Tattoos are often meaningful artwork that helps you commemorate a special time or person, and they can still feel appropriate years later. In other cases, a tattoo may no longer accurately represent your current preferences or circumstances, and its presence can be less welcome. If you are interested in removing an unwanted tattoo, laser-based methods are one option.
At OLA Aesthetics, we offer laser tattoo removal with Alma ClearLift, which is a non-ablative device that can be used for a wide variety of ink colours and skin types. It is designed to remove unwanted ink on virtually any area of the body. Book a consultation today.
A Note From Dr Aleks
I love using Alma ClearLift for tattoo removal because it gives me more precision when I am treating tattoos with different ink colours. The Q-switched technology allows me to break down even tough pigments without damaging the surrounding tissue, and I find that my patients can tolerate treatments well without too much downtime. It’s great for working with more complex tattoos with multiple colours because I can adjust the settings based on how the pigment responds with each treatment.
Treatment Areas
- Upper arm
- Forearms
- Wrists and hands
- Chest
- Back
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Lower legs
- Ankles and feet
- Neck
- Behind the ear
- Scalp or hairline areas
Treatment Summary
- Anaesthetic: None or topical only
- Procedure Time: 15–45 minutes
- Downtime: Minimal to none
- Risks: Pigment changes, irritation, see more below
- Full Results: Several months
- Protocol / Longevity: Multiple sessions required
What Is Tattoo Removal With Alma ClearLift?
During laser tattoo removal, light energy from the laser device breaks up the ink particles that are embedded in the skin. The Alma ClearLift treatment is part of the Harmony XL Pro platform. It uses a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, a type of laser known for its short, high-intensity pulses that fragment tattoo pigment while limiting the impact on the surrounding tissue. Alma ClearLift can be used on all skin types and is capable of treating tattoos with different ink densities and colours.
How Does Alma ClearLift Tattoo Removal Work?
Alma ClearLift delivers energy in extremely short bursts that are measured in nanoseconds (billionths of a second). These rapid pulses produce a photoacoustic effect, or mechanical pressure that shatters the ink particles into smaller fragments. Once they are broken apart, the ink fragments are small enough for your body’s immune system to clear through its lymphatic processes. The device offers two wavelengths, 1064 for darker pigments and 532 for brighter colours.
The OLA Experience
Consultation
Before we start any laser tattoo removal treatments, we will have you come in for a consultation to talk about your medical history and tattoo characteristics. During this appointment, we will be able to determine if ClearLift treatments are suitable for you and let you know how many sessions you can expect based on the depth, age, colour and location of your tattoo. We will also talk about any potential risks and other important information in more detail.
Preparation
To prepare for each session, we will have you keep your skin clean and free of lotions and other topical products. It is also important to protect your skin from any sun exposure. You may need to avoid certain medications or skin treatments that could affect how your skin responds to the laser. We will provide you with any additional instructions specific to your skin and tattoo during your consultation.
Treatment
At the start of your tattoo removal service, we will review your treatment plan and answer any final questions you may have. You will wear protective eyewear as we apply the laser handpiece directly to the tattoo. While the device delivers pulses of laser energy, you will feel a sharp, snapping sensation and heat as the pigment absorbs the energy. The skin may turn white or frosted immediately afterwards, which is a temporary reaction to the laser. Most sessions take less than an hour, depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo.
What Is the Average Downtime and Recovery?
Most people experience minimal downtime after each session, and you can usually return to normal activities the same day. However, it is common for the treated area to look red and swollen and to feel slightly tender for a few hours after treatment.
As your skin heals, keep the area clean and avoid any sun exposure. Follow all of our aftercare instructions to avoid irritating recovering skin.
Do not apply makeup, perfumed products, or exfoliating agents to the area until the skin has fully healed. Healing time between sessions can vary, but typically ranges from seven to ten days. After four to six weeks, you can come in for your next session.
What Results Can I Expect From Alma ClearLift Tattoo Removal?
It takes time to see results from ClearLift tattoo removal because your body needs to be able to clear away the fragments of ink. After several weeks, your tattoo may appear lighter, but it will still be visible. After each treatment, the tattoo will fade even more.
During this time, the dark inks like black and navy will disappear first and leave behind light colours like yellow or turquoise. With additional treatments, these more difficult colours begin to fade, too. Complete removal is not always possible, but it is reasonable to expect significant fading as a result of this treatment. Results vary from person to person, and we will assess and discuss your progress at every stage so you know what to expect.
Tattoo Removal FAQ
Could Tattoo Removal With Alma ClearLift Be Right for Me?
Tattoo removal with Alma ClearLift may be right for you if your skin is free from active infections, photosensitive conditions or recent sunburn. People with Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI can generally be treated, but laser settings and response vary by skin tone. It is important that your tattoo is fully healed and that you are not currently pregnant or taking medications that increase light sensitivity.
Request Your Private
Consultation at OLA Aesthetics
The ClearLift laser is an important part of our aesthetic offerings, giving us a way to remove unwanted tattoos of all sizes and colours. At OLA Aesthetics, Dr Aleks or Dr Indi will assess each tattoo to determine which approach is appropriate.
To schedule a tattoo removal consultation in Perth, contact us today. You can book through our website or by phone on (08) 6114 0533.
We make recommendations based on your specific needs and features rather than current trends or fads.
