Overview | What is Tattoo Removal and How It Works | Types of Tattoo Removal Treatments | Cost and Pricing | Benefits of Tattoo Removal at The Bombay Skin Clinic | Tattoo Removal for Different Areas | Duration and Sessions | Risks and Side Effects | Aftercare and Healing | Why Choose The Bombay Skin Clinic | FAQs on Tattoo Removal
Tattoo Removal Services at The Bombay Skin Clinic
At The Bombay Skin Clinic, we provide dermatology-led tattoo removal services customized to your skin type and tattoo. Safety, efficacy and skin tolerance are the cornerstones of our approach. We use medical-grade, quality-assured devices, administered under the care of dermatologists to fragment and diminish the tattoo pigment over multiple sessions. These treatments are developed to offer a sense of comfort while making the patient’s well-being and evidence-based results a top priority.
What Is Tattoo Removal and How Does It Work?
The process of removing tattoos refers to selectively fading and decreasing ink particles from the dermis, with no scarring while implantation persists. Various techniques are available—largely laser, non‑laser and hybrid approaches—each having its own mechanism, advantages, and limitations.
Just as our Laser Hair Removal Treatment focuses on precision and minimal downtime, tattoo removal also follows the principle of selective targeting without harming surrounding skin.
The Science of Ink Removal
- In laser removal, high‑intensity, light pulses that are of very short duration target selective pigments in the tattoo. These pulses shatter ink particles, which the body later removes through macrophages carried away by the lymphatic system.
- Non‑laser techniques, (e.g. chemical peels or mechanical abrasion) either modify or exfoliate upper skin layers, leading to a slow reduction of pigment.
- Tattoo lightening (partial removal) of a tattoo may be desired when getting it converted to cover-up tattoo or if complete removal of the existing tattoo is harmful.
As a tattoo ink is in the deeper layer of skin so that full clearance may not be possible immediately and guaranteed. It is session based and the outcomes vary depending on ink, depth of placement, skin reaction and other patient specific factors.
Types of Tattoo Removal Treatments
The Bombay Skin Clinic provides a personalized approach to selecting the treatment modalities depending on the tattoo attributes and the skin characteristics.
Laser Tattoo Removal
- We use advanced Q-switched lasers and other medical-grade equipment that are specifically made for breaking down the pigment.
- These kinds of lasers produce very short nanosecond pulses at different wavelengths that are selected for varying ink colors. The black and dark inks are the ones that respond faster while the red, green, or fluorescent inks might demand more sessions or different wavelengths for removal.
- Laser removal is a procedure that is minimally invasive and mostly saves the surrounding skin when done correctly.
- Treatment parameters—fluence, spot size, and pulse duration—are adjusted to the tattoo’s depth, color, and location.
Non‑Laser Methods
Our practice does not often resort to non-laser methods, but they may be considered if the situation is appropriate:
- Chemical peels/solutions: meticulous-controlled application of a peel/solution with the aim to remove superficial pigment gradually.
- Mechanical abrasion / dermabrasion: an advanced method of cleaning the skin, which involves the removal of the outer skin layers, and is usually associated with more discomfort and a longer recovery period.
- Surgical excision or skin shaving: this method is applicable for only very small tattoos; it is a procedure in which skin is cut and the edges are brought together, thus resulting in a scar.
Non-laser methods entail more serious effects and lesser predictability, thus they are only used in cases where laser treatment is not applicable or alongside it as a supporting technique.
Hybrid or Adjunctive Techniques
- Tattoo lightening is frequently paired with fractional or ablative methods to obtain safer gradual fading.For difficult pigments or residual ink, we may combine this with fractional resurfacing similar to that used in our Acne Scar Treatments to optimize collagen remodeling and pigment clearance.
- In difficult situations—like the case of persistent ink or white and fluorescent pigments—we can customize protocols to use several methods together to ensure both safety and efficacy.
Tattoo Removal Cost and Pricing
The Bombay Skin Clinic does not publish set prices as we prefer to keep them confidential since every tattoo removal procedure is personalized. At the time of a consultation, we will evaluate the size, color, depth, and location of your tattoo and then suggest a treatment plan with the projected number of sessions and the costs involved.
Benefits of Tattoo Removal at The Bombay Skin Clinic
- The participation of a dermatologist in the evaluation process guarantees that the entire process will be safe, precise and based on scientific findings.
- By using medical‑grade, quality‑assured devices along with the professionals’ supervision, the adverse effects are minimally experienced.
- Contrary to aggressive, one-size-fits-all protocols, the clinic adopts a gentle and incremental approach.
- The treatments are designed according to skin type, tattoo features, and patient goals.
- We maintain open communication, results differ from person to person, and we keep assessing the situation all the time.
Tattoo Removal for Different Areas: Special Considerations
More care should be taken in the planning of tattoo removal for certain areas of the body and skin types.
- Face Tattoo Removal
- As the skin of the face is more sensitive and has more blood vessels, the use of less energy and careful pulse strategies is needed.
- In this area, there is a greater risk of pigmentary changes (loss of or gain of skin color) and thus more care needs to be taken.
- Hand Tattoo Removal
- Since the hands have dermal layers that are thinner and less blood circulation, removal is more difficult and requires more care.
- It is common practice to have several sessions done before the change in pigment becomes stable; “ghosting” as a darkened area after removal is very likely.
- Tattoo Removal on Dark Skin
- The problem of great risk to the skin condition (skin color alteration) is associated with the case of darker skin.
- In such cases, we follow the conservative approach in which we apply low fluence settings, prolong the intervals between sessions, and use cooling methods.
- Skin testing is usually performed prior to the start of the full treatment for assessing the reaction of the skin.
How Long Does Tattoo Removal Take?
Duration of Individual Sessions
- The time that each session will take is about 15 to 30 minutes, which is influenced by the size of the tattoo, the energy settings and the complexity of the tattoo.
- Time for setting up, preparing the skin, marking, safety checks and post-treatment cooling is added on.
Number of Sessions & Timeline
- Most tattoos need from 4 to 10 sessions that are scheduled every 6–8 weeks so as to give the skin time to heal and the pigment to be cleared.
- Tattoos that are dense, have many colors, or are done professionally may need more sessions.
- Progress is checked at regular intervals; treatment plans may be modified according to the response.
Tattoo Removal Risks and Side Effects
The procedure for tattoo removal is generally well tolerated though there are some side effects and risks attached to it temporarily. The outcome is determined by the individual factors and the type of treatment used.
Common Effects & Risks
- Redness, swelling, blistering and crusting are common effects and they are usually not lasting.
- There will be changes in the coloration of the skin especially in case of risky skin types as there is a high chance of getting hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening).
- Careful technique minimizes but does not eliminate the occurrence of scarring or textural changes.
- Paradoxical darkening: in very rare instances, certain inks might undergo temporary darkening.
- Infection can occur if post-care instructions are not adhered to.
- Pain or discomfort during treatment is sometimes unavoidable; however, we use cooling and topical anesthetics as part of our pain management strategy to make it more tolerable.
Mitigation Measures
- Cooling systems or cold compresses before, during, and after treatment reduce heat damage.
- Conservative energy settings, especially at first pass, help preserve adjacent skin.
- Test patches in sensitive or high-risk areas are used before full treatment.
- We monitor closely and adapt parameters based on patient response.
Aftercare for Tattoo Removal: Essential Guidelines
Proper post‑treatment care helps reduce side effects and supports optimal healing.
- Cool compresses during the first 24 hours may ease swelling and discomfort.
- Gently cleanse the area with a mild, fragrance‑free cleanser using lukewarm water; pat dry without rubbing.
- Apply a thin layer of prescribed healing ointment or a non‑comedogenic emollient to support skin repair.
- Protect the area from sun exposure; once healed, use a high SPF sunscreen.
- Avoid picking, scratching, or forcing off scabs or crusts.
- Abstain from soaking, swimming, or heavy friction against the area until fully healed.
- Wear loose clothing to prevent rubbing.
- Attend scheduled follow‑ups and promptly report signs of infection (such as pain, pus, rising redness).
Why Choose The Bombay Skin Clinic for Tattoo Removal?
- Our care is dermatologist-led, combining medical oversight with aesthetic sensitivity.
- We use medical-grade, quality-assured equipment under strict safety protocols.
- Treatment plans are individualised and refined based on progress and skin response.
- We emphasise gentle, evidence-based techniques over aggressive approaches.
- Transparent communication, realistic expectation-setting, and careful follow-up define our approach
- unication, realistic expectation setting, and careful follow‑up define our approach.
