Getting tattoos is always an exciting journey, regardless of whether you’re getting one for sentimental reasons or just for fun. However, you still need to remember that this is a lifetime commitment. With that, you want to make sure that this tattoo is something you intend on keeping for a long time.
Unfortunately, there are still instances where people who have once gotten tattoos want them removed.
Reasons to get a tattoo removal
Poor work by previous tattoo artist
Sometimes what you show your tattoo artist as a point of reference may not be what you get. Getting your tattoo done by an inexperienced artist can cause issues such as muddy lines, sloppy colouring and terrible shading work. This is why doing your research on an experienced tattoo artist is incredibly important for the entire process. You wouldn’t want to pay money for a badly done tattoo.
Employment reasons
While the negative stigma surrounding people with tattoos is definitely changing across many industries in the working field, there are various sectors that are still stringent about their employees having visible tattoos. Some of these sectors include healthcare, law enforcement, law firms, and even the military in some countries. However, this still depends on the different requirements in different countries — some countries may allow healthcare professionals to have tattoos, while some still do not.
Tattoo regret
This is probably one of the most common reasons why people choose to get tattoos removed. This could be the name of a former lover, a misspelt quote, or something that was not well-thought-of at the time that looks out of date now.
A simple change of heart
Sometimes getting a tattoo removed can just be caused by a change of heart — it’s as simple as that! You may have gotten inked sometime in your teenage years and thought the tattoo looked nice at the time, but your personal perception of your tattoo could change overtime as well.
Types of tattoo removal procedures
With the advancement of technology comes the development of different tattoo removal procedures as well. Here are some of the most common types that you can look into if you’re thinking of getting a tattoo removed.
Laser treatments
Laser tattoo removals are the most popular and effective type of procedure to remove tattoos from the skin. Laser treatments are also considered to be one of the safer procedures as it is able to remove the tattoo ink without damaging the outer layer of the skin. Since tattoos are made up of thousands of ink particles suspended in the skin, what laser tattoo removal does is it uses light energy to penetrate the skin in order to reach the tattoo pigments. This energy then breaks up the ink and is eventually removed by the immune system.
Microdermabrasion and Salabrasion
Salabrasion is one of the oldest tattoo removal methods that are still in use today. What this does is that it uses a salt-based solution to sand down the layers of skin, which will eventually allow the tattoo ink to fade. Microdermabrasion, on the other hand, is a similar treatment that uses a rotating mechanical device instead of the salt-based solution. Even though these treatments are still available in some aesthetic clinics today, it is usually a painful procedure that may cause visible long-term damage to the epidermis.
Surgical skin excision
Did you know that tattoos can also be removed via surgical excision? This treatment is suitable for those who don’t mind going under the knife. What happens is that the skin containing the tattoo will be cut out and the skin surrounding the tattoo will be brought together and closed up. This technique is best suited for smaller tattoos, but not the most practical for larger ones. One downside to skin excisions is that it will definitely leave a surgical scar even after the treatment is completed.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels like Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) is another tattoo removal procedure. This mild acid will be applied onto the skin, where the tattoo is to remove the outer layer of the skin along with the tattoo pigments as well. Depending on your pain tolerance level, the use of TCA may cause mild pain but generally does not require the use of anaesthesia. Unfortunately, chemical peels will leave an open wound after the treatment and need to be cared for with creams or ointments prescribed by your doctor.
Tattoo removal creams
Due to its relatively low cost, tattoo removal creams are a popular choice for those looking for tattoo removal treatments. However, it may not be the most effective. The most that these creams can do is to superficially fade the tattoo pigments located in the epidermis, but it cannot penetrate deep into the skin enough to break down the ink particles completely. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to try alternative methods as tattoo removal creams may cause inflamed and irritated skin that may result in scarring.
Things to take note of before getting a tattoo removal
Tattoo removals cost way more than getting a tattoo in the first place. So before deciding on getting inked permanently, you want to make sure that it is a design that you’d want to keep for a lifetime.
In the event that you happen to go ahead with tattoo removal, some things to take into account are the cost, the quality of the treatment, and the clinic you will be going to. You want to make sure that the place where you will be receiving your treatment is reputable and only uses quality treatments for their clients. When you choose a clinic that specialises in tattoo removal, you’ll know for sure that you are in safe hands.
Top Tattoo Removal Service Provider in Singapore
Tattoo Removal Service |
Prive Clinic |
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About |
Want to remove your tattoo because of changes in lifestyle or beliefs? Privé Clinic Singapore Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment uses short intense pulses that leave the skin unharmed. Depending on the size, placement, depth and colour, several treatments may be needed.
Privé Clinic is a one-stop medical aesthetic centre offering expert solutions for your skin, face, body and hair needs. Through advanced, clinically-proven technology and medical-grade products, we are committed to helping every client look – and feel – their very best.
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Website |
https://www.priveclinic.com/clinic-services/others/tattoo-removal/ |
| Address |
Orchard (Palais Renaisance) & Serangoon (NEX) |
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Telephone |
9848 2888 (Palais) / 9171 3328 (NEX) |
| Operating Hours |
Palais:
Monday – Friday
10am to 9pm Saturday 10am to 7pm Closed on PH and Sundays
NEX:
Monday – Friday
10.30am to 10.30pm Saturday
10.30am to 10.30pm Sunday
10.30am to 10.30pm Public Holiday
1st & 2nd day Chinese New Year closed |
Tattoo Removal Service |
Amaris B Clinic |
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About |
PICO Tattoo Laser at Amaris B Clinic ensures the removal of the tattoos that have overstayed their welcome will no longer be an issue. Dr Ivan Puah holds a Graduate Diploma in Family Practice Dermatology from the National University of Singapore. He is the officially appointed trainer for PICOCARE in Singapore. |
| Pricing |
$98 onwards |
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Website |
https://www.amaris-b.com/skin/pico-tattoo-removal |
| Address |
140 Arab Street |
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Telephone |
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Operating Hours |
Weekdays: 9:30am – 7pm |
Tattoo Removal Service |
Dr. Cindy’s Medical Aesthetics |
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About |
The laser tattoo removal treatment at Dr Cindy’s Medical Aesthetics is performed by Singapore Medical Council (SMC) registered doctors. Using the Starwalker or Lutronic’s Q-switched Nd: YAG Spectra laser, a beam of energy penetrates deep into the skin to disintegrate tattoo ink into particles small enough for blood cells to process and remove from the body. |
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Website |
https://drcindy.com.sg/services/laser-tattoo-removal/ |
| Address |
Orchard, Jurong, Tampines & King Albert Park |
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Telephone |
Varies depending on the outlet |
Tattoo Removal Service |
S Aesthetics Clinic |
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About |
Picolaser is not a brand or name of a laser machine but refers to a type of laser technology. In the treatment of skin pigmentation or tattoos, energy from the laser is absorbed by the pigments which subsequently heats up the pigment molecules (melanin or ink particles). These molecules get shattered by laser energy into smaller particles, then absorbed and drained by the human immune system. |
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Website |
https://saestheticsclinic.com/tattoo-removal-singapore/ |
| Address |
9 Scotts Road #07-07, Scotts Medical Centre (Pacific Plaza)
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Telephone |
6235 0338 |
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Operating Hours |
Monday – Friday: 10am – 9pm Saturday: 10am – 6pm Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed |
Tattoo Removal Service |
Freia Medical |
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About |
The new generation Picosure laser uses picosecond 755nm technology to smash away stubborn tattoo pigments safely. Even the most challenging blue, green and purple inks or stubborn tattoos previously treated by conventional lasers can be effectively removed with this laser. With the Picosure laser, this has been reduced to half the original number of sessions required to clear tattoos, so you save time. |
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Website |
https://freia.sg/ |
| Address |
435 Orchard Road #19-03, Wisma Atria Office Tower |
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Telephone |
6735 8180 |
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Operating Hours |
Monday to Thursday: 9am – 7pm |
Tattoo Removal Service |
National Skin Centre |
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About |
The Q-Switched Nd: YAG Laser is a type of laser developed to remove blue, brown, black and possibly other colours of tattoo pigment and certain brown pigment growths and birthmarks from the skin. The number of treatment with the Q-Switched Nd: YAG Laser will vary depending on the lesion, size, location, colour and age of the patient and age of the tattoo. Most likely a total of three to seven visits/treatments or more will be necessary. |
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Website |
https://www.nsc.com.sg/ |
| Address |
1 Mandalay Rd |
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Telephone |
6350 6666
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Tattoo Removal Service |
Radium Aesthetics |
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About |
Radium Aesthetics’ doctors use a medical-grade, precise laser to significantly lighten or remove your tattoo. When the ink particles absorb the light from the laser, they are broken up into smaller fragments which are then absorbed by your body’s immune system. Bigger tattoos generally take a longer time to treat because you need to undergo more sessions to break the ink fragments down. Depending on the individual, tattoo removal can take from weeks to months for complete removal of the tattoo. |
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Website |
https://radium-aesthetics.com/ |
| Address |
3 Temasek Boulevard #03-325/326, Suntec City Mall |
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Telephone |
6837-0507 |
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Operating Hours |
Monday to Saturday – 10.30am to 8pm |
Tattoo Removal Service |
Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetics Clinic |
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About |
Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetics Clinic provides a comprehensive range of Medical Aesthetic Services and is equipped with advanced technology to help you look your best with minimal discomfort and downtime. Dr Edwin Lim’s core principle of aesthetic medicine is about empowering oneself through the enhancement of a person’s appearance with minimally invasive treatments. |
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Website |
https://edwinlimclinic.sg/laser-tattoo-removal-singapore/ |
| Address |
Changi (Changi City Point) & Orchard (Lucky Plaza) |
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Telephone |
69042218 |
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Operating Hours |
Mon-Fri – 11 am to 8 pm |
Tattoo Removal Service |
The Clifford Clinic |
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About |
With more than 40 years of experience in Dermatology, Aesthetics and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, our doctors at The Clifford Clinic understand your concerns when it comes to aesthetic services. At Clifford, their aim is to deliver natural-looking results with low downtime in the hands of safe and experienced doctors. They understand the needs of their patients and strive to meet these expectations. |
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Website |
https://cliffordclinic.com/ |
| Address |
24 Raffles Place, #01-03 Clifford Centre |
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Telephone |
6532 2400 |
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Operating Hours |
Mon to Fri: 10am to 8pm |
Tattoo Removal Service |
Assurance Skin and Laser Aesthetics |
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About |
Committed to dermatology since 1992, Dr Wong of Assurance Skin and Laser Aesthetics believes in seamlessly blending his clinical wisdom and medical experience with an assuring, personal touch. He goes beyond merely treating his patients to forging relationships with them, as he works toward making a difference in their skin health. |
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Website |
https://www.assuranceskin.com/tattoo-removal/ |
| Address |
Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Center #10-22 / 23, 38 Irrawaddy Road |
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Telephone |
6694 1121 |
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Operating Hours |
Mon-Fri: 9.00am-5.00pm; |
Tattoo Removal Service |
The Aesthetics Centre |
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About |
Dr. Anita Soosay has more than 10 years of experience in private practice as an Aesthetics Medicine practitioner in Singapore. She is one of the certified users of Thermage and VASER Liposelection when they were first introduced in Singapore, and was trained under the tutelage of Prof. Alberto Di Giuseppe in Bologna, Italy. She is a certified LASER physician since 2007 and with experience in operating a number of ablative and non-ablative lasers such as the CO2 laser, Q-switched Nd-YAG, long-pulsed Nd-YAG, Diode and Copper Bromide laser. |
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Website |
https://theaestheticscentre.com/ |
| Address | 1 Kim Seng Promenade #01-137 Great World City (Office Tower) |
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Telephone |
6820 3308 / 6820 3309 |
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Operating Hours |
Monday, Thursday: 11am to 8pm |
Tattoo Removal Service |
1Aesthetics Medical & Surgery |
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About |
1Aesthetics, Medical & Surgery is a premium boutique medical aesthetics clinic located in the heart of Singapore’s Riverside lifestyle quarter. In addition to premium medical aesthetics services, we are Medisave CDMP and MBS@Gov accredited and registered under the CHAS and SFL schemes to provide general practitioner or GP services. |
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Website |
https://1aesthetics.com/ |
| Address |
#14-90 The Central Tower 18 Eu Tong Sen Street |
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Telephone |
8489 9962 |
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Operating Hours |
Monday to Saturday: 11 AM to 8 PM |
Tattoo Removal Service |
Dr Eileen Tan (Skin, Laser & Hair Transplant Clinic) |
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About |
Dr Tan is a dermatologist accredited by the Specialist Accreditation Board. According to her website, she was the first Singaporean to win the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery Preceptorship Award in 2001. To remove tattoos, Dr Tan uses the Medlite laser which penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the tattoo ink. After which, the body’s natural filtering system removes the ink as the light absorption causes the ink to break down. Dr Tan estimates that on average, 3 – 7 sessions, spaced 6 – 8 weeks apart will be necessary. |
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Website |
http://www.eileentanskin.com/home |
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Telephone |
62238898 |
Tattoo Removal Service |
Beauty Recipe Aesthetics |
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About |
Beauty Recipe Aesthetics & Academy has over 40 years of experience in Beauty. As a multi award winning company, they have trained over 5000 students from all over 30 countries. Always in the forefront of latest technologies and techniques in the aesthetics industry. Using a certified removal solution by the United States Food and Drug Administration, Beauty Recipe Aesthetics will remove your tattoo without using lasers. This technique ensures that your skin will not scar, will be less painful, will not affect hair follicles, and will be just as effective as the laser method. |
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Website |
https://beautyrecipe.com.sg/non-laser-tattoo-removal/ |
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Contact |
Email: enquiry@beautyrecipe.com.sg Telephone : 6702 3062 (Somerset MRT) or 6232 7848 (Lavender MRT) |
| Address |
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Telephone |
6702 3062 (Orchard Road) / 9859 3982 (Marine Parade Central) |
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Operating Hours |
Monday to Sunday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm (Orchard Road)
Monday to Sunday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm (Marine Parade Central) |
Tattoo Removal Service |
Kowayo Aesthetic Clinic |
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About |
Traditionally, tattoo ink being targeted by Q-switched laser will be ‘melted’ and then be removed by the body.. Pico laser, being the most powerful laser in its class, is able to shatter the tattoo ink into much smaller particles before melting it away. This shattering effect (photo-acoustic) is due to high power + ultrafast pulse of Pico laser. The number of treatment sessions required is also significantly reduced as compared to the use of traditional laser, e.g. a black ink tattoo requires 10 sessions of traditional laser can be removed with Pico laser in just 3-4 sessions. |
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Website |
https://kowayo.com/ |
| Address | 1 Raffles link 01-03B |
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Telephone |
6884 4280 |
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Operating Hours |
Monday to Friday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Saturday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Closed on Sundays and PH |
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FAQs
What are the different procedures of tattoo removal?
– Microdermabrasion and Salabrasion
– Surgical skin excision
– Chemical peels
– Tattoo removal creams
