Lightbox Laser Clinic in Truro provides professional laser tattoo removal using advanced multi-wavelength technology. Every treatment begins with a consultation and patch test, allowing us to assess your tattoo, skin and goals before creating a safe, personalised removal plan.
Laser tattoo removal in Truro is a safe and effective way to fade or remove unwanted tattoos using advanced picosecond laser technology. Fast, High Powered Tattoo Removal Machine has high powered pulses that shatters ink particles without damaging surrounding skin tissue.
Most clinics use Nd Yag Tattoo Removal Devices and only one wavelength which are less efficient at breaking down pigment / tattoo ink. ( because they’re cheaper to purchase.)
Our high powered multi wavelength “gold standard” real PICO Laser tattoo removal machine has 450ps (pulses per second) and is capable of breaking down all colours of tattoo pigment into the minutest of particles.
As it breaks down the ink into smaller particles it’s more easily absorbed and excreted from the body/ skin which leads to better results.
Our 1064nm – Penetrates deeper for black, dark blue, dark brown pigments. (Suitable for all skin tones/types. (FPS I-VI).
Our 532nm – Treats superficial reds, orange, yellows and brown effectively.
Our 755nm – Highly effective for greens, blue and black ink.
Our 785nm – Engineered perfectly for stubborn cooler colours like green, teal and blue.
Our Spectra X5 tattoo removal system uses advanced Q-switched laser technology to break down tattoo ink particles safely and effectively.
The laser delivers high-energy pulses that target unwanted ink while minimising damage to the surrounding skin, helping the body naturally remove fragmented pigment over time. The Spectra system is highly effective on black ink and can also treat a wide range of coloured tattoos using different wavelengths for improved results.
Please note:
Before we can proceed with treatment, you will need a consultation to devise a plan that works for you as well as a patch test to ensure you have no adverse reaction from the laser. Required at least 7 days before treatment for tattoo removal and 48 hours before laser hair removal.
Everyone’s tattoo and skin are different, so the number of sessions can vary. The minimum number of sessions is around 6 but this number can be considerably more depending on factors such as the age of the tattoo (older tattoos are easier to remove), where it is on the body (tattoos nearly the heart are generally quicker to remove), the depth, quality and colour of the ink, how healthy you are, whether or not you smoke (good circulation is key with tattoo removal) and ultimately how efficient your body is at removing the ink.
Short answer: yes, it does… but it also depends on the pain tolerance of each person as everyone is different. To give you an idea what it feels like, imagine a tiny rubber band snapping on your skin over and over, or some have compared it to hot oil being splashed on your skin. It’s definitely uncomfortable, and most people say it’s more ‘yep, that stings a bit’ than ‘I can’t handle this.’
The good news is it’s a very short treatment and we have a high-tech cooling machine that blows cold air on the area while the laser works its magic, which really helps take the edge off. Think of it as a few minutes of being uncomfortable for a lifetime of freedom from that tattoo you’ve fallen out of love with.
Your skin and body need time to do their part! After each treatment, your skin is healing, and your body is busy breaking down and flushing out the ink the laser has shattered. Your skin needs a break and time to heal, it’s recovering from the fight it had with the laser and getting ready for the next round. Having sessions any closer together won’t make your tattoo disappear faster; it can actually slow things down, increase irritation and the risk of scarring.
Those 6 weeks might feel like a long wait, but they make each session safer, more comfortable, and ultimately more effective. Tattoo removal is a process and not something that happens overnight.
Your skin and body need time to do their part! After each treatment, your skin is healing, and your body is busy breaking down and flushing out the ink the laser has shattered. Your skin needs a break and time to heal, it’s recovering from the fight it had with the laser and getting ready for the next round. Having sessions any closer together won’t make your tattoo disappear faster; it can actually slow things down, increase irritation and the risk of scarring. Those 6 weeks might feel like a long wait, but they make each session safer, more comfortable, and ultimately more effective. Tattoo removal is a process and not something that happens overnight.
After laser tattoo removal, it’s completely normal to experience some short-term side effects while your skin heals and gets to work clearing the ink. Most people notice redness, swelling, and tenderness in the treated area.. The skin may feel warm and a little sensitive for a few days. You might also see blistering, scabbing, slight bruising or even swelling, all of which are normal. These after-effects usually settle down after a few days to a couple of weeks.
During this time, it’s important to look after your skin and make sure you keep it out of the sun and let it heal naturally. Make sure you dont pick or scratch (this can be hard) but by looking after the skin you will reduce the risk of scarring and infection. As the weeks go on, the tattoo will continue to fade as your body gradually flushes away the broken-down ink.
A laser tattoo removal session is usually nice and short — the actual laser time typically lasts between 5 and 20 minutes. Very small tattoos can be treated in as little as 2 minutes (barely time to get comfortable!), while larger or more detailed pieces may take closer to 40 minutes. The exact timing depends on a few factors, such as the size of the tattoo, the colours involved (we may need to swap hand pieces mid-session), where the tattoo sits on your body, your skin type, and the type of laser used. While the appointment itself is over fairly quickly, tattoo removal is a marathon rather than a sprint, with a minimum of 6 sessions needed also spaced at least 6 weeks apart to give your body time to naturally break down and remove the ink.
Black ink is the most straightforward to remove as it responds the quickest and easiest to the laser. Blues and greens can take a bit more persistence, very light inks can be very stubborn, and white ink may not clear, this is because the laser is attracted to the colour in the ink and without real colour the laser has no target. Our laser machine is very clever and can treat most ink colours. With the right approach, even tricky colours can fade beautifully over time so come in for a consultation and we can decide what is right for you and your tattoo. Every tattoo is unique, and our goal is always to get the best fade possible for your specific colour combination.
Before your session you will need to avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks, as with tanned skin there is a risk of damage from the laser . Fake tan is also a no no. No make up or active skin care is also important for the area so please arrive with clean skin, and, if needed, the area shaved. Staying hydrated and rested can also make the session more comfortable and help your skin recover faster. Avoiding alcohol or blood-thinning medications beforehand (unless approved by a doctor) this will mean your skin is in the best shape possible for the treatment and will reduce side effects like bruising or irritation
After treatment, the area may feel warm and be a little red and swollen. All of this is totally normal. In the first 24 hours it is important to keep the area covered (if in an area that will come into contact with clothes, clean and dry. Do not submerge the area in water, if on the hands then no washing up, no baths and definitely no sauna or steam rooms. Staying away from exercise will also help as you don not want to heat your body, in fact you need the area to remain cool. Ice packs will help with the swelling and prevent bruising. Avoiding sun exposure for at least 2 weeks post treatment and avoid swimming or baths until the treatment area is healed with no open wounds.
Do not pick or scratch the area and use healing creams, such as nappy rash cream, aloe vera and gentle moisturisers. These will help the skin to feel hydrated and comfortable and aid in the healing process. Good aftercare is key in the tattoo removal process.
Yes, skin type plays a role in how treatments are spaced and how settings are adjusted, but modern lasers are designed to safely treat a wide range of skin tones. During your consultation, we’ll tailor everything specifically to you. Different skin types respond differently, but that’s just part of why personalised care is so effective. Darker or sensitive skin may need extra attention, but with the right approach, excellent results are achievable for everyone. We take the time to match settings perfectly to your skin, so the removal is effective without compromising safety or comfort.
Some medications can affect laser tattoo removal, particularly those that make your skin more sensitive to light (photosensitive medications) or slow down healing. This can include certain antibiotics, acne treatments like isotretinoin (Roaccutane), blood thinners, and some immune-suppressing medications. In some cases, we may need written sign-off from your GP or consultant before going ahead, just to make sure treatment is safe for you. We’ll always go through your medication history during your consultation and advise you honestly — your safety comes first.
As a precaution, we don’t carry out laser tattoo removal during pregnancy. While there’s no evidence that the laser itself causes harm, pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive and unpredictable, which increases the risk of irritation or unwanted skin reactions. Your immune system is also working differently during pregnancy, and because tattoo removal relies on your body to break down and clear ink, results can be harder to predict. On top of that, we avoid any unnecessary treatments during pregnancy purely to err on the side of caution. Tattoos are patient — they’ll still be there when you’re ready, and starting treatment after pregnancy allows us to focus fully on your safety, comfort, and the best possible results.
