Colour Tattoo Removal in Melbourne

Colour tattoo removal is an invasive process designed to fragment and clear coloured tattoo pigment lodged in the skin. This is done using methods like laser tattoo removal, saline tattoo removal, dermabrasion or, in rare cases, surgical excision.

With laser removal, laser light energy is absorbed by the pigment, breaking it into microscopic fragments. These are then processed by your immune system, with white blood cells carrying the debris away through lymphatic drainage.

Why is colour harder to remove than black? Different ink types reflect or absorb specific wavelengths differently. Black absorbs almost all wavelengths, while colours like green, yellow, and flesh tones may reflect laser light, requiring pigment-specific tattoo removal lasers.

Not every removal method is equal, and not every method is suitable for every skin type or tattoo.

Laser Tattoo Removal

This is the gold standard for fading or fully removing most coloured tattoos. The process uses a laser machine to emit ultra-short pulses of laser light. These pulses shatter the ink into particles small enough for the body to clear.

The most advanced systems now use Pico Laser Technology — such as the Quanta System — to achieve faster results with less heat damage, lowering scarring risk and improving skin rejuvenation during skin recovery.

Types Of Lasers Used

Different ink colours require different wavelengths for effective breakdown. Here’s a quick reference table:

Saline Tattoo Removal

Popular for cosmetic tattoo correction, especially brows and lip blush. A sterile saline solution is tattooed into the skin, drawing out the pigment through a controlled scab. It’s pigment-agnostic — works on all ink types — but better for small tattoo sizes.

Tattoo Removal Creams

Over-the-counter creams can lighten surface skin, but can’t penetrate deep enough to reach tattoo pigment. Can cause irritation, so I don’t recommend them.

Dermabrasion

An older method involves sanding down the skin to remove pigment physically. Works for very shallow tattoos, but aggressive, longer skin recovery times and higher scarring risk.

Surgical Excision

For very small tattoos, surgical removal cuts out the tattooed skin and stitches the area. Guarantees removal but leaves a scar and is an invasive process.

• Targets tattoo pigment specifically, without damaging the surrounding skin
• Works on a wide range of skin tones and ink types with the right settings
• Minimal downtime compared to surgery
• Advanced pico systems like the Quanta System give faster, more even fading

In my Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Melbourne Face Figurati, I once treated a client with an old green-and-yellow shoulder tattoo. Using a combination of Q-Switched YAG and Pico Laser Technology, we faded it by 85% in just five treatments — something older nanosecond lasers would have taken twice as long to achieve.

Laser tattoo removal isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure — it’s a customised treatment that works best when your skin and lifestyle align for safe, effective results. At my Melbourne studio, I assess every client individually because factors like skin tone, ink colours, immune health and daily habits all play a role in how you heal and fade.

You might be a good candidate if you:

• Are over 18 — This isn’t just a clinic preference; Australian regulations require you to be of legal age for tattooing and removal.
• Have no active skin infections — Laser can irritate already inflamed skin, so we wait until it’s fully healed.
• Can do multiple treatments — Removal is a process, not a one-hit wonder. Most tattoos need several spaced-out appointments for best results.
• Have realistic expectations — Some inks fade faster than others, and older tattoos respond differently from newer ones.
• Have medical clearance — If you have existing conditions, your GP’s approval so we can work in the safest way.

Sometimes the right decision is to hit pause. If any of the following apply, I’ll suggest delaying or skipping laser tattoo removal until it’s safe:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding — Even though the laser doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to harm your baby, the body’s healing response changes significantly during these times.
• Uncontrolled diabetes — Wound healing can be slower, and the risk of infection is higher.
• Blood thinners without GP clearance — These can cause increased bleeding and bruising.
• Active skin conditions in the treatment area — Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis should be resolved first.
• Severe keloid scarring history — If your skin overreacts to injury by producing raised scars, laser may not be the best option.

Good preparation equals better healing and faster results. Here’s what I tell my Melbourne clients before their first appointment:

• Avoid sun exposure for at least 4 weeks — UV damage can cause hyperpigmentation after laser.
• Skip fake tanning — Self-tanners and spray tans interfere with the laser’s ability to distinguish between pigment and skin.
• Stop using retinoids and acids 7 days before — These products can increase skin sensitivity.
• Shave the area if needed — No waxing, as this can irritate the skin barrier.
• Arrive with clean skin — No makeup, deodorant, or lotion on the treatment site.
• Numbing preparation — If you prefer, we can apply a medical-grade local anaesthetic for maximum comfort.

Tattoo removal is a process we tailor to each client’s skin type, pigment colours and tattoo size. Here’s how a typical session runs at my Melbourne studio:

• Consultation — We start with a skin analysis, pigment check and Fitzpatrick skin type assessment. This helps determine the safest laser settings for your skin.
• Test Patch — A small area is treated to observe your healing response. This step is essential if it’s your first session or if you have sensitive skin.
• Numbing — A medical-grade local anaesthetic is applied to increase comfort, especially for larger or denser tattoos.
• Laser — I choose the best wavelength for your colours — 1064 nm for darker inks, 532 nm for reds and oranges, and special wavelengths for stubborn greens and blues.
• Cooling — Ice packs or cold air are used immediately after each pass to reduce redness and swelling.
• Aftercare — You’ll receive instructions on how to clean, protect and monitor the area to avoid infection and scarring.

Tip — Multi-coloured tattoos require more than one wavelength in a session; that’s why a high-quality, medical-grade laser is key to the best results.

Tattoo removal is a partnership between the laser and your body’s immune system. Here’s what to expect after a session:

• Day 1–3 — Redness, swelling, and mild blistering may occur. Some heat and tenderness are normal. Keep the area clean and covered.
• Day 3–7 — Scabbing and flaking will happen as pigment particles rise to the surface. You may see small dark “pepper spots” — these are ink fragments coming to the surface.
• Week 2–6 — The lymphatic system will clear ink fragments from the deeper layers of skin. The tattoo may look patchy before it evens out.

Melbourne Tip — Winter is the best time for colour tattoo removal — less UV risk and easier aftercare. In summer, you must cover the area completely with clothing or broad-spectrum SPF 50+ once healed. Even a few minutes of direct UV on healing skin can cause pigment rebound or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Case Example — A client removing a bright green ankle tattoo in July saw faster fading because their skin was covered with winter clothing. The same tattoo in summer would have required more UV management.

Tattoo removal sessions aren’t one-size-fits-all — the number of treatments depends on factors like tattoo age, colour, ink depth and your skin’s healing response.

• Small, single-colour tattoos: 2–4 sessions
• Large or multi-colour tattoos: 6–12 sessions
• Interval: Sessions are spaced 6–8 weeks apart to allow your skin to fully recover and your lymphatic system to clear ink particles.

Note — Cooler months are best for consecutive sessions without sun interruptions. In summer, you may need to extend the gap between sessions if you’ve had some sun exposure.

Pro Tip — If you plan to get the tattoo re-inked, you don’t always need to remove it completely. Fading sessions can prepare the skin for a cover-up.

From the hundreds of colour tattoo removal cases I’ve seen, these are the key factors that determine how fast and evenly pigment fades:

• Ink type and composition: Some pigments, like titanium dioxide (found in white and flesh-tone inks), can be stubborn because they reflect rather than absorb laser light.
• Tattoo age: Older tattoos fade faster because pigment particles have already broken down over time. Fresh, dense colour work requires more sessions.
• Size and coverage: Big, saturated designs need more laser passes per session, which extends the total treatment plan.
• Skin tone and Fitzpatrick skin type: Darker skin tones require specific wavelengths (like the Q-Switched Nd: YAG 1064nm) to avoid hypopigmentation, which can affect how aggressively we treat the tattoo.
• Placement on the body: Tattoos on areas with better blood and lymphatic circulation — like the upper back or chest — fade faster than those on the ankles, fingers or feet.
• Immune system health: Good hydration, balanced nutrition and not smoking can all improve pigment clearance rates.

When done by an experienced laser clinician, side effects from colour tattoo removal are generally mild and temporary. Still, it’s good to know what’s normal versus what needs follow-up:

• Redness and swelling: Common within the first 24-48 hours.
• Blistering: Uncommon but can happen with high pigment density; will heal without scarring if left intact.
• Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation: More likely if aftercare and sun protection aren’t followed.
• Scarring: Very rare if treatments are spaced correctly and done by trained laser technicians.
• Skin texture changes: Occasionally, the skin feels slightly raised or “polished” after healing; fractional skin resurfacing lasers can help with this.

Most tattoo pigments can be lightened with modern technology like Pico Laser Technology and Q-Switched laser systems, but some colours are tricky:

• White and flesh tones: Contain titanium dioxide and reflect laser light, and can darken before they lighten.
• Neon greens and some bright blues: Require specific wavelengths (like 694nm Ruby laser) and more patience.
• Other options: For stubborn colours, non-laser methods like saline tattoo removal or infrared coagulation may be better, especially for cosmetic tattoos like lip blush or brow work.

At Face Figurati in Melbourne, we often combine laser and saline removal in a staged plan for multi-coloured or cosmetic tattoos to get the best outcome for your skin.