The evolution of tattoo removal: How LaserTat has changed the industry since 2012
When we first opened the doors to LaserTat in 2012, the world of tattoo removal looked very different. Back then, many people simply did not believe that a tattoo could actually be removed. Tattoos were considered strictly permanent, and the idea of a laser safely erasing ink from the skin felt like science fiction to most.
Fast forward to today, and laser tattoo removal has become a mainstream, highly trusted process. As Adelaide’s most trusted laser tattoo removal clinic, we have had a front row seat to this incredible evolution. We have seen trends come and go, technology advance in leaps and bounds, and thousands of clients reclaim their skin.
Where it all began for LaserTat
Our founder, Amanda McKinnon, was inspired to dive into the world of laser tattoo removal by her husband Kelly, a well respected tattoo artist in Adelaide. It was a perfect partnership: he puts them on, and she takes them off.
Amanda purchased her first laser tattoo removal machine in 2012 and set up shop in the historical port side town of Port Adelaide. In those early days, the biggest hurdle was education. We spent a lot of time explaining the science behind laser removal to clients who were skeptical that their unwanted ink could truly disappear.
As our clients began to see real, undeniable results, word of mouth spread. Trust in the process grew, and so did our clinic. Today, LaserTat has expanded into a dedicated space with three treatment rooms and a team that has doubled in size to meet the growing demand. We are incredibly proud to have performed over 10,000 treatments, helping people from all walks of life feel comfortable in their own skin.
The changing trends in unwanted ink
The types of tattoos people want removed have shifted dramatically over the last decade. In the early 2010s, our clinic saw a heavy influx of clients wanting to remove specific trends from the late 90s and early 2000s. We treated countless heavy tribal pieces, lower back designs, and Southern Cross tattoos that people felt they had simply outgrown.
As the tattoo industry itself evolved, so did our clientele. We began seeing a huge rise in clients wanting to fade their existing tattoos specifically to make room for new, higher quality artwork. Fading for cover ups became a massive part of our business, working closely with local tattoo artists to give them the perfect blank canvas.
Today, the landscape has shifted again. Recent statistics show that one in five Australians now have at least one tattoo, and the demand for removal has surged by over 440 percent in the last ten years. We are now performing many more complete removals for clients who want a completely fresh start. We have also seen a significant rise in the removal of cosmetic tattoos, such as eyebrow tattooing and scalp micropigmentation (SMP), as beauty trends change and people seek a more natural look.
How technology has revolutionised the process
The biggest driver behind the surge in tattoo removal is the incredible advancement in laser technology. In the past, older lasers were often slow, limited in the colours they could treat, and carried a higher risk of skin damage.
At LaserTat, we have always invested in the absolute best technology available. We use cutting edge Cynosure lasers, specifically the Q-Switch and PicoSure models. This combination of technology is a game changer for our clients.
Having multiple wavelengths allows us to safely and effectively target every single ink colour across the spectrum. The Q-Switch laser penetrates deep to fade stubborn ink deposits, while the PicoSure laser uses rapid picosecond technology to shatter difficult colours like blues and greens. This means we can remove tattoos quicker, safer, and more effectively than ever before, regardless of the ink colour or skin type.
Boosting your results with extra treatments
As our understanding of the body's healing process has grown, we have introduced new ways to help our clients get the best possible results. The laser's job is to shatter the ink into tiny particles, but it is actually your body's lymphatic system that flushes those particles away.
To speed up this natural clearing process, we now offer supplementary treatments that work hand in hand with our laser services. We utilise skin needling to help break down scar tissue and loosen trapped ink, allowing the laser to penetrate more effectively. We also offer lymphatic massage, which stimulates the body's natural waste removal system to clear away the shattered ink particles much faster.
These extra treatments not only boost the fading process between laser sessions but also keep the skin healthy, smooth, and strong.
