds. Professional inks are different to inks used by amateur tattoos & are harder to remove. Black ink is the easiest to remove due to its small size. Red is the next easiest. Greens, yellows and oranges are more challenging. In reality, most coloured tattoos are a fusion of different pigments. Picoway has the advantage when it comes to black & red ink, whilst Picosure Pro has the run when it comes to treating greens. 

        Amount of Ink:  The 4 categories of ink are divided into: Amateur (letters, words or small symbols), Minimal (one colour, simple design), Moderate (one colour, complex design) and Significant (multicoloured, complex design). This is further divided into density of ink & the surface area. 

        History of keloid/hypertrophic scarring: Scarring, namely an overproduction of collagen can surround the ink particles & reduce the penetration of lasers. Additionally, it limits the penetration of the cells of the immune system. This results in slower clearance of tattoo ink. 

        Skin Type: The Fitzpatrick skin type rating scale from Type I skin to Type VI. The lighter you are, the faster the clearance. Australians are typically type 1-2, Asians & Middle Eastern 3-4. 

        Location: The head and neck maintain the largest vascular supply; the immune system is the strongest in this area. Tattoos in this location are effectively & promptly removed.  Then the arms, trunk, back and upper legs are next. The hand & feet are the extremities hence ink in these areas take the longest time to receive tattoo clearance.

        Layering Tattoos: Many people decide to hide old tattoos by using new tattoos as a “cover up”. Since this requires layering of darker ink this means more treatments for tattoo removal. The rate limiting colour may not be evident on examination. For example, black ink over yellow & orange. 

        Individual’s Immune System: This has the greatest amount of variability as a person’s immune system is determined by genetics. This determines how well your body will get rid of the ink.

        What is the biggest ‘X’ factor for tattoo removal?

        Individual’s Immune System: This has the greatest amount of variability as a person’s immune system is determined by genetics. This determines how well your body will get rid of the ink. 

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