Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser Tattoo Removal Manchester from £50
At CLNQ, we are proud to offer laser tattoo removal Manchester with medical precision, safety, and transparency. Located in the heart of Manchester at Deansgate Square, we are within easy reach from all local transport links. Our Manchester laser clinic offers a wide range of other laser treatments such as laser hair removal or laser mole removal.
Whether you regret a previous tattoo, wish to fade it for a cover-up, or have ink placed by a less professional operator, our approach is bespoke. We combine state-of-the-art laser technology (using the Q-switched Revlite Si laser), close clinical assessment, and personalized aftercare to deliver optimal results.
Table of Contents
How does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
Tattoo Ink & Skin — A Quick Primer
When a tattoo is created, pigmented ink particles are deposited into the dermis, the deeper skin layer. Over time, your body’s immune cells (macrophages) may engulf some pigment particles, but most do not dissipate fully.
The goal of laser tattoo removal is to break those pigment particles into much smaller fragments the body can gradually clear via the lymphatic system. The surrounding skin must remain largely unharmed.
Selective Photothermolysis & Pulse Duration
Lasers used in tattoo removal work on the principle of selective photothermolysis: a particular wavelength is chosen so that the ink pigment strongly absorbs it, but surrounding tissue absorbs much less. The pulse duration is critically short (nanoseconds or picoseconds) — short enough that the ink heats and fracturs before heat diffuses to neighbouring skin.
Conventional q-switched lasers emit pulses in the nanosecond range; picosecond lasers take this further by delivering even shorter pulses..
Wavelengths, Ink Colours & Skin Type
No single laser wavelength can treat all ink colours or all skin types equally. At CLNQ, we maintain multiple devices (e.g. Revlite Q-Switch Nd:YAG at 1064/532 nm) to tailor treatment per tattoo colour and skin tone.
1064 nm (Nd:YAG Q-switched) — deep penetration, safer for darker skin tones, effective on black, dark blue inks
532 nm (frequency-doubled Nd:YAG Q-switched) — effective for reds, oranges, some lighter inks
Other devices like Ruby (694 nm) or Alexandrite (755 nm) may be used selectively, though risks of pigment change are higher in darker skin types.
Picosecond lasers (e.g. PicoWay, PicoSure) deliver ultra-short pulses. These types of laser may sometimes be required for some difficult to treat inks.
Q-switched lasers remain a mainstay because they are time-tested, effective especially for black inks, more cost-efficient for many patients, and safe when applied correctly with cooling and energy control.
Key Considerations & Challenges
Tattoo Colour Complexity
Black inks respond best
Reds, greens, blues, yellows are more challenging
Some colours (white, pastel, fluorescent) may be resistant
Multi-layered or heavily saturated tattoos take more sessions
Skin Tone & Risks
Darker skin (Fitzpatrick III–VI) has higher risk of pigmentation side effects
We lean toward 1064 nm Q-switched or safer protocols in these cases
Patch testing is especially important
Ink Quality, Depth, Age & Location
Professionally applied tattoos often penetrate deeper, use denser pigment
Older tattoos may have already partially faded or degraded, making removal easier
Tattoo on low-circulation areas (ankle, fingers) may clear slower
Immune & Health Factors
Your body’s lymphatic/immune clearance plays a role
Smoking, poor circulation, chronic conditions may slow healing
Scarring, Texture, and Permanent Residue
Although rare, scarring is possible
Tattoo excision inherently produces scars
Sometimes residual “ghost” outline remains even after many sessions
Manchester Laser Tattoo Removal
At CLNQ, we offer laser tattoo removal Manchester using the Revlite Si laser or Q-switched laser. If you regret having a tattoo and would like removal book your consultation with our therapists to discuss your options.
Consultation and Test Patch
We ask about your tattoo history: age, origin, ink colours, prior removal attempts, skin reactions, medical history
Evaluate skin type (Fitzpatrick I–VI) and local skin characteristics
Decide on laser type(s) or excision suitability
Perform patch test on a small corner of the tattoo under controlled settings
Obtain informed consent and explain risks, downtime, realistic outcome
Treatment
Cleanse and possibly shave area
Protect eyes for both patient and therapist
Use epidermal cooling (contact cooling, cryogen spray, or air cooling)
Deliver laser pulses over the tattoo in overlapping passes
You may feel snapping, tingling, warmth or pressure — many say like elastics flicking
Post-treatment, you may see “frosting” (temporary whitening), mild bleeding, blistering
Each session may take minutes to an hour, depending on tattoo size.
Sessions
Sessions are spaced 8–12 weeks apart, to allow ink clearance and healing. Some pico protocols allow shorter intervals (~8 weeks) under safe conditions.
Most tattoos require 6–12+ sessions (especially professional, deeper or multicolour ones)
Fewer sessions may suffice for amateur tattoos, faded or older ones
Aftercare and healing
Immediately: cold compress, optional sterile dressing
Keep area clean & dry; use recommended ointment and non-stick dressing
Avoid heat (hot baths, saunas) and strenuous activity for 24–48 hours
Do not pick, scratch, rub scabs or blistered areas
Use SPF 50 daily, avoid sunlight or UV exposure
Monitor for signs of infection or pigment changes
Between sessions, allow full healing before next treatment
Complications are uncommon when protocols are followed; but risks include temporary hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, textural change, or very rarely, scarring.
Laser Tattoo Removal FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between laser and surgical tattoo excision?
While laser removal is standard, tattoo excision (surgical removal) remains a valuable option in select scenarios:
Very small tattoos
Areas with lax skin
Tattoos that have already responded poorly to multiple laser sessions
Preference for a definitive removal rather than gradual fading
With excision, the tattooed skin is removed under local anaesthetic and the remaining skin is sutured. The end result is a linear scar rather than residual pigment. At CLNQ, excision is evaluated carefully in consultation and recommended only when appropriate.
Because excision leaves a permanent scar, patients should weigh this versus multiple laser sessions, pigment residue, and cost. We are transparent throughout this decision-making process.
What are the risks and side effects?
Potential side effects include hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, blistering, scabbing, textural change, scarring (rare), and incomplete removal. Proper technique and follow-up reduce risks.
Is laser tattoo removal safe for all skin types?
Yes, with the right wavelength and care. For darker skin (Fitzpatrick III–VI), 1064 nm Q-switched or careful lower-fluence protocols are safer. Patch testing is essential. We tailor to your skin to minimise risks of pigmentation changes.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Patients often describe the sensation as a flick or snap, similar to an elastic band. We use strong cooling and may apply topical anesthetic to improve comfort. Pain is transient and tolerable for most.
How many sessions will I need?
Most professional tattoos require 6–12+ sessions, spaced 8–12 weeks apart. The exact number depends on colour, ink density, skin type, location, and healing response.
What is a q-switched laser, and how does it differ from pico?
A q-switched laser emits pulses in the nanosecond range, delivering high power bursts to shatter ink. Pico lasers go further by delivering pulses in picoseconds (one trillionth of a second), reducing heat diffusion and often increasing ink fragmentation efficiency for certain inks.
How much is laser tattoo removal Manchester?
The cost of laser tattoo removal Manchester at CLNQ is from £50. The cost is based on the size, location, and ink type. The cost can be reduced if packages of multiple sessions are booked. We currently have a special offer which means the prices are:
Very Small <2cm2 £50 a session or 6 sessions for £250
Small 2-5 £75 or 6 sessions for £375
Medium 5-10cm £100 or 6 sessions for £500
Large 10-15 £125 or 6 sessions for £625
Very Large Price on consultation
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We are dedicated to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals through our comprehensive range of personalized treatments and luxury approach. Whether you’re seeking to address specific concerns, enhance your appearance, or simply optimize your well-being, we have the solution. Our team of experts is passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable and confident in your journey to a more radiant you. Don’t wait any longer to start your journey to optimal health and beauty.