Basel/Saint-Louis tattoo removal center : expert physicians in safe tattoo removal.
The Biolaser Medical Center, located in Saint-Louis, in Haut-Rhin, near the border of Basel and close to Bern and Zurich, houses a team of expert physicians specialized in laser tattoo removal. Unlike ordinary beauty salons that often use lactic acid – a substance known to cause scarring and inflammation – our center uses advanced laser technology approved by CE Medical/FDA. This technology has proven effective for all tattoo variations, including permanent makeup, semi-permanent makeup, and microblading, for all colors and skin types.
Removing a tattoo
In France, it is estimated that 25% of individuals under 30 years old are tattooed. The process involves injecting ink into the dermis, which is the middle layer of the skin. Unlike the epidermis, this layer does not regenerate, making tattooing a permanent body modification.
However, over time, tattoos can lose their appeal due to various factors such as aging, poor execution, or changes in the design, such as spots, deformities, and signs of aging. Social discomfort can also occur, especially when these tattoos are located on visible parts of the body like the hands and forearms, or when they are negatively perceived by partners or acquaintances. Trends evolve, just like personal preferences, leading to the desire to “erase the tattoo” – to remove tattoos – or simply to an overwhelming sense of “weariness.” In such cases, laser technology can come into play to remove these permanent marks from the dermal layer of the skin.
With advances in aesthetic medicine, laser tattoo removal is emerging as an effective solution to virtually erase tattoos. Once the necessary sessions are completed at the laser medical tattoo removal center in Basel/Saint-Louis, unwanted tattoos can be eradicated, leaving minimal visibility. This approach positions itself as the best option to regain skin without permanent marks.
Making a cover
Tattoo cover-ups are not always a viable solution when dealing with a poorly executed tattoo. In some cases, the original tattoo is excessively dark or damaged, making it visible even after an attempt to conceal it with a new design.
The cover-up process involves creating a new, larger tattoo to mask the old one. However, this method is not suitable for everyone. Additionally, attempting a cover-up without prior laser tattoo removal sessions significantly limits the possibilities for the new design. This is why incorporating a few laser tattoo removal sessions before embarking on the cover-up provides the client with more options.
Which laser tattoo removal device is used at the laser center in Basel/Saint-Louis ?
The laser tattoo removal center located near Zurich and Bern is a top choice for Hollywood Spectra laser tattoo removal. This advanced tool successfully eliminates all tattoo pigments, from dark inks to red, orange, blue, purple, and green shades, thanks to its various wavelengths.
The Hollywood Spectra laser represents state-of-the-art 1064nm Q-Switched 5ns Nd YAG laser technology. It is enriched with a KTP crystal that doubles the frequency to 532nm, while offering two additional wavebands: 585nm and 650nm.
Thanks to its recent advances, such as the HyperSurge resonator and Intellibeam, as well as the PTP+ mode, the Hollywood Spectra is the most formidable QS laser available on the market. What’s more, it outperforms even picosecond lasers in terms of performance, making it an unrivalled choice for Hollywood Spectra laser tattoo removal.
What is the principle of tattoo removal ?
The light beam emitted by the laser is transformed into heat which is absorbed by the ink pigments and allows the ink granules making up the tattoo to be “pulverised“. They break up into very fine particles by the photoacoustic effect.
The absorption of the laser beam is selective to the tattoo pigment, without damaging the surrounding tissue. The wavelength used depends on the colour of the tattoo and the patient’s phototype.
The body’s immune system then does its job through the repair cells (phagocytes and macrophages) to eliminate these fragments (duration 6 months). Thanks to its ultra-fast waves, the laser used for tattoo removal sessions acts without damaging the skin, which is only exposed to the heat for a very short time.
Who can be treated with laser tattoo removal at the laser center?
Laser tattoo removal is a versatile solution suitable for a wide range of individuals. Whether you are a man or a woman, with any skin type and phototype, you can consider laser tattoo removal treatment at the Biolaser medical center in Basel/Saint-Louis. Our team of experts is here to guide you and tailor the treatment to your specific needs and situation.
How does a tattoo removal session work ?
- Before starting the treatment, photographs of the tattoo(s) are taken to assess the effectiveness of the treatment
- It is recommended to apply an anaesthetic cream under an occlusive dressing about 1 hour before the session, especially if the treatment area is large. The treatment remains sensitive but largely bearable. Moreover, if the tattooed area has hair, it is advisable to shave it 48/72 hours before the session (except eyebrows).
- During the session, the practitioner removes the anaesthetic cream and disinfects the area.
- Occlusive covers or protective glasses specific to the Hollywood Spectra Laser should be worn by the patient and the doctor throughout the session.
- The session begins and the laser beam scans the entire tattoo one or more times depending on the pigments present. In the case of circular tattooing around a joint (finger, elbow, knee, ankle…), the session must be done in two stages with an interval of at least 48 hours to avoid the oedema generated by the laser compressing the joint (compartment syndrome). When the laser is applied, the patient feels like a rubber band and hears a loud cracking noise with each shot.
- The duration of each session depends on the extent of the tattoo and its depth (from a few minutes to sometimes 30 minutes)
- At the end of the session, the tattoo shows a transitory whitening. Sometimes small spots (redness) and/or bleeding points and oedema (swelling) may appear a few minutes after the treatment.
- A healing cream is then applied and a bandage is applied to the whole of the treated area. The tattoo must then be left in the open air, except if the patient is exposed to the sun. The scar must indeed remain protected from UV rays until it heals.
- It is necessary to protect the treated area from the sun one month after the session.
What are the rules for laser tattoo removal ?
- Not to have undergone any sensitising treatment in the area to be treated (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc.)
- Avoid exposure to the sun (natural or UV). It is not possible to treat tanned skin.
- No application of self-tanner 2 weeks before the session.
- No application of essential oil 15 days before the session on the area to be treated or by mouth.
- Your last tattoo removal must be more than 6 to 8 weeks old
- Three days before your appointment, the hair in the area to be detattooed must be shaved or depilated
- No sauna, hammam, scrub, fruit acid type creams, retinoids, vitamin A in the 72 hours before the session.
- Do not apply any active product (perfume, cream, soap…) or make-up.
- On the body : apply EMLA anaesthetic cream on the tattoo and wrap it in cellophane 1h-1h30 before the session
- On the face (cosmetic tattoos) : Apply EMLA cream 1h before and repeat 15 min before the treatment without occlusion.
- A moisturising and soothing cream will be applied immediately and then covered with a greasy dressing for 48 hours. The local treatment will be continued in the open air (or under occlusion depending on the case) until complete healing : generally 3 times a day for 7 to 10 days.
- The patient can shower the day after the laser tattoo removal session.
- Avoid sports, rubbing, swimming, bathing, sauna and hammam for 72 hours after the session.
- The lasered skin must be kept perfectly clean to avoid any risk of infection and related complications. Depending on the case, an antiseptic solution may be recommended.
- Do not scratch the micro-drops, they will fall off on their own within 7 to 10 days.
- Do not expose the treated area to the sun for at least 1 month and apply sun protection with a total screen (+SPF 50) several times a day if necessary.
Laser tattoo removal is a multi-step process that requires multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. The number of sessions needed varies based on various factors related to the tattoo in question. Here are the key elements to consider:
1. Tattoo Characteristics: Size, Depth, Color, and Age
The number of sessions largely depends on the specific characteristics of the tattoo being removed. Several factors come into play :
– Tattoo Size: Larger tattoos may require more sessions to treat all areas.
– Ink Depth: Tattoos with deeply injected ink may require more sessions to reach the deeper ink layers.
– Tattoo Color: Dark-colored tattoos, like black, are generally easier to remove than light-colored tattoos such as light blue or yellow.
– Ink Type: Newer-generation inks are often easier to treat than older inks.
– Tattoo Age: Older tattoos may respond more quickly to treatment.
2. Types of Tattoos and Estimated Number of Sessions
– Partial Erasure: To prepare a tattoo for a cover-up, approximately 3 sessions may be required.
– Amateur Tattoos: Amateur tattoos can usually be removed in 5 to 8 sessions.
– Professional Tattoos: Professional tattoos often require an average of 6 to 10 sessions.
– Session Intervals: Each session is spaced 2 months apart to allow the skin to recover.
3. Factors Facilitating or Slowing Tattoo Removal
Factors Facilitating Tattoo Removal :
– Light Skin
– Monochromatic Tattoos
– Black or Red Tattoos
– Newer Generation Inks
– Tattoos Over 10 Years Old
Factors Slowing Tattoo Removal:
– Dark Skin
– Polychromatic Tattoos (Multiple Colors)
– Light Colors (Yellow, Green, Pink, Light Blue)
– Ink Injected Too Deep
– Raised Tattoos with a Lot of Ink
– Complex Professional Tattoos
In conclusion : professional consultation and progressive results at the laser tattoo removal center in Saint-Louis/Basel
It’s crucial to consult an experienced laser tattoo removal professional to determine the number of sessions needed based on the specific characteristics of your tattoo and your skin. Each person’s response to treatment varies, and results are progressive between each session. With careful evaluation, you can achieve the best outcomes in the laser tattoo removal process near Bern and Zurich.
Laser tattoo removal, offered at the Biolaser Center in Saint-Louis – Basel, can cause some discomfort or mild pain, often described as a tingling or warming sensation on the skin. Pain tolerance varies from person to person and also depends on the sensitivity of the treated area.
However, most patients find that the pain is tolerable and comparable to what they experienced during the initial tattooing process. To minimize discomfort, our healthcare professionals often use skin cooling techniques, topical anesthetic creams, and cooling devices, providing a more comfortable tattoo removal experience.
Chemical tattoo removal with lactic acid raises significant concerns due to significant health and skin risks. This method involves applying lactic acid to the tattooed area to break down the tattoo pigments. However, it is essential to consider the many drawbacks and dangers associated with this approach.
Skin Reactions and Burns : The application of lactic acid can lead to allergic reactions, skin irritations, and even burns. The skin can become red, swollen, and painful after treatment, creating significant discomfort.
Uncertain effectiveness and risk of discoloration : the effectiveness of chemical tattoo removal with lactic acid is often uncertain. The acid may not penetrate deep enough to remove all tattoo pigments, resulting in uneven and unattractive skin discoloration.
Multiple sessions and aggravated side effects : The chemical tattoo removal process can be painful and typically requires multiple sessions. This can increase the risks to the skin by exacerbating side effects and skin problems.
Risks of scarring and changes in skin texture : Lactic acid tattoo removal carries a significant risk of permanent scarring, changes in skin texture, and alterations in pigmentation. These consequences can have a lasting and undesirable impact on the skin’s appearance.
Ethical and legal aspects : The use of lactic acid to remove tattoos raises ethical and legal questions. In France, this method is sometimes performed by non-medical estheticians or tattoo artists who may lack proper training. The risks associated with this method increase significantly if performed by unqualified individuals.
Choosing safety : Laser as an Alternative: Faced with the risks of chemical tattoo removal with lactic acid, many people turn to safer and proven methods like laser tattoo removal. Laser tattoo removal is performed by qualified medical professionals, minimizing the risks of complications and skin damage.
In conclusion, it is of the utmost importance to carefully weigh the potential risks of chemical tattoo removal with lactic acid before deciding on a tattoo removal method. It is highly recommended to seek the advice of a healthcare professional or expert laser specialist to make an informed and safe choice for your skin’s health. For a safer and more reliable option, the Saint-Louis-Basel tattoo removal center can provide you with effective and professional solutions for safely removing your tattoo.
• It is possible that you may experience redness and/or oedema (“sunburn” sensation) which may last from a few hours to 72 hours after the session. It is therefore advisable to apply a repairing and soothing cream after the session.
• Scabs that fall off between 7 and 10 days. You should not scratch them or try to remove them. They are gradually eliminated and contribute to the healing of the skin.
• Ecchymosis/haematomas responsible for a yellowish appearance.
• Epidermal bullous reactions (blisters) are also sometimes observed without consequence or scarring risk. It is very important not to pierce them.
• Itching may be experienced in the days following treatment, especially when treating coloured tattoos. The red colour is described as being potentially allergenic. If the tattoo is itchy before the treatment, it is advisable to take antihistamines before and after the treatment.
• It is strongly recommended to disinfect the area and to apply locally, several times a day, a healing and protective cream of the SPF 50+ type until the skin is completely repaired (1 month), in order to avoid any risk of hyperpigmentation and to allow a good healing.
• At the end of all the sessions, a hypopigmentation may persist (ghost tattoos) corresponding to an area that is lighter than the patient’s skin. This permanent appearance is not due to the tattoo removal but to the scars induced by the initial tattoo when it was applied in the deep layers of the dermis.
• To date, ultra short pulse laser tattoo removal techniques are the most efficient with a minimal and extremely rare risk of scarring side effects. It happens that some scars appear when the tattoo is removed: they are scars or wounds prior to the tattoo, which were camouflaged by it.
• Other side effects, unknown to date, may also occur. It is advisable to contact the prescribing doctor if an unexpected effect appears, or if the symptoms increase with time.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (precautionary principle)
• Sauna, hammam, exfoliation in the 72 hours preceding the session.
• Chemical / mechanical peels
• Weakened, damaged, dehydrated or infected treatment area.
• Application of topicals such as fruit acids, retinol, vitamin A 72 hours before the session
• Application of self-tanner 2 weeks before the session
• Application of essential oil 15 days before the session on the area to be treated or by mouth
• Herpes attack or nevus (mole) or suspicious lesions on the area.
Specific contraindications for the wavelengths 532 nm / 585 nm / 650 nm:
• The skin must be completely de-tanned to remove the red/orange/green/blue colour.
• Application of self-tanners/U.V. sessions/taking of all forms of Beta-carotene 1 month before the session.
• Wavelengths 532 nm and 585 nm cannot be used on phototypes IV-V-VI.
• The 650 nm wavelength cannot be used on phototypes IVb-V-VI.
PRICES – TATTOO REMOVAL LASER
Progressive ink fragmentation – anticipate 5 to 8 sessions
| Tattoo Sizes | Prices |
|---|---|
| Tattoo with size smaller than 5 x 5 cm | 90 € |
| Tattoo with size smaller than 10 x 10 cm | 150 € |
| Tattoo with size smaller than 15 x 15cm | 250 € |
| Tattoo with size smaller than 20 x 20cm | 350 € |
| For both eyebrows (microblading and semi-permanent makeup) | 120 € |
| Taches de rousseur | 120 € |
