How the treatment works
The Q-switched laser releases its energy in pulses lasting only a few nanoseconds. The colour pigment heats up abruptly and shatters into the finest fragments – only these are small enough for the lymphatic system to carry away. Between appointments, then, it is not the laser that is working but your immune system; this is why intervals of six to eight weeks are needed.
Whether you want a tattoo removed completely or lightened for a cover-up: at our practice in Frankfurt's Westend a doctor assesses the skin first, treats a test patch and gives you a realistic estimate of the overall effort.
Before the first session we assess the skin dermoscopically and consistently leave out any moles within the design.
Three wavelengths for the colour spectrum
| Colour | Wavelength | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Black, dark grey, dark blue | 1064 nm | very good |
| Green, turquoise, light blue | 694 nm (ruby) | good – cannot be treated at all with many devices |
| Red, orange, brown | 532 nm | good |
| Yellow | – | remains difficult |
| White and permanent make-up | – | only after a test patch – darkening possible |
The procedure and the number of sessions
There is always a test patch to begin with: we treat a small part of the area and assess after a few weeks how the skin and the colour respond. On request we apply an anaesthetic cream beforehand; larger areas we numb locally. The pulse feels like a hot flick with a rubber band; afterwards we cool the area and care for the skin.
As a guide: amateur tattoos often need four to eight sessions, professionally applied tattoos eight to twelve, and large-area, multicoloured designs more. How quickly a design fades depends on the amount of ink, the depth of the needle work, the age of the tattoo and its location – we can give you a reliable figure after the test patch. A cover-up requires considerably fewer sessions.
Aftercare
- Cool the area for one to two days and keep it dry and clean
- Do not open blisters and do not pick off crusts – otherwise scarring may result
- No swimming pool, no sauna and no full baths for two weeks
- Consistent sun protection with SPF 50 until the end of the series
Fees
| Treatment | Fee |
|---|---|
| Consultation, usually with a small test laser patch | €50 |
| Design up to 5 cm² | from €110 |
| Design up to 20 cm² (e.g. wrist) | from €150 |
| Design up to 50 cm² (e.g. forearm) | from €250 |
Tattoo removal is an aesthetic self-pay service; it is billed under the GOÄ private fee schedule. The amounts apply per session and are final prices including 19 % VAT. We estimate the overall extent of treatment after the test patch.
Frequently asked questions
How much does tattoo removal cost in Frankfurt?
How many sessions are needed?
Is tattoo removal painful?
Does the tattoo disappear completely?
Who is allowed to remove tattoos with a laser in Germany?
Which tattoo colours can be removed?
Source: S2k-Leitlinie "Lasertherapie der Haut" (German S2k guideline on laser therapy of the skin, DDG); manufacturer information for the Asclepion TattooStar Effect