What to ask before booking a consultation

Ask who will perform the treatment

In some Australian states, laser tattoo removal can be performed by practitioners who are not medical professionals. Ask directly: who will be performing my treatment, and what training and qualifications do they have? A confident clinic will answer clearly.

Ask about the laser technology

Q-switched and picosecond lasers are the most common technologies for tattoo removal. Ask what laser the clinic uses and whether it's appropriate for your ink colours and skin type. Be cautious of clinics that can't or won't answer this clearly.

Ask for a realistic session estimate

No ethical practitioner can tell you exactly how many sessions you'll need until they've assessed the tattoo in person. But they should be able to give you a range. If a clinic guarantees a specific number of sessions at booking without seeing the tattoo, treat that as a red flag.

Ask about aftercare and downtime

Recovery varies by person and treatment area. Ask what to expect after each session — redness, blistering, and scabbing are all possible. A good clinic will give you clear aftercare instructions and tell you what to watch for.

Tip: Write your questions down before the consultation. It's easy to forget in the moment.