Laser Tattoo Removal

Bedford Laser Clinic offers safe, effective tattoo removal using advanced laser technology.

Whether you want a tattoo fully removed or simply faded for a cover-up, treatment plans are personalised to your skin, tattoo and goals.

How Laser Tattoo Removal Works

Laser tattoo removal works by breaking the ink down into tiny particles that your body can naturally filter away.

The laser emits short, high-energy pulses of light.
These pulses shatter the tattoo pigment in the skin.
Your lymphatic system removes the broken-down ink over the following weeks and months.
Each session fades more of the tattoo until the desired result is achieved.

Because the ink sits at different depths and colours absorb lasers differently, tattoo removal is always a process rather than a single treatment.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Most tattoos require 6–12+ sessions, spaced around 8–10+ weeks apart, depending on:

Tattoo size
Ink colour
Depth of the ink
Age of the tattoo
Your skin type
Your immune response

Older, faded tattoos generally lift quicker than fresh, saturated ones. However, most of the ink breakdown is dependent on your body. So it varies from person to person; it's difficult to predict how many sessions are needed with accuracy.

Who Is Suitable for Tattoo Removal?

Most people are suitable for treatment, but a consultation is required before your first session.

Tattoo removal should be avoided if;

Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have a history of keloid scarring
Are taking photosensitive medication
Have certain skin conditions

If you’re unsure if tattoo removal is suitable for you, please get in touch.

Patch Test Requirements

A patch test is required before your first treatment to ensure your skin responds safely to the laser.
The patch test takes only a few minutes and allows me to check for any signs of:

Excessive redness
Blistering
Pigment changes
Unusual sensitivity

How Soon Can Treatment Start?

If no adverse reactions develop in the first 48 hours, your tattoo removal treatment can begin.
This means you can complete your first full session as soon as two days after the patch test, provided everything looks normal and your skin feels comfortable. The small patch test area is always left untouched during your first full session.

What to Expect During Your Treatment

Protective eyewear is worn at all times.
The laser is passed over the tattoo in small, controlled pulses.
You may see temporary whitening “frosting”, redness, pinpoint bleeding or mild swelling. Whilst less common, blisters can occur.
Appointments are usually quick, depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo.

Every treatment is tailored to minimise discomfort and protect the surrounding skin.

Why I Do Not Treat More Than a Palm-Sized Area in One Session

Although the laser doesn’t penetrate deeply, tattoo removal still triggers an inflammatory response in the body. To keep you safe and to ensure the best possible results, I do not treat more than a palm-sized area in a single session.

This is because treating a very large area at once can increase the risk of:

Excessive swelling
Blistering
Prolonged healing times
Skin trauma
Overloading your immune system (which can slow fading rather than improve it)

Your body needs time to process the broken-down ink, so spacing out treatments is more effective and much safer.

How Larger Tattoos Are Treated Safely

For larger tattoos such as half-sleeves, ribs, calves or multi-section pieces, treatment is split into manageable sections.

Here’s how it works:

The tattoo is divided into sections roughly the size of your hand
Each section is treated every 8–10 weeks, as normal
A different section can be treated every two weeks, as long as the previous area has reacted normally
Over time, the entire tattoo is safely and consistently removed

This method allows for steady progress while protecting your skin and immune system.

It also usually results in better fading, because each treated area gets the full benefit of your body’s natural healing and ink-clearing process.

Tattoo Removal Aftercare

Good aftercare is essential for healing and results:

Keep the area clean and dry for 24–48 hours.
Avoid heat, saunas, sunbeds, or intense exercise for 48 hours.
Apply a soothing Aloe Vera, bepanthen or similar to help soothe and keep the skin hydrated if needed.
Do not pick scabs or pop blisters - allow healing to happen naturally.
Keep the area protected from the sun throughout your treatment course.

You will receive full aftercare instructions after every appointment.

Book Your Tattoo Removal Consultation Today!

To get the best results, every tattoo is assessed individually.
Book a consultation and patch test to begin your removal process.