19 Henderson Row, Edinburgh EH3 5DH
0131 558 3116
19 Henderson Row, Edinburgh EH3 5DH
0131 558 3116
Tattoo regret is common, but it doesn’t have to last forever. At our Edinburgh salon, we use the gold standard in laser tattoo removal: the Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser.
This advanced technology provides a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to fade or fully remove unwanted ink by working with your body’s natural healing processes.
Tattoo ink remains in your skin because the particles are too large for your immune system to remove on its own. Our Edinburgh salon solves this problem using two key technologies:
This refers to how the laser delivers energy. A Q-switched laser releases ultra-fast, high-powered pulses measured in nanoseconds.
These pulses create a shockwave effect that breaks ink particles apart without damaging the surrounding skin.
Nd:YAG (Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) is the crystal that generates the laser beam.
It is highly versatile and can produce two different wavelengths, allowing it to target a wide range of ink colours.
Q‑switch laser technology remains the standard for targeted, safe tattoo removal. It uses selective photothermolysis and photoacoustic effects to shatter ink particles while preserving surrounding skin. Different wavelengths enable clinicians to tailor treatments to the tattoo’s colours, and when delivered by trained professionals using appropriate protocols, Q‑switch lasers provide effective results with minimal risk of scarring. Multiple sessions, careful aftercare and realistic expectations are essential for optimal outcomes.
During treatment, you may notice a temporary white “frosting” on the skin.
This is a positive sign and occurs when carbon dioxide is released as the ink breaks down.
Once the ink is shattered into microscopic particles, your lymphatic system gradually removes them over the following weeks.
The treated area may feel similar to mild sunburn for a few days. However, most clients at our Edinburgh salon can return to normal activities straight away.
Unlike older laser systems or constant-wave light devices, the Q-switched Nd:YAG is designed to target pigment precisely while protecting surrounding tissue.
At our Edinburgh salon, this means:
Lower risk of scarring
Safer treatment
Suitable for a wide range of skin types
More consistent results
Yes. Q‑switch lasers, particularly the Nd:YAG at 1064 nm, are known to be safe for a wide range of skin tones because the wavelength is not absorbed by melanin. Clinics tailor the wavelength and settings to your skin type and tattoo colours, ensuring both safety and efficacy.
Most people see dramatic fading after just a few sessions, with complete removal typically requiring several treatments spaced several weeks apart. Factors such as ink colour, density and tattoo age influence the number of sessions, but each visit brings noticeable progress and continued lightening.
Clients often describe the sensation as similar to a quick snap of a rubber band. Many providers apply a topical anaesthetic to minimise discomfort, and the sessions are usually brief. Thanks to the highly targeted pulses, recovery is quick, with only mild redness or swelling that fades within days.
Q‑switch lasers are considered the gold standard because they offer a non‑ablative, non‑invasive solution that minimises scarring and pigmentation changes. By using specific wavelengths to target different colours, they can treat multi‑coloured tattoos effectively and the precision of the technique allows for shorter recovery times and consistently positive outcomes.