Tattoo Removal
- Tattoo removal – small (up to 5cm)From £60
- Tattoo removal – medium (up to 10cm)From £90
- Tattoo removal – largeFrom £150
Removal Treatments
Laser Tattoo Removal
Whether you want an old tattoo gone or faded enough for a cover-up, laser tattoo removal breaks ink into tiny particles your body clears naturally, gradually lightening the design over a course of sessions planned at your free consultation in Southwell.
About Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal is a treatment that uses short, high-intensity pulses of laser light to shatter tattoo ink into tiny fragments, which the body's immune system then clears over the following weeks. At Skin Anatomy in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, we fade unwanted tattoos over a course of sessions, starting with a free consultation and patch test.
Tastes change, relationships end and old designs blur or fade unevenly. Whether a tattoo no longer reflects who you are, affects your confidence at work, or needs lightening so a tattoo artist can create a better cover-up, laser tattoo removal is a well-established, non-surgical way to fade ink. At Skin Anatomy we take time to understand what you want to achieve, because a plan for maximum fading is very different from a plan for a cover-up.
Tattoo ink sits in the dermis as particles far too large for the body to remove on its own, which is why tattoos last. When laser light is absorbed by the ink, the particles heat up and shatter into much smaller fragments, a process known as photothermolysis. Macrophages, the immune cells that clear debris from the body, can then engulf these fragments and carry them away. That clearance happens gradually, which is why the tattoo keeps fading in the weeks after each session.
Colour makes a big difference. Black ink absorbs all laser wavelengths, so it is the easiest to treat. Other colours only absorb specific wavelengths, and shades such as green, blue and yellow can be stubborn. The number of sessions also depends on the size of the tattoo, how densely and deeply the ink was placed, how old it is, where it is on the body, your skin type and whether it was done professionally or by an amateur. Tattoos on the hands, lower legs and feet often clear more slowly.
We are honest from the start: complete removal is not always possible, and some tattoos fade significantly but leave a faint shadow. Most tattoos need multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart to let your skin heal and your body clear the ink, and we photograph your tattoo at each visit so you can see progress. Clients come to our Southwell clinic from Nottingham, Newark-on-Trent, Mansfield and across Nottinghamshire.
Tattoo Removal at a glance
- 10–45 mins by size
- Minimal; heals in 1–2 weeks
- Fading after each session
- Multiple, weeks apart
- Like a rubber band snap
- From £60
How it Works
Procedure details
We clean the area, fit protective eyewear and check the result of your patch test. The laser handpiece is then passed methodically over the tattoo, delivering rapid pulses of light. Treated ink often turns white for a few minutes, known as frosting, as gas is released in the skin; this is normal and fades. A small tattoo can be treated in a matter of minutes. We then cool the area, apply a soothing ointment and cover it with a dressing.
Benefits
Laser removal fades tattoos without cutting the skin, and the surrounding skin is largely spared because the light targets the ink. It can significantly lighten a tattoo and, in some cases, clear it, lighten an old design enough for a cleaner cover-up, or target part of a design such as a name. Each session is short, you can return to normal activities straight away, and because progress is gradual there is time to decide whether you want maximum fading or just enough for a cover-up.
Risks & side effects
Redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding and tenderness are common straight after treatment. Blisters and scabs often form over the following days, and the area can be itchy while healing. The skin may temporarily lighten or darken, especially in deeper skin tones, and changes in texture can occur. Scarring is rare but more likely if blisters are picked or you are prone to keloids. Cosmetic, white and skin-tone inks can darken when treated, so these are tested carefully first. Complete removal is not always possible.
Recovery
Most people return to work and normal activities the same day. Keep the area clean, dry and covered as advised for the first few days. Blisters and scabs usually settle within one to two weeks; do not pick or burst them. Avoid swimming, saunas, hot tubs and long hot baths until the skin has fully healed, and protect the area from the sun with clothing or SPF50. Ink continues to fade for several weeks after each session, which is why treatments are spaced apart.
When to contact us
Contact the clinic if the treated area becomes increasingly painful, hot or swollen after the first 48 hours, weeps pus, develops spreading redness or has not healed after two weeks. Please also get in touch if you notice a change in skin colour or texture, or if ink appears to darken rather than fade. If you feel feverish or unwell with signs of infection outside clinic hours, contact NHS 111 or your GP.
Who is Tattoo Removal for?
- Adults wanting to remove or significantly fade an unwanted tattoo
- Anyone planning a cover-up who needs the old design lightened
- Black and dark blue ink, which usually responds best
- Older or amateur tattoos, which often fade more readily
- People who can commit to a course of sessions several weeks apart
- Clients prepared to keep the area out of the sun during treatment
It may not be suitable if you
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- A recent tan, sunburn or sunbed use on the area
- Isotretinoin taken within the past six months
- An active infection, broken skin or a cold sore in the area
- A history of keloid or raised scarring
- Medication that makes the skin sensitive to light
- A history of gold injections (gold therapy)
- Under 18s
Treatments are for adults aged 18 and over. We check your medical history at your consultation and will always tell you honestly if a treatment isn’t right for you.
Benefits
Why clients choose Tattoo Removal
- Gradually fades unwanted tattoos without surgery
- Lightens old designs for a cleaner cover-up
- Can target part of a design, such as a name
- Surrounding skin is largely spared
- Short sessions with little disruption to daily life
- Progress photographed at every visit
- Honest assessment of what is achievable
Areas we treat
- Arms and wrists
- Hands and fingers
- Shoulders and back
- Chest
- Neck
- Legs and ankles
- Feet
- Most other body areas, after assessment
We confirm which areas are suitable for you at your free consultation.
Your visit
Your Tattoo Removal journey, step by step
Step 1: Free consultation & patch test
We look at your tattoo's size, colours, age and location, discuss whether you want maximum fading or lightening for a cover-up, and check your medical history. A free patch test on a small section shows how your skin and ink respond, so we can set realistic expectations about the number of sessions.
Step 2: Preparing for treatment
Keep the area out of the sun and avoid sunbeds and fake tan for several weeks before treatment. Arrive with clean skin free of lotions, let us know about any new medication, and wear loose clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo and will not rub afterwards.
Step 3: Treatment day
Protective eyewear is fitted and the laser is passed over the tattoo in controlled pulses. Most clients describe it as the snap of a rubber band with some warmth, and the ink may frost white briefly. We cool the skin, apply a soothing ointment and dressing, and go through your aftercare.
Step 4: Healing & next session
Over the following weeks your immune system clears the shattered ink and your skin heals. We book your next session several weeks later, once the area has fully recovered, and photograph progress at every visit. We continue until you reach your goal or no further meaningful improvement is likely.
Our technology
Laser tattoo removal
Tattoo removal lasers deliver very short, high-energy pulses of light that are absorbed by ink particles in the skin. The rapid heating shatters the ink into fragments small enough for macrophages, the body's clean-up cells, to remove naturally over the following weeks. Different ink colours absorb different wavelengths, so settings are chosen to suit your tattoo. Because the energy is aimed at the ink, the surrounding skin is largely spared, and the tattoo fades progressively with each session.
Price guide
Tattoo Removal prices
Every treatment starts with a free, no-obligation consultation. Prices include VAT; where a price is shown as “from”, your exact cost depends on your assessment and is confirmed before you book.
Client reviews
What our clients say
Rated 5.0 from 29 reviews on Google
“I recently went to Skin Anatomy for CO2 fractional laser and the E50 exosomes, and honestly, the whole experience was brilliant. Both Harper and Magdalena were so professional but genuinely friendly with it. What I really…”
“Exceptional practitioner with an incredible eye for facial balance and natural aesthetics. I’ve had [anti-wrinkle treatment] treatments with Magdalena for many years, and recently I had lip filler as well. What stood out most was…”
“I had the laser treatment on my face, neck and chest last Tuesday. I am still healing as I braved going for an high level treatment. I am already seeing a big difference and I am very happy with the results. I was made to feel at…”
“I had my co2 laser treatment a few weeks ago with Magdalena and I'm so happy I went with her. She's very knowledgeable and she and Harper answered all my questions, no problem. The treatment was quicker than I expected and after…”
“I had a polynucleotide treatment around my eyes and my face. Magda was extremely thorough and very gentle and the results are amazing, my skin looks glowing. I am so pleased and will definitely be returning!”
“Magdalena is very professional, knowledgeable and very good at what she does! Highly recommend! I had a C02 laser treatment done with her and I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever done!! Thank you so much Magdalena xx”
Read more client reviews
Some reviews have been lightly edited, shown in square brackets, to meet UK advertising rules on prescription-only medicines.
Before you book
Aftercare & possible side effects
Looking after your skin
- Keep the dressing on for as long as advised, then keep the area clean and dry
- Apply the recommended healing ointment until the skin has recovered
- Do not pick scabs or burst blisters
- Use a cool compress wrapped in a clean cloth to ease swelling or discomfort
- Avoid swimming pools, saunas, hot tubs and long hot baths until fully healed
- Avoid tight clothing rubbing on the area
- Protect the area from the sun with clothing or SPF50 throughout your course
- Avoid shaving over the area until it has healed
Possible side effects
- Redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding and tenderness (common)
- Blistering, scabbing and itching while healing
- Temporary lightening or darkening of the skin
- Changes in skin texture
- Darkening of cosmetic, white or skin-tone inks
- Infection or scarring (rare)
- Incomplete removal, leaving a faint shadow of the design
Most side effects are mild and settle on their own. We explain every risk at your consultation and give you written aftercare. If you are worried after treatment, call us on 07777 711 277; for anything urgent, contact NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
Have a question?
Tattoo Removal: your questions answered
Can a tattoo be completely removed?
Many tattoos can be faded significantly, but complete removal is not always possible. Results depend on ink colour, depth, age, size, location and your skin type. Some tattoos clear almost fully, while others leave a faint shadow. We give you an honest assessment and a patch test before you commit to a course.
How many tattoo removal sessions will I need?
Most tattoos need multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart, and the exact number varies widely. Small, black, older or amateur tattoos often need fewer sessions, while large, dense, colourful or professional tattoos need more. We can give a more realistic estimate after your patch test and first sessions.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Most clients describe laser tattoo removal as feeling like a rubber band snapping against the skin, with some heat. Many find it similar to, or a little sharper than, getting the tattoo, but each session is much quicker. We cool the skin to help, and sensitivity varies by area and person.
How long should I wait between tattoo removal sessions?
Sessions are spaced several weeks apart. This allows your skin to heal fully and gives your immune system time to clear the shattered ink particles, which continues for weeks after each treatment. Treating again too soon increases the risk of skin damage without speeding up results.
Which tattoo colours are hardest to remove?
Black ink is usually the easiest to remove because it absorbs all laser wavelengths. Colours such as green, blue and yellow only absorb specific wavelengths and can be stubborn. White, flesh-toned and some cosmetic inks can darken when treated, so we always test them carefully first.
Can you fade a tattoo for a cover-up?
Yes, fading a tattoo before a cover-up is very common and usually needs fewer sessions than aiming for full removal. Lightening the old design gives your tattoo artist more freedom with colour and style, so we suggest asking your artist how light the tattoo needs to be before starting.
What happens to the skin after tattoo removal?
Straight after treatment the area is red, slightly swollen and may frost white for a few minutes. Blisters, scabs and itching are common over the next few days and usually settle within one to two weeks. Keep the area clean, do not pick it, and protect it from the sun.
Is laser tattoo removal suitable for darker skin?
Laser tattoo removal can be carried out on a range of skin tones, but darker skin has a higher risk of temporary lightening or darkening. We assess your skin carefully, use a patch test and choose conservative settings, and we will tell you honestly if the risks outweigh the likely benefit.
Where can I get laser tattoo removal near Nottingham?
Skin Anatomy offers laser tattoo removal at 17 Queen Street in Southwell, around 30 minutes' drive from Nottingham and a short journey from Newark-on-Trent and Mansfield. Your consultation and patch test are free, so you can find out what is realistically achievable before booking.
What are the prices for Tattoo Removal in Southwell and Nottingham?
Tattoo Removal at Skin Anatomy starts from £60. Tattoo removal – small (up to 5cm): From £60; Tattoo removal – medium (up to 10cm): From £90; Tattoo removal – large: From £150. All prices include VAT; where a price is shown as "from", your exact cost depends on your assessment and is confirmed at a free consultation before you book. See the price guide for every treatment.
Skin concerns
Concerns Tattoo Removal can help with
Visiting Skin Anatomy
Easy to reach from across Nottinghamshire
Skin Anatomy is at 17 Queen Street, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0AA, around 30 minutes from Nottingham, 15 minutes from Newark-on-Trent and 25 minutes from Mansfield by car (approximate). Clients visit us for Tattoo Removal from Southwell and the surrounding villages, as well as Nottingham, Newark-on-Trent, Mansfield, Bingham and Ollerton. Find travel and parking tips for your town:
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