Laser Tattoo Removal Melbourne
Q-switched laser for body tattoos, cosmetic tattoos, and permanent makeup — Springvale studio. From $80 per session. Realistic expectations, honest assessments.
Body Laser Tattoo Removal in Melbourne
Melbourne Designer Brows operates a dedicated laser tattoo removal studio in Springvale, serving clients from across south-east Melbourne and beyond. We use Q-switched laser technology — the clinical standard — to treat body tattoos of varying sizes, colours, and ages. Whether you want to remove an old tattoo entirely, fade it significantly, or prepare for a cover-up, we work with you to set realistic expectations and build a treatment plan suited to your specific tattoo and skin.
We also remove cosmetic tattoos — eyebrow tattoos, microblading, eyeliner, and lip liner — using both laser and saline methods. If your primary goal is cosmetic brow tattoo removal, see our dedicated eyebrow tattoo removal page. For directions, parking and hours, see our Springvale studio page.
What Our Laser Removal Treats
Q-switched laser is effective across a range of tattoo types — decorative and cosmetic
Body Tattoos
Decorative tattoos of various sizes — from small single motifs to larger multi-panel works. Dark inks (black, navy, dark brown) respond best to Q-switched laser. Reds and blues are also treatable.
We discuss realistic outcomes at consultation — including which ink colours are more resistant and how many sessions a tattoo of your size and type is likely to require.
Cosmetic Tattoos & Permanent Makeup
Eyebrow tattoos (microblading, nano brows, powder brows, ombré), eyeliner tattoo, lip liner — any cosmetic tattoo that has aged poorly, changed shape, or is no longer wanted.
Older permanent makeup often ages to blue or grey tones — laser can target these discoloured pigments selectively. We also offer saline removal as an alternative for certain brow tattoo types.
Cover-Up Preparation
Fading an existing tattoo with laser before a cover-up significantly expands the design options available to a tattoo artist — lighter coverage allows more creative freedom.
Several sessions of laser fading is often more effective than attempting to cover a dark tattoo directly. We can discuss realistic fading goals at your consultation.
Laser removal is available at our Springvale studio only — Shop 4, 218 Springvale Rd, Springvale VIC 3171. Our Richmond studio offers saline removal for cosmetic brow tattoos.
How Q-Switched Laser Works
The science behind the clinical standard for tattoo removal
Why Tattoos Persist Without Treatment
Tattoo pigment sits in the dermis — held in place by immune cells (macrophages) that trap particles too large to transport away. That is why tattoos remain stable for decades without intervention. Removal works by fragmenting those pigment particles into sizes small enough for the lymphatic system to clear.
Selective Photothermolysis
Q-switched lasers deliver ultra-short nanosecond pulses of concentrated light energy. The rapid energy absorption creates photoacoustic shockwaves that shatter pigment particles — while leaving surrounding tissue largely unaffected. Different ink colours absorb different wavelengths, which is why some colours are more resistant than others:
- Black & dark brown: Absorb broadly — best response to laser treatment
- Dark blue & red: Generally treatable with appropriate wavelengths
- Green, yellow, white: More resistant — may require additional sessions or may achieve fading rather than full clearance
What to Expect Across Sessions
- Sessions 1–3: Initial pigment fragmentation; early fading visible. Temporary redness or mild swelling for a few days is normal.
- Sessions 4–6: Progressive fading becomes more noticeable as your body continues clearing fragmented ink between appointments.
- Sessions 7+: Further reduction of remaining pigment. Dense, saturated areas or resistant ink colours may require additional treatment.
Individual results vary. The number of sessions required cannot be guaranteed — your technician will give an informed estimate at consultation.
Factors That Affect Removal Speed
- Ink colour: Dark pigments respond fastest; light and mixed colours are more resistant
- Ink depth & density: Deeply placed or heavily saturated tattoos require more sessions
- Tattoo age: Older tattoos often have naturally faded pigment, which can aid removal
- Location: Well-circulated areas (face, upper body) tend to clear faster than extremities
- Skin type: Darker skin tones require carefully adjusted parameters to minimise pigmentation risk
- Immune health: A healthy lymphatic system clears fragmented pigment more efficiently
Your Removal Journey
From first consultation through to your treatment sessions
- Consultation & Assessment — We examine your tattoo, discuss your goals, assess ink colour and density, and determine whether laser, saline, or a combination is most appropriate. A patch test may be conducted for laser.
- Treatment Plan & Expectations — We provide an informed estimate of the sessions likely needed and explain honest, realistic outcomes. We do not promise complete removal — outcomes depend on your tattoo and individual factors.
- Comfort Preparation — If you requested numbing cream when booking ($30 per session), it is applied first and given 20–30 minutes to take effect.
- Laser Session — The Q-switched laser is applied to the tattoo area. Sessions typically take 15–45 minutes depending on the size of the area.
- Aftercare — A cooling agent is applied post-treatment. Detailed written aftercare instructions are provided to support healing and minimise any adverse effects.
- Subsequent Sessions — Follow-up treatments are spaced approximately 6–8 weeks apart to allow full healing and pigment clearance between sessions.
Comfort: Most clients describe laser removal as a brief sensation similar to a rubber band snap. Numbing cream is available for $30 per session — ask for it when you book so we can schedule the extra time.
Transparent Pricing
Priced by tattoo size, from $80 per session. Pay as you go with every 6th session half price, or save with a treatment course.
| Size | Approx. Session | Per Session |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Small (up to 2×2cm) | 5–10 min | $80 |
| Small (up to 5×5cm) | 10–15 min | $120 |
| Medium (up to 8×8cm) | 15–20 min | $180 |
| Large (up to 12×12cm) | 20–30 min | $250 |
| Extra Large (up to 20×20cm) | 25–40 min | $350 |
Body sections and larger pieces are quoted individually from $180 per session. A consultation at our Springvale studio will provide a precise quote for your tattoo.
How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost in Melbourne?
Your total depends on the tattoo's size, its colours and how many sessions it needs. Some worked examples from our price list:
- A small tattoo (up to 5×5cm), black ink: $120 per session pay as you go. A 6-session Fade course is $600 ($100 per session).
- The same tattoo with coloured ink: add the colour surcharge of +$30 per session where a second laser wavelength is needed.
- A forearm piece (wrist to elbow): priced as a body section at $450 per session, colour +$50.
- Two tattoos in the same appointment: the largest is charged at full rate and each additional tattoo is 20% off its own size band — a Small ($120) plus an Extra Small ($80) is $184 instead of $200.
- Eyebrow tattoo removal: $100 per laser session for both brows, or $80 for partial removal (tails or correction). See eyebrow tattoo removal.
Pay as you go has no lock-in, and every 6th pay-as-you-go session on body tattoo removal is half price. Courses (6 sessions for the price of 5, or 10 for the price of 8) are only offered after your first session, so we can confirm the right course before you commit. The number of sessions you need can't be guaranteed in advance — we give an informed estimate at consultation. Full details are on the tattoo removal price list.
Before Your First Laser Session
- Free consultation: no obligation. If you're happy to go ahead, we can usually treat you the same day.
- Free test pulse: done at the start of your first session to set the laser for your skin and ink.
- Test patch (free): needed only for white or flesh-toned inks and some skin types. Treatment begins 8 weeks after the patch.
- Numbing cream: $30 per session, requested when you book — it can't be added on arrival.
- Shave the area 24 hours before your appointment, or a $20 shaving fee applies on the day.
- Need to reschedule? Please give at least 48 hours' notice.
Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare & Side Effects
What the treated skin goes through after each session, and how to look after it
First 48 Hours
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Cold compress for 5–10 minutes every few hours to ease swelling
- Avoid tight clothing over the treated area
- Raise the area when you can to reduce swelling
Days 3–14
- Moisturise with a fragrance-free lotion
- Wash gently with mild, fragrance-free soap
- Don't pick or scratch, even if blisters form
- No pools, spas or saunas until healed
- Keep it out of the sun; SPF 30+ once healed
Common, Temporary Side Effects
Redness, swelling and a white ‘frosting’ straight after treatment are normal, and blistering or temporary changes in skin texture can follow. Scarring is uncommon when aftercare is followed, but picking blisters or scabs raises the risk. Darker skin types are treated with more conservative settings, which may mean more sessions.
When We Won't Treat on the Day
If the area has an active tan, recent sun exposure, sunburn or an infection, it isn't safe to laser it that day (on a course, that session counts as used). So avoid tanning and keep the area out of the sun before each session. Full terms are on the tattoo removal price list.
Springvale Laser Removal Studio
Our laser removal studio serves clients from across south-east Melbourne, including Springvale, Noble Park, Dandenong, Keysborough, Mulgrave, and clients travelling from across the Melbourne metro area.
Looking for tattoo removal near you in the CBD, St Kilda, South Melbourne, South Yarra or Footscray? Springvale is our only laser studio, and it's a short walk from Springvale Station on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, which run through the city. For saline removal of cosmetic brow tattoos, our Richmond studio on Bridge Rd is closer to the inner suburbs.
Hours
Wed & Thu: 11am–6pm
Sat: 11am–5pm
Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun: Closed
By appointment only
Getting There
Street parking available on Springvale Rd and surrounding streets. Short walk from Springvale Station (Cranbourne & Pakenham lines).
Explore Tattoo Removal Options
Frequently Asked Questions
What body tattoos can laser remove in Melbourne?
Q-switched laser can address decorative body tattoos of most sizes and many ink colours. Dark pigments — black, navy, dark brown — respond best. Multicolour tattoos including reds and blues are also treatable, though lighter colours such as green, yellow, and white may require more sessions or may achieve significant fading rather than complete clearance. A consultation at our Springvale studio will give you an honest assessment specific to your tattoo.
How many sessions does laser tattoo removal take?
The number of sessions varies and cannot be guaranteed in advance. Body tattoos commonly require 4–12+ sessions depending on size, ink density, colours, age of the tattoo, and how your body processes the fragmented pigment. Sessions are spaced approximately 6–8 weeks apart to allow your immune system time to clear the broken-down ink between treatments.
How much does laser tattoo removal cost in Melbourne?
At Melbourne Designer Brows, laser tattoo removal is priced by tattoo size, starting from $80 per session (Extra Small, up to 2×2cm) up to $350 per session (Extra Large, up to 20×20cm). Body sections and larger pieces start from $180 per session. Every 6th pay-as-you-go session is half price, and treatment courses offer 6 sessions for the price of 5, or 10 for the price of 8. A consultation will provide a precise quote for your specific tattoo.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Most clients describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. Numbing cream is available for $30 per session — request it when you book, as it needs 20–30 minutes to take effect and we schedule extra time for it (it cannot be added on arrival). Sensation and tolerance vary between individuals and treatment areas — larger body areas may take slightly longer per session.
Where is the laser removal studio located?
Laser tattoo removal is available at our Springvale studio — Shop 4, 218 Springvale Rd, Springvale VIC 3171. This is the only Melbourne Designer Brows location with laser removal capability, serving clients from across south-east Melbourne and the broader Melbourne area. Easily accessible by car (parking nearby) and by train via Springvale Station on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.
What is the difference between laser and saline tattoo removal?
Laser (Q-switched) uses concentrated light pulses to shatter pigment particles, and is the primary option for body tattoos and dense or dark inks. Saline removal uses an osmotic process — a salt solution draws pigment to the skin surface via scab formation — and is colour-blind, making it suitable for certain cosmetic brow tattoos with mixed or lighter pigments. For body tattoos, laser is generally the recommended approach. We assess each client at consultation and recommend the most appropriate method.
Is the tattoo removal consultation free?
Yes. The consultation is free, with no obligation. We measure your tattoo, assess the ink, discuss your goals and give you a quote. If you're happy to go ahead, we can usually treat you the same day. A free test pulse is performed at the start of your first session so the laser can be set for your skin and ink.
Does colour tattoo removal cost more?
Sometimes. A colour surcharge applies where your tattoo needs more than one laser wavelength in each session — usually when it contains coloured ink as well as black — because this roughly doubles the treatment time. The surcharge ranges from +$30 (Small and Medium) to +$50 (Extra Large and most body sections). Tattoos in black alone, or a single ink colour, carry no surcharge. It is confirmed at your free consultation.
Can I fade a tattoo for a cover-up instead of removing it?
Yes. If you're fading for a cover-up rather than maximum fading, fewer sessions may be needed, and we offer a 3-session Cover-Up Fade course as well as 6 and 10-session courses (courses are offered after your first session). We'll advise how much fading your tattoo artist is likely to need at your consultation.
What are the side effects of laser tattoo removal?
Side effects are usually minor and temporary: redness, swelling, a white 'frosting' reaction straight after treatment, blistering, and temporary changes in skin texture. Scarring is uncommon when aftercare is followed, but it can happen — especially if blisters or scabs are picked. Darker skin types need more conservative laser settings to reduce the risk of pigment changes. We check for anything that makes treatment unsuitable at your consultation.
What should I do after a laser tattoo removal session?
For the first 48 hours, keep the area clean and dry, use a cold compress for 5–10 minutes every few hours to ease swelling, and avoid tight clothing over it. For the next two weeks, moisturise with a fragrance-free lotion, wash gently with mild fragrance-free soap, don't pick or scratch (even if blisters form), and stay out of pools, spas and saunas until the skin has healed. Keep the area out of the sun and use SPF 30+ once healed. You'll get written aftercare instructions at every session.
Ready to Start Your Removal?
Book a consultation at our Springvale studio to discuss laser tattoo removal — body tattoos, cosmetic tattoos, or permanent makeup. Honest assessments, realistic expectations.
Laser Tattoo Removal
From $80