THE MEDICAL ART OF TATTOO REMOVAL: Why it’s so important to have your tattoo removed by a trained doctor who utilises the Q-switched laser

Article medically reviewed by Dr. Gavin Chan

Templestowe Lower, Berwick and Beaumaris Clinics

Dr. Gavin Chan, MBBS, General Registration (MED0001175745), founder of the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, began offering cosmetic medical treatments in 2004. Formerly a trainer for cosmetic pharmaceutical companies, Dr. Chan currently concentrates on offering ongoing training to cosmetic doctors at the Victorian Cosmetic Institute. He ensures that all doctors stay updated with the latest procedures and methods in the cosmetic industry. Read More

News.com.au explains that Australian’s are being put at risk of permanent skin damage when it comes to tattoo removal.

Article: TATTOOED Australians who regret their ink are being a put at risk of permanent skin damage because laser tattoo removalists aren’t required to have medical training. Click here to read the full article at news.com.au.

#tattoolove is all too often simply a precursor for #tattooregret; and so, tattoo removal has become a booming industry.

The tool of choice these days is a laser, which can and has caused burns and permanent scars on tattoo removal patients if not operated by qualified and experienced practitioners.

Some removers use medical-sounding assurances such as “certified laser practitioner” or “accredited clinician”, which generally means they took a course offered by the laser maker, often a prerequisite for obtaining liability insurance. But that doesn’t mean they’re any good at removing tattoos.

Hilary Quinn, proprietor of Melbourne Tattoo Removal in the suburb of Caulfield, has been in the business for five years and says she’s seen more than a few burns and scars on patients who came to see her after suffering at the hands of an unskilled remover.

“I took a laser safety course, but that’s only about using lasers safely, not tattoo removal,” Ms Quinn said. “That’s a skill you acquire over time, and you need to approach it like an apprentice and build up your technique under the guidance of an experienced remover.

“The industry has really boomed, especially in the past six months or so, and unskilled practitioners far outweigh skilled ones. I know of many would-be tattoo removers who got a cheap laser machine, started off with little or no training, damaged a few people, and then got out of the business.”

Ms Quinn says widespread use of cheaper knock-off versions of the Q-switched laser or, worse, the use of IPL lasers, are a principal cause of injury and unsuccessful tattoo removal. It’s no coincidence that proper Q-switched machines cost about $150,000, while IPL lasers go for between $10,000 and $15,000.

The lower costs of getting into the business in recent years, along with the longstanding lack of regulation in many jurisdictions regarding tattoo removal, are key reasons for the big increase in the number of unskilled tattoo removers, both say.

VCI utilises medical grade Q-switched lasers and tattoo removal treatments at VCI are performed by doctors who are highly experienced in the use of these lasers.  To book a consultation call 1300 863 824, or Request An Appointment online here.