Laser Tattoo Removal

Fade the past. Make room for what comes next.

A tattoo may have once represented an important time in your life but no longer feel right for who you are today. Whether you are seeking complete removal or simply want to fade an existing tattoo before a cover-up, Mens Body Works offers a considered and personalised approach.

Laser tattoo removal is the most widely used method of fading unwanted tattoo ink. However, it is important to understand that removal is a journey—not a quick fix. Every tattoo and every person responds differently, and complete clearance cannot be guaranteed.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Our Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser delivers extremely short pulses of concentrated light energy into the tattoo pigment.

The selected wavelength is absorbed by the ink, causing the larger pigment particles to fragment into much smaller particles. Your body’s natural immune and clearance processes then gradually remove these particles over the weeks following treatment.

The laser begins the process, but your body completes it. This is why adequate healing time between treatments is essential.

Our Q-Switched Nd:YAG Technology

Our laser operates at two wavelengths:

• 1064 nm is primarily used for black, dark blue and other dark tattoo pigments.

• 532 nm may be used for selected red, orange and warmer-coloured pigments.

Not every tattoo colour responds equally. Green, turquoise, yellow, pale colours, white ink, flesh-toned ink and some cosmetic tattoo pigments can be more resistant, may require a different wavelength or may not be suitable for treatment with our equipment.

Certain pale and cosmetic pigments may also darken when exposed to laser energy. For this reason, we assess the colours carefully and complete a patch test before commencing a course of treatment.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

There is no honest way to provide an exact number without first examining your tattoo and observing how it responds.

Most tattoos require a series of treatments. Professional, heavily saturated or layered tattoos may require 8–12 sessions or more, while a tattoo being faded for a cover-up may need considerably fewer.

Appointments are generally spaced at least eight weeks apart and sometimes longer. This allows the skin to recover and gives the body time to process the fragmented pigment.

Some tattoos fade significantly without disappearing completely. Your consultation will provide a realistic assessment rather than an unrealistic promise.

What Influences the Result?

Tattoo Colour and Ink Composition

Black and other dark pigments generally respond more readily. Multicoloured tattoos can be more complex because different pigments absorb different wavelengths of light.

Tattoo inks are not all manufactured in the same way, and the exact ingredients are rarely known. Two tattoos that appear identical can therefore respond very differently.

Ink Density, Depth and Layering

Amateur tattoos often contain less ink and may sit at a less consistent depth. Professionally applied tattoos generally contain denser, more evenly deposited pigment.

A cover-up placed over an older tattoo contains multiple layers of ink and will usually require a longer treatment journey.

Size and Location

Larger tattoos naturally require more treatment time and may need to be divided into manageable sections.

Location can also influence fading. Tattoos on the torso, face and neck may respond differently from those on the hands, feet and lower legs. Each area is assessed individually, with treatment planned around safe healing.

Skin Tone and Previous Skin Response

Your natural skin tone, recent sun exposure, tendency to develop pigmentation and history of scarring must all be considered.

Darker skin tones can often be treated, particularly for dark ink using the 1064 nm wavelength, but conservative settings and careful assessment are important to minimise pigment changes.

Health, Lifestyle and Aftercare

General health, immune function, smoking, medication, supplements and aftercare can influence how the skin heals and how efficiently pigment clears.

Healthy habits and good hydration support general wellbeing, but no food, drink, supplement or “detox” treatment can guarantee faster tattoo removal.

What Does Treatment Feel Like?

Most people describe the sensation as a series of quick, hot flicks against the skin. Comfort varies according to the tattoo’s location, size and density.

Temporary whitening or “frosting” of the tattoo may appear immediately after treatment. Redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, blistering or light crusting can also occur as the area settles.

You will receive detailed aftercare instructions and should avoid picking, scratching or removing any crusts or blisters that develop.

Possible Risks

Laser tattoo removal carries risks, even when performed carefully. These can include:

• Temporary or persistent lightening or darkening of the skin

• Burns or blistering

• Changes to skin texture

• Infection

• Scarring

• Incomplete or uneven ink removal

• Darkening of certain pale or cosmetic pigments

• An unexpected reaction to the tattoo ink

These risks and your individual suitability will be discussed before you provide written consent.

The Mens Body Works Approach

Your treatment begins with a detailed consultation covering your tattoo, skin type, medical history, medications, supplements, previous scarring and recent sun exposure. The treatment area is examined and a patch test is completed before proceeding.

Where suitable, we also include a complementary red and near-infrared LED session before the laser component as part of our skin-conscious treatment protocol. LED does not remove tattoo pigment or replace appropriate laser settings, healing intervals and aftercare.

Protective laser eyewear is worn throughout treatment, and every appointment is planned according to how your skin responded to the previous session.

Treatment May Not Be Suitable If You:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have recently tanned or sunburnt skin

• Have an active infection, open wound or unexplained lesion in the area

• Take medication or supplements that increase sensitivity to light

• Have a medical condition that may affect healing

• Have a history of abnormal or raised scarring

• Are unable to follow the required aftercare

Medical clearance may be requested where appropriate.

Begin With a Complimentary Consultation

Tattoo removal requires patience, realistic expectations and a treatment plan designed specifically for your skin and tattoo.

Book a complimentary consultation at Mens Body Works so we can examine your tattoo, discuss whether removal or fading is achievable and provide an individual treatment estimate.

Call 03 9429 5400 or book online.