The Wheres, Whats and Hows of Tattoo Removal in Singapore

When it comes to tattoos, some have valid and sentimental reasons for getting them, while for some, it was a “young and dumb” mistake. Even though it is said that tattoos are permanent, it is not the case with all the technological advancements today. With that, Beauty Insider provides you with all the information you need to know about tattoo removal in Singapore.

Disclaimer: The Beauty Insider platform does not promote or support any specific treatment. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only, and we strongly advise all readers to thoroughly research and consult with a doctor accredited by the Ministry of Health before undergoing any aesthetic or medical procedures.

How does tattoo removal work?

A tattoo consists of a thousand tiny particles of pigments that have been injected into the dermis layer of the skin. They are then suspended in the skin. A laser tattoo removal uses technology in which a high-powered, short and pulsed beam of light is delivered at particular wavelengths. The beam then penetrates through the skin breaking up the tattoo pigment particles. It can be done on tattoos of all colours and shades. Then, the particles are gradually eliminated through the body’s lymphatic system. Finally, the tattoo then fades the same way how a bruise would over time.

Can the laser completely remove a tattoo?

Some tattoos can be completely removed while others can be almost completely removed, but with a slight trace left behind. Here are a couple of factors that contribute to whether or not the tattoos can be completely removed:

• Age of the tattoo. Older and blurred tattoos that have altered from their original site would be more difficult to remove
• Location of the tattoo. Tattoos that are located on the thinner-skinned areas such as your fingers or ankles are much more difficult to remove compared to those that are on a thicker-skinned areas, like the abdomen or shoulders.
• Colour, Quality, Quantity and Depth of Pigment. Some pigments of tattoos like black, red and dark blue ones respond better to the laser, compared to the orange, light blue, pink and green pigments. Tattoos with lighter pigments require more treatments if you want your tattoo to be removed completely,

How fast can a tattoo be removed?

Generally, a laser tattoo removal session would last about 30 minutes. However, that would also depend on the age, size, pigment colour, pigment type, pigment depth, the intricacy of the design and the location of the tattoo on your body.

Also, after your first treatment session, you will then have a clearer picture of how long your sessions would last, and how many sessions you need based on your pain tolerance and the location of your tattoo.

Although, if you do need more than one session, it is recommended to have at least six weeks of a gap before your next session. This is to allow your skin enough time to heal between the treatments and also allow the body’s immune system to flush the ink away.

Is laser tattoo removal painful?

Some say getting a laser tattoo removal is as painful as getting a tattoo while others say it’s not as painful. However, when it comes to pain tolerance, it differs among people. The common description of tattoo removal is a rubber band snapping against the skin.

In some places, the patient is provided with a soothing cream before the treatment or numbing cream. If you do not wish to get those creams, you can opt to take an over-the-counter, non-Aspirin product. The reason you should not take an Aspirin product is that it can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.

Will laser tattoo removal leave a scar?

Many are concerned about scarring from laser tattoo removal and want their skin to look as natural as possible after the tattoo removal procedure. However, something to take note of is that there is a minor risk of scarring and residual pigmentation changes after a laser tattoo removal. For example, hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation. This is more prone if you have darker skin, or a large or colourful tattoo.

Are there side effects of laser tattoo removal?

As tattoo removal involves creating a controlled medical burn from the laser, side effects are said to be expected for most patients. Some side effects are an important part of the immune response that aids in eliminating ink from the skin. Also, another thing to keep in mind is these side effects are all temporary. Hence, here are some of the side effects of laser tattoo removal:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Blistering
• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Scabs
• Hypopigmentation
• Hyperpigmentation

However, some of these side effects can be completely avoided if the proper protocols and aftercare are done as advised.

Pre and Post Treatment Care

Pre-Treatment Care

• Shave hair in the area 24 hours before tattoo removal appointment
• Do not tan or expose unprotected skin to the sun for 2-4 weeks prior to the appointment
• Avoid harsh irritants or products on the tattoo area: mechanical and chemical exfoliation
• Remove makeup, deodorant and lotion on the tattoo area

Post-Treatment Care

• Apply a cold compress or ice pack over a gauze bandage a couple of times a day to reduce swelling and bruising
• To avoid an infection, keep the treated area moist with antibiotic ointment until the irritation and redness subsides
• Avoid washing the area for at least 24 hours to avoid irritation and delays in healing
• Vigorous exercise, hot tubes and saunas are to be avoided for at least a week
• Avoid exposure to the sun and use a sunscreen with SPF-30 for 2 months

Where to get laser tattoo removal in Singapore?

Aesthetic Clinics 

1. MY Medical Aesthetics

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MY Medical Aesthetics (@mymedicalaesthetics)

With over ten years of experience and a love for aesthetics and beauty, Dr. Lim founded MY Medical Aesthetics in 2017. They work to produce gratifying outcomes by offering a variety of aesthetic procedures, including laser tattoo removal with Picosecond laser. MY Medical Aesthetics, run by Dr. Lim, is appreciated by their customers due to their experience and commitment to each and every patient that walks through their doors.

2. Sozo Aesthetic Clinic

At Sozo Aesthetic Clinic, Dr Boey uses the Picosecond Laser for tattoo removal treatments. Picosecond lasers emit laser beams with higher peak power and shorter pulse duration. The results are then achieved twice as fast with a lesser risk of complications. Usually, with Picosecond lasers, tattoos can be removed 80-90% within 5 to 10 sessions.

Price: Price starts at $50 per session for a small tattoo

Address: 1 Raffles Place #05-12/13, One Raffles Place (Shopping Mall), Singapore 048616

For more information & to book a visit, click here

3. Freia Aesthetics

At Freia Aesthetics, they use the Medlite C6 Q-switched ND-YAG laser, which is also known as Yag laser. This was the gold standard for tattoo removal. This laser treatment involves a much lower cost. Compared to the Picosecond laser, this treatment would require more sessions to completely remove the tattoo.

Address: 435 Orchard Road, #19-02, Wisma Atria Office Tower, Singapore 238877

For more information & to book a visit, click here

4. The Clifford Clinic

At The Clifford Clinic, they use the nanosecond pulsed Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. The number of sessions is depending on the size and variety of colours of the tattoo. At the Clifford Clinic, the patients can opt to have a rapid tattoo removal. This is the “express protocol” that is consisting of 4 sessions every month. Other than that, they can treat tattoos on areas such as the face, arms, legs, hands, private areas, eyebrow tattoos, ankles, forearms and back.

Address: 24 Raffles Place #01-03 Clifford Centre Singapore 048621

For more information & to book a visit, click here

5. The Aesthetics Centre

The Aesthetics Centre uses the PicoWay laser which is a method that is rapid than the typical tattoo removal laser. Hence, you wouldn’t have to go back and forth too much to get your tattoo removed.

Address: #01-137 Great World City (Office Tower, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994

To book an appointment at The Aesthetics Centre, click here.

6. S Aesthetics Clinic

S Aesthetics Clinic is known for their Pico laser that treats and eventually removes skin pigmentation, age spots, acne scarring and other skin conditions. View our full review on S Aesthetics Clinic’s popular Pico laser treatments here.

Address: 1 Scotts Road #03-02 Shaw Centre Singapore 228208

To book an appointment at S Aesthetics Clinic , click here.

7. Amaris B. Clinic

Amaris B. Clinic uses the popular Pico laser as a method of performing tattoo removal for their clients. They use the same method to remove birthmarks as well if you’re looking to do so. Give them a call today to know more about the treatment and price.

Address: 140 Arab St, Singapore 199827

For more information on their services and booking, visit their website here.

8. Radium Medical Aesthetics

At Radium Medical Aesthetics, they believe that every individual is different and cater to the differences in each service they provide. They provide their clients with options; Traditional Tattoo Removal and Pico Laser Tattoo Removal. This treatment can be selected based on the client’s condition and needs.

Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard #03-325/326 Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983

For more information on Radium Aesthetics, visit their website here.

9. Edwin Lim Clinic

Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic provides a comprehensive range of Medical Aesthetic Services. Particularly for removal procedures, they use the Pico laser which fires laser beams with extremely short pulse duration at the targeted area. The picosecond laser pulses allow each shot to deliver more laser energy and more shots to be fired in each second which shortens the time of procedure and minimizes the time of discomfort. Take a look at their Facebook and Instagram pages for more insight into their services.

Address: East clinic at #02-12/13 Changi City Point Shopping Mall

Orchard clinic at #05-51 Lucky Plaza, Orchard Medical Specialists Centre

For more information on Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Centre, click here.

10. Dr. Cindy’s Medical Aesthetics

At Dr. Cindy’s, they offer a wide range of medical aesthetic services including laser tattoo removal. They are dedicated to their practices and patients. They vow to be honest in their treatments and treat their patients with care. Whether you’d like to go for specific treatments for skin concerns or pamper yourself after a tiring week, there are plethora of treatments available.

Address: Orchard Road– 360 Orchard Road #05-06, International Building
Jurong Point– 1 Jurong West Point 2, #03-05 Jurong Point (Jurong Point 1)
Tampines– 10 Tampines Central 1, #05-12 Tampines One
KAP– 9 King Albert Park, #01-47, KAP Mall

For more information on their tattoo removal services, click here.

11. 8 Medical Aesthetic Clinic

At 8 Medical Aesthetics Centre,they use the modern pico laser to conduct Tattoo Removal procedures. Besides removing tattoos, this Pico laser also works well with removing pigmentation such as from sun damage, and acne scars.

Address: Somerset Branch– 51 CUPPAGE ROAD, #06-22
Dhoby Ghaut Branch-2 HANDY ROAD, #04-19/20 THE CATHAY
Clementi Branch-41 SUNSET WAY, #01-05, CLEMENTI ARCADE
Tampines Branch– TAMPINES PLAZA, 5 TAMPINES CENTRAL 1 #03-01

Book an appointment for a tattoo removal at 8 Medical Aesthetic Clinic, click here.

12. 1Aesthetics, Medical & Surgery

1 Aesthetics offers a Quanta Discovery Pico Plus for tattoo removal. This laser houses a full-powered ruby laser. Other q-switched picoseconds or nanosecond lasers use dye converter handpieces requiring a two-step wavelength conversion with high conversion losses, leading to inadequate power and hence slower and less effective treatments compared to their very own Quanta Discovery. According to 1 Aesthetics, tattoo removals require the third wavelength with adequate power for treating notoriously difficult to eradicate green, sky blue, and blue tattoos effectively.

Address: 14-90 The Central Tower 1, 8 Eu Tong Sen Street, Singapore 059818

For more information on their Quanto Discovery Tattoo Laser Treatment, click here.

13. Yang Aesthetic Centre

Tattoo removals often take several visits to the aesthetic clinic. This is because tattoos are meant to be permanent and the procedure is no simple treatment. Approved by the FDA, the pico laser treatment at Yang Aesthetic Centre is meant to satisfy your needs. Their treatments are made to cater to your preferences such as scarring. Those who prefer less scarring would have to endure a longer treatment.

Address: 435 Orchard Rd # 17-04/05, Wisma Atria, Office Tower

For more information on Yang Aesthetic Centre’s services, click here.

Beauty Salon

1. Beauty Recipe Aesthetics

Looking for tattoo removal that doesn’t consist of scary lasers? Beauty Recipe Aesthetics is the place for you. Leaving no permanent effect on your skin -yes, not even the tiniest scar, their tattoo removal treatment is less painful but most effective. They have two locations in Singapore, so call in to book at any of their outlets that are closest to you for a great experience.

Address: 277 Orchard Road,Orchard Gateway #B2-01 238858 Singapore | +65 6702 3062
Marine Parade Central Singapore | +65 9859 3982

For more information on their non laser tattoo removal treatment, click here.