Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long will it take to remove my tattoo and how much will it cost?

For most machine-made black tattoos, we estimate 8 to 12 sessions for full removal—but it can take longer. Many factors affect how quickly a tattoo fades, including ink depth, location, skin type, and your body’s immune response. We’ll talk through all of this at your consultation.

As sessions are spaced at least 8 weeks apart, a full course of removal typically takes 2 to 3 years to complete.

We like to provide a price estimate before you visit us. To get started, simply send us a clear photo of your tattoo—we’ll reply with an estimated cost, which we’ll confirm in person at your consultation.

For general pricing guidance, please see our Prices page.

Why do I have to wait 8 weeks between treatments?

We require at least 8 weeks between tattoo removal sessions. This gives your body time to clear the ink particles broken down by the laser, and allows your skin to heal fully before the next treatment.

While it might be tempting to come back sooner, we’ve found that shorter intervals don’t improve results—they just cost you more. Allowing enough time between sessions is essential for safe, effective fading.

Other clinics say they can remove my tattoo in fewer sessions—why do you estimate more?

Some clinics suggest that tattoos can be fully removed in just a few sessions. While this may sound appealing, in practice it often means partial fading rather than true clearance. Ask to see their before and after pictures.

We prefer to be completely honest about what’s achievable. Most professional tattoos require 8 to 12 sessions for full removal, spaced at least 8 weeks apart. This typically means a full course takes 2 to 3 years, but it gives the best possible results while protecting your skin.

We don’t overpromise or rush the process—we give you realistic timelines and safe, evidence-based treatment from day one.

Why is the Highland Laser Clinic Technology better than other systems?

We use a premium, medical-grade active Q-switched laser for tattoo removal. These systems are powerful, precise, and clinically proven for safely removing both black and coloured ink.

By contrast, passive Q-switched lasers—often sold as cheap, portable machines—are far more common and far less effective. These are usually mass-produced in China and marketed to non-medical settings. While they may fade black tattoos slightly, they struggle with colour and frequently cause widespread scarring. They are not fit for purpose and, frankly, should be banned.

If someone points something that looks like a hose with a gun on the end, consider it a red flag and walk away.

👉 See our blog post: Spotting Cowboys to learn more.

At Highland Laser Clinic, we use the Quanta Q-Plus C Evo—a dual laser system with both Q-Switched Nd:YAG and Q-Switched Ruby lasers.

• The Nd:YAG laser effectively removes black, red, yellow, and dark blue inks.

• The Ruby laser is excellent for light blues and greens, which are usually resistant to treatment with other systems.

Unlike many cheaper lasers that create uneven energy delivery (hot spots in the centre and weaker edges), our Quanta system uses Optibeam® technology to deliver a flat-top “top hat” energy profile across a square spot.

This means energy is distributed evenly across the treatment area—making it safer, more consistent, and more effective.

If I have a tattoo removed, can I get another tattoo in its place?

Yes, absolutely. This is often referred to as “preparation for cover-up.” The laser treatment process is the same, but because the goal is to fade the existing tattoo rather than remove it entirely, you’ll need fewer sessions.

Our general estimate is around 6 sessions to prepare for a cover-up—but this varies depending on the tattoo you have now and the design you want to put over it. The more fading we achieve, the smaller and lighter your new cover-up tattoo can be.

Please note that we focus solely on laser removal—we don’t offer tattooing services. However, we’re happy to recommend excellent tattoo studios in the Inverness area based on their artistry and reputation.

Can you remove permanent makeup or cosmetic tattoos?

We treat cosmetic and microbladed eyebrow tattoos, with most clients needing 4 to 6 sessions for effective fading or removal. Because facial skin is more delicate, we require SuperStack treatment for brow tattoo removal—it offers a safer, more precise approach. Sessions are charged at £125 per visit.

We’re often asked to treat just part of the brows, but we don’t recommend this. Treating only a section can lead to uneven colour changes or a patchy result, which may look more noticeable than the original work. Instead, we recommend treating the entire brow area evenly for a more natural fade. If you choose to have them re-tattooed later, that’s entirely your decision—but a clean, neutral canvas gives the best result.

We tend not to treat lip tattoos, as there’s a high risk of the pigment darkening or turning black when lasered. We’re always happy to discuss this in consultation, but in our experience, most clients choose not to proceed once they understand the risks.

We also do not treat scalp micropigmentation (SMP) or “hair tattoos.” These cover a large area, carry a high risk of colour change, and may damage hair follicles. For these reasons, we do not currently offer laser treatment for this type of cosmetic tattoo.

What should I do before coming for treatment?

To make your tattoo removal session as safe and effective as possible, please follow these guidelines:

• Stay hydrated on the day of treatment, and don’t skip meals—especially if you’re having a larger area treated.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo and won’t irritate the area afterwards.

• Avoid applying any creams, moisturisers, or skincare products to the treatment area on the day of your appointment.

• Don’t attend if you're hungover, intoxicated, or feeling unwell. It’s best to reschedule if you’re under the weather.

• If the tattoo is in a hairy area, please shave the skin 24 hours in advance using a good-quality, clean razor.

• Avoid sun exposure, sunbeds, and fake tan on the treatment area for at least 4 weeks before each session.

Will it hurt?

Yes—it can be uncomfortable, and most people find that laser tattoo removal is more painful than getting the tattoo in the first place. That said, it’s over much faster, with most sessions taking just a few minutes.

Clients often describe the sensation as being pinged repeatedly with a rubber band. The good news is that the discomfort is mostly during the procedure itself—afterwards, most people feel fine, with only mild sensitivity in the treated area.

If you choose SuperStack enhanced removal, the sensation tends to be less intense but spread out over a slightly longer time. Most clients prefer this, as it’s experienced as more tolerable than the sharp snap of a single, high-energy pass.

To help reduce discomfort, we recommend taking paracetamol about an hour before your appointment, if it’s safe for you to do so. You’ll receive a text message to remind you to do this. Please do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, as these may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding. (This is a general recommendation—we are not prescribers and do not offer medical advice.)

We also use a medical-grade cold air blower to chill the skin before, during, and after treatment. This protects your skin and makes the experience significantly more comfortable.

How does the skin look after treatment?

Immediately after treatment, the tattoo will appear white or “frosted”—this is a normal reaction and fades within a few minutes. The area may then become red, warm, and slightly swollen.

We apply a soothing antimicrobial gel straight after treatment, and if needed, we’ll cover the area with a sterile dressing for protection.

If you’re having SuperStack enhanced tattoo removal, you may notice a small amount of pinpoint bleeding on the surface of the skin. This is normal, and many clients report that they actually heal faster after SuperStack sessions compared to standard treatments.

The treated area typically settles within 3 to 7 days, and is fully healed by 2 to 4 weeks. Fading continues gradually over the full 8 weeks between treatments.

Will tattoo removal scar me?

Scarring is rare. With proper care and the right equipment, the risk is very low.

Occasionally, textural changes from the original tattooing process may become more noticeable as the ink fades. This isn’t caused by the laser, but can become more apparent once pigment is removed. SuperStack resurfaces your skin and often reduces the appearance of this.

Scarring directly from laser treatment is possible but very uncommon, and is usually linked to poor aftercare, such as picking or scratching the skin while it heals. With our current equipment and protocols, we estimate a scarring rate of less than 1% among all clients treated.

It’s worth noting that not all tattoo removal systems are safe. Cheap lasers—especially passive Q-switched machines, carry a much higher risk of scarring.

We also strongly advise against non-laser tattoo removal methods, which are either ineffective or cause unacceptable levels of skin damage.

Are there any other side effects?

This procedure is extremely safe—we simply wouldn’t offer it if it wasn’t.

Blisters can occasionally occur, but they are not a sign of anything going wrong. They do, however, require proper care. We offer a full aftercare service to manage this if it happens. SuperStack helps reduce the risk of blistering, so it’s a preferred option for clients who aren’t able to return to the clinic for follow-up care.

Some clients may experience lightening of the skin (hypopigmentation) during their treatment course, especially in areas where coloured ink has been removed. This is quite common and usually improves with time.

Can you treat problem hair on my face?

Yes—we can. We specialise in treating problem facial hair and have helped many women across Highland and Moray achieve lasting results. Whether it's hormonal, hereditary, or simply unwanted, we can tailor a treatment plan that works for you.

How long will my hair removal take and how much will it cost?

Our standard estimate for full hair removal is 6 to 8 sessions, with treatments spaced at around 8 weeks. You can choose to come more frequently for faster progress, but this may mean needing a few extra sessions overall.

On average, a full course of treatment takes around a year to complete.

For details on individual session costs and packages, please see our Prices page.

Will I get full removal?

Probably—if your hair is dark. Black and brown hair respond extremely well to laser, and most clients achieve full removal within 6 to 8 sessions.

Laser works by targeting melanin (pigment) in the hair to destroy the follicle. However, even with advanced systems like ours, not every follicle in the active growth phase (anagen) will be successfully destroyed in a single session. The proportion of follicles destroyed per treatment is high—but it’s never 100%.

The darker the hair, the higher this success rate.

• Blonde hair contains less melanin, so absorbs less energy.

• Red hair contains pheomelanin, a more reflective pigment, making it harder to treat effectively.

• White and grey hairs often contain no melanin at all, so are unlikely to respond to laser treatment.

Many older clients have a mix of dark and white hairs. In these cases, we often recommend starting with laser to clear the darker hairs, followed by electrolysis to finish the job.

We don't offer electrolysis ourselves, but we’re happy to recommend Peppermint Beauty in Dingwall for high quality professional electrolysis treatments.

Will my hair grow back again later?

Possibly. Laser hair removal offers long-term results, but hormonally driven hair growth can sometimes cause new follicles to form over time.

In men who are not taking hormone replacement therapy, some degree of regrowth is guaranteed, and it can be quite rapid. Ongoing maintenance treatments are typically required to manage results long term.

In women, facial hair is also commonly affected by hormones. Maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months may be needed, depending on the individual.

For other areas, such as legs, arms, underarms, or bikini, long-term removal is generally expected, although some regrowth is still possible.

We also treat a small number of clients who require ongoing treatment with no fixed end point. All of these individuals have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, not everyone with PCOS will experience persistent regrowth, and we tailor advice accordingly.

We’ll always discuss your specific needs and expectations during your consultation to create a realistic, supportive treatment plan.

Why is the Highland Laser Clinic Technology better than IPL or other systems?

Diode lasers are usually swept back and forth over the skin, gradually building heat in the hair follicles. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses a broad flash of light—similar to a large camera flash—to do the same. Both approaches are relatively inefficient, often cause unnecessary skin heating and discomfort, and may lead to incomplete results.

At Highland Laser Clinic, we use the Quanta Duetto platform, which combines two native laser sources (Alexandrite and Nd:YAG) that can be used individually or simultaneously. These lasers deliver energy in a precise, short pulse—targeting the follicle quickly and effectively without heating the surrounding skin.

Full removal is unlikely with IPL or diode systems. Often, the hair grows back finer and lighter, then becomes resistant to further treatment. In some cases, continued IPL or diode use can cause paradoxical hair growth, where the treatment actually stimulates new hair to grow.

If you’ve been left in this situation, we may still be able to help.

Does it hurt?

There’s a bit of discomfort, but most people tolerate laser hair removal very well. Treatments are quick, and we use a powerful cold air blower built into the laser head to cool your skin during treatment. This makes the process significantly more comfortable.

Some areas are more sensitive than others—shins can be a bit nippy, and certain parts of the bikini area may ping a little more.

If it’s safe for you, we recommend taking paracetamol about an hour before your appointment to help take the edge off. You will receive a text message to remind you to do this.

Why doesn’t the laser clear all the hair the first time round, why do I need repeat treatments?

Ah, good question—and one we get a lot. There are two main reasons:

1. Some hairs need more than one hit to fully destroy the follicle

2. More importantly, not all hairs are treatable at the same time because of the way hair grows.

Hair grows in phases. There are at least three key stages (this is a simplified model, but it's enough to explain why laser takes time):

• Anagen (active growth): The hair is attached to the base of the follicle, where the dermal papilla sits. This is the critical structure that fuels hair growth. During this phase, laser energy can travel down the hair shaft and denature—or “cook”—the dermal papilla, effectively disabling the follicle’s ability to regrow. This is the only time laser can permanently affect the hair.

• Catagen (transition): The hair detaches from the base and the follicle begins to shrink. Since the dermal papilla is no longer accessible, laser won’t work.

• Telogen (resting/shedding): The follicle is inactive. A club hair may still be sitting higher up in the skin, but it’s no longer growing and is well away from the base. There’s nothing for the laser to target.

Each individual follicle follows its own cycle, so only a proportion of your hairs are treatable at each session. We space treatments apart to catch different hairs when they cycle into Anagen, which is why laser hair removal is always done as a course of treatments—not a one-off procedure.

Telogen can last for several months, so we usually recommend that your course of treatment takes place over about a year. This gives us the best chance of catching as many follicles as possible at the right time.

Why do I have to shave before and between treatments? (Even if it’s facial hair?)

We know it might feel odd—especially for women dealing with facial hair—but shaving is essential for successful laser treatment.

Laser needs a target: the pigment inside the hair, which absorbs the energy and carries it down to the dermal papilla (the growth centre of the follicle). If we can heat and denature the dermal papilla, that follicle will shut down and stop producing hair.

If you wax, pluck, thread, or epilate, you remove the hair shaft entirely—so there’s nothing for the laser to target. You’re forcing the follicle into the telogen (resting) phase, where it’s completely untreatable.

So yes, even if you’re a woman with facial hair, we do ask you to shave.

That said, we know shaving your face can feel like a big step. You can ease into it by starting laser after 4 weeks of shaving. Some clients choose to have their first few sessions every 6 weeks to get on top of the problem more quickly, before switching to longer intervals.

We recommend:

• 8-week intervals for best value (fewer sessions overall)

• 6-week intervals for faster visual improvement (but you may need more sessions)

Use a good quality multi-blade razor. Change blades regularly to avoid irritation and ensure a close shave.

Shaving can stimulate hair growth in some people. If that’s a concern, use a pair of sharp facial scissors to carefully trim problem hairs between treatments instead. Pocket sized electric razors such as the Flawless device can also be a good alternative to tweezers for dealing with the odd hair—without interfering with your treatment.

Do I need to grow my hair out?

No, it needs to be nice and short please. You might be used to growing hair out for waxing, but that’s not necessary for laser. In fact, long hair can get in the way. We ask that you shave the area a day or two before your appointment so that the hair is short but still present inside the follicle.

Shaving before treatment helps in three key ways:

• It reduces discomfort. If the hair is too long and lying on the skin’s surface, you’ll feel it more.

• Less side effects. Lasering hair on the surface can leave small brown scorch marks that last a day or two.

• It makes the treatment more effective. Longer hair can block the laser from reaching deep into the follicle, which is where the energy needs to go.

We don’t recommend waxing, plucking, threading, or epilating, as these remove the hair root—and we need that in place for laser to work.

I have lots of tiny little hairs on my face, can you get rid of them? 

These fine, downy hairs are known as vellus hair, or more commonly, peach fuzz—and almost everyone has them to some degree.

Laser hair removal is not designed to treat vellus hair, and we generally don’t recommend it for this purpose. These hairs usually don’t contain enough pigment for the laser to target effectively, and even when they do respond, the results tend to be temporary. Because vellus hairs aren't rooted in the same way as terminal (primary) hairs, they often grow back over time.

If peach fuzz is bothering you, we recommend dermaplaning as a safe, effective way to remove it. This gives a smoother appearance and can be repeated regularly as needed.

Heavenly Bliss in Avoch is run by a lovely therapist we know and trust. Her dermaplaning treatments are ideal for this type of concern.

If you're unsure whether your facial hair is suitable for laser, just ask—we’re always happy to advise during your consultation.

Can you remove hair from dark skins types?

Yes—for most skin types. Our laser system includes two wavelengths:

• Alexandrite 755nm, ideal for all paler skin types

• Nd:YAG 1064nm, better suited to darker skin types

For most pale-skinned clients, we use Alexandrite on its own. For clients with darker skin, we use a simultaneous blend of 755nm and 1064nm, which offers improved safety and effectiveness for those with more melanin-rich skin.

We're able to treat up to Fitzpatrick skin type 4. Unfortunately, due to the terms of our insurance, we’re not currently covered to treat Fitzpatrick type 5 or 6.

If you're not sure where you fall on the Fitzpatrick scale—or if you've been refused treatment elsewhere—we’re happy to discuss your options sensitively and transparently during consultation.

I’m undergoing gender reassignment—can you help with hair removal?

Yes, absolutely. We’re proud to offer a trans-friendly and we regularly welcome clients from across Highland, Moray and beyond.

If you’ve already started hormone therapy, you’re likely to see better long-term results, as testosterone levels strongly influence regrowth. That said, many clients choose to begin laser before starting feminising medication, and that’s completely valid. We’ll talk you through what to expect based on where you’re at in your journey.

In our experience, clients with hormone levels in the expected range tend to see excellent results. We’ve only seen regrowth in one case where testosterone remained unusually high. We'll always be honest about what to expect and work with you to get the best outcome possible.

What are the side effects and risks?

Laser hair removal is an extremely safe treatment when performed properly—but like all procedures, it does carry some risks.

The main risk factor is having product on your skin at the time of treatment.
Makeup, moisturiser, SPF, or any kind of residue—especially self-tanning products—can cause the laser to react unpredictably, potentially leading to burns, blistering, or pigmentation changes.

Absolutely no fake tan is allowed.

Your skin must be completely clean before treatment.

The second major risk is sun exposure. If your skin is recently tanned (from a holiday, sunbed, or even warm-weather exposure), we’ll either need to:

• Reduce the laser power, which may make treatment less effective, or

• Defer your session until your skin is less tanned

We always recommend avoiding sunbeds, and wearing SPF 30–50 daily between May and September.

Do I need to avoid skin products before treatment?

Yes—completely. On the day of your appointment, your skin must be entirely clean and free from all products in the area being treated.

That means:

• No makeup

• No moisturisers or body lotions

• No SPF

• No fake tan, tanning drops, or residue from gradual tanning products

We kindly ask that you shower or wash before your appointment and arrive with clean, dry skin—and no product applied afterwards.

Product residue is the number one cause of adverse skin reactions during laser hair removal. Even a small amount of leftover product can interfere with the laser, increasing the risk of burns, blistering, or pigmentation changes. If we see any product on your skin, we won’t treat you—it’s simply not safe.

We also require you to avoid all fake tan products for at least 4 weeks before each treatment—even trace amounts left in the pores can lead to skin damage.

Can I have laser hair removal if I’ve been in the sun?

Yes—within reason. We understand that some sun exposure is hard to avoid, especially in summer.

We do treat sun-tanned skin, but we’ll assess it on the day using a professional skin tone meter (our affectionately-named brownometer). If your skin tone has darkened since your last session, we may need to adjust your laser settings to keep things safe.

This can affect results:

• We may need to use lower energy levels, which can make treatment less effective

• This is especially important if you have blonde, red, or light-coloured hair

• It may take more sessions to achieve full results

• Tanned skin tends to feel more sensitive, so treatments can be more uncomfortable

If you’ve had significant sun exposure—such as a beach holiday or sunbathing abroad—we require a minimum of 4 weeks before treating the area. Even if your tan has faded, your skin may still be more reactive beneath the surface.

We also strongly advise against using sunbeds during your course of treatment. They dramatically increase the risk of skin damage, pigmentation issues, and discomfort, and will compromise your results.

To protect your skin and get the best outcome from your treatment, we recommend wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 daily from May to September, especially on exposed areas like the face, arms, and legs.

We’ll always be honest about how tanning may affect your treatment and results. If needed, we’ll offer to reschedule your session until your skin tone returns to baseline—it’s never worth the risk.

How soon can I wear make-up?

If you’ve had facial hair removal, you can wear makeup from the next day, as long as your skin feels calm.

Please note: on the day of treatment, your face must be completely clean and free of all products—this includes makeup, moisturiser, SPF, and any tanning products.
If we see product on your skin, we may have to refuse treatment for safety reasons.

Can I have bikini or intimate area laser treatment?

Yes—laser treatment of the bikini area is a common request. Whether for comfort or personal preference, many clients choose to include these areas in their plan.

Your laser operator is male, but has many years of experience treating clients of all genders and works with care, professionalism, and discretion. 

• Bikini Line: We treat the upper inner thigh area, and the central region between the thighs.

• Brazilian Bikini: Includes the full bikini area, a section of the lower abdomen (up to the belly button), the perianal region, and parts of the buttocks.

Some clients choose to leave a small area of hair, while others prefer complete removal. However, your operator is more of a medical guy than a stylist. If you want to leave a particular shape or section untouched, simply leave that hair long, and shave everything else. That gives us a clear visual guide so we can work precisely around it.

If needed, a small number of laser pulses can be used on the inner labia—often referred to as a Hollywood Bikini. This is a common request, and we do not charge extra for this area.

If you're feeling unsure or nervous about this part of treatment, you're very welcome to come in for a chat first. We’ll go over what’s involved and make sure you feel comfortable and informed before making any decisions.

How long will my vein removal take and how much will it cost?

Problem thread veins and spider veins normally respond in 1 to 3 treatments. Please see Prices for a guide to costs.

Why is the Highland Laser Clinic Technology better than other systems?

We use world class medical grade laser technology hand built in Italy by Quanta System.

Some clinics will attempt to remove veins using Q-Switch tattoo removal lasers or IPL. Some reduction may be seen in the short term from these approaches but relief is temporary and risks of skin damage are high.

Will I get full removal?

Possibly. Vessels of up to 2mm can be treated very effectively with this technology. We get great results on noses and chins. Cheeks can be more resistant but significant improvement is likely.

Due to poor results, we no longer offer vein removal on legs

Will my thread veins come back again?

Possibly. New capillaries can grow in place of removed vessels. Risk of reoccurrence is increased with sun exposure, wind burn, use of topical steroid creams, or if you engage in frequent strenuous exercise. We believe drinking alcohol as a risk factor for threadvein is over stated.

Can you remove my varicose veins?

Unfortunately not. Only vessels up to 2mm in diameter can be treated. We believe that laser is the preferable mode of treatment for facial veins, and that all leg veins should be approached with sclerotherapy or surgical interventions. We no longer attempt to treat leg veins.

Does it hurt?

Yes it does hurt a bit but is over quickly. A specialist cold air blower is used to chill your skin during treatment to make it more comfortable. Your operator also presses on your skin between every couple of shots to help dissapate heat and make it feel better.

When can I wear make-up?

We recommend that you avoid wearing make-up for 24 hours after treatment at the very least. Longer is probably better. It’s VERY important not to have ANY product of ANY kind on your skin on the day of treatment. You need to be properly cleansed of all make up, preferably in the shower so all traces are removed. We will refuse treatment for safety reasons if we see product on your face. This also applies to self tanning products.

How long does it take to heal after treatment?

Recovery takes 3 days to 3 weeks generally. The treated area will be red and swollen and some slight localised bruising may be seen. Treated vessels may turn grey or black and may be visible on your face for a week or so. Once healed the treated area may be sensitive to the sun for an additional few weeks.

Ocassionally, petechial bruising can occur, particularly on cheeks and appear as red marks. These generally take a week or two to resolve.

It is very important to tell us about any medications you might be taking at consultation. Some conditions such as diabetes can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising significantly. Uncontrolled hypertension or high blood pressure is also a risk factor we definitely need to know about.

How long will my wart removal take and how much will it cost?

Warts and Verrucas normally respond in 1 to 3 treatments. Please see Prices for a guide to costs.

Why is the Highland Laser Clinic Technology better than other systems?

We use our pulsed Nd:YAG laser in burst mode with a very high energy density setting and a relatively short pulse width to deliver repeating bursts of thermal laser to heat deep into the infected tissue. Only a medical grade pulsed laser can deliver the required power to make this effective.

Clients have told us that other clinics attempt to remove warts using Q-Switch tattoo removal lasers, or RF microwave devices. Despite some eye wateringly high prices for these procedures we don’t believe they work very often, which is why people come from all over Scotland to us for definitive treatment.

Can you get rid of my warts?

Probably. Small warts tend to go in one treatment. Large, deep and extensive infected lesions often need more.

Will my warts come back again?

Probably not. It’s important that we completely kill all of your infected lesions through repeated treatments if necessary. Partially treated warts or verrucas may re-establish themselves in time so it’s important to maintain momentum and hit them again if required at 4 week intervals. If we treat and kill all of your active lesions we can reduce the likelihood of further breakouts, but further manifestations of the HPV virus may occur again in the future in a fairly unpredictable way.

Does it hurt?

Yes, this treatment does hurt. It’s probably our most aggressive service. We are essentially inducing a therapeutic thermal injury. An intense focal hot sensation will be felt under the laser, and the site will feel warm, tingly and tender for some time afterwards.

How long does it take to heal after treatment?

Recovery generally takes 1 to 3 weeks. The treated area may take on a burnt appearance and will be white and swollen.

Infected material will break down over time, scabs may form and some oozing from the site may be seen. We encourage you to manually assist in removing dead infected material from the site. Exudate can be messy and is potentially infectious so we recommend the use of some kind of absorbent dressing on the site if it responds in this way.

When large or deep warts dissolve and fall away, a significant hollow or socket may be left in the skin which was previously occupied by the HPV infected material. This may take a number of months to remodel and sort itself out, but this is a result of the infection not the treatment of the infection itself.

How long will my skin tag removal take and how much will it cost?

Skin tags normally respond in 1 to 2 treatments. Please see Prices for a guide to costs.

Why is the Highland Laser Clinic approach better than other methods?

We use our pulsed Nd:YAG laser to deliver a thermal pulse of infrared energy that destroys the skin tag’s blood supply. The skin tag will then shrivel up and drop off 1 to 7 days later.

Other common approaches includes using liquid nitrogen to freeze the area to the same effect. We’ve tried these cryo treatments and weren’t particularly impressed by the results. We found it takes repeated treatments to achieve full removal because the thermal effect tends not to penetrate very deeply. We also found that the risk of causing collateral damage to surounding skin was higher due to the messiness of the process.

Skin tags can be simply snipped off with sterile scissors or shaved off with a small blade by a skilled practitioner. This is essentially a minor surgery. Bleeding is likely and some degree of an open wound will be left. Electrosurgical approaches uses an arc of electricity to the same effect.

Home remedies usually involve ligation of the base of the tag using a strong thread or dental floss and might be a solution if you’re very price sensitive.

We are skilled in laser procedures, so of course we think our way is the best. We believe our approach gives the best result while minimising discomfort and risk factors.

Will my skin tags come back again?

Probably not. If you have issues with being overweight or have insulin resistance you may well see new skin tags develop in similar areas, but in the majority of cases removal will be the end of the matter.

Does it hurt?

There is a little discomfort during the procedure. A focal hot pinging sensation may be felt, a little like being snapped with an elastic band. There might be a slight sunburn type of sensation for the rest of the day and some minor discomfort in the area for about a week after treatment.

How long does it take to heal after treatment?

Recovery generally takes 1 to 3 weeks. The treated area will be red and might be a little swollen.

The skin tag will go dark, eventually black, dry and shrivel up, and then drop off. The time scale for this varies and can be anything from the next day to a week later.

There might be some residual pinkness, lightening, darkening or slight textural changes where the skin tag used to attach. This will improve with time and will be much less noticeable than the original skin tag.

How long will my fibroma removal take and how much will it cost?

Fibroma normally respond in 1 or 2 treatments. Please see Prices for a guide to costs.

Why is the Highland Laser Clinic approach better than other methods?

We use Erbium:YAG ablative laser, which precisely vaporises the fibroma while minimising heat damage. This reduces the risk of scarring and promotes a faster recovery compared to other ablative lasers.

Will my fibroma come back again?

Probably not. If you are prone to developing fibroma, new ones may appear in different areas over time, but the treated fibroma is unlikely to return.

Does it hurt?

There is some discomfort during the procedure, described as a hot, pinging sensation, similar to being snapped with an elastic band. After treatment, you may feel a mild sunburn-like sensation for the rest of the day and some minor sensitivity for about a week.

How long does it take to heal after treatment?

Recovery generally takes 1 to 3 weeks:

• The treated area will be red and may be slightly swollen.

• A scab will form and remain for 1 to 2 weeks.

• Once the scab falls off, the area may appear slightly pink. Temporary darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation) is common and may last a few months. In the longer term, a slight lightening of the skin (hypopigmentation) may be noticeable upon close inspection.

• Some minor textural changes may occur due to the healing process, but this will improve over time and will be far less noticeable than the original fibroma.

How many clinic visits do I need and how much will it cost?

After an initial consultation and patch test we recommend a course of 3 to 6 treatments. Please see Prices for costs.

Does it hurt?

The face is quite a sensitive part of the body, but surprisingly there is only minimal discomfort during the procedure and most people tolerate the procedure well. We recommend you take a couple of paracetamol and hour before treatment, but please do not take ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers.

Following treatment there is a definite heating sensation on the skin. We apply intensive cooling directly after treatment to reduce this, and careful use of cold packs at home can afford additional relief. Your face will feel a bit sensitive with a sunburn sensation for a few days afterwards.

How will I look after treatment?

A network of microthermal treatment channels will be visible across your face giving a slightly textured appearance. Following treatment erythema will develop making you look slightly sun burned 

How long does it take to heal after treatment?

It will be obvious that you have had the procedure for about a week, and full recovery takes around 2 weeks.

We recommend a gentle daily cleansing regime and avoidance of makeup if possible. The treated area should be protected from the sun by wearing a hat if required and it is very important that you do not receive direct exposure to direct sunlight during the healing process

When can I wear make-up?

We recommend that you avoid wearing make-up for a week after treatment. It’s VERY important not to have ANY product of ANY kind on your skin on the day of treatment. You need to be properly cleansed of all make up, preferably in the shower so all traces are removed. We will refuse treatment for safety reasons if we see product on your face. This also applies to self tanning products.

How long will pigmentation removal take and how much will it cost?

Pigmented lesions normally respond in 1 to 3 treatments. Please see Prices for a guide to costs.

Why is the Highland Laser Clinic Technology better than other systems?

We have several modalities to choose from to remove pigmented lesions. Normally we choose to use a green Q-Switched laser. Our Q-Switch platform is of very high quality and power.

Q-Switched green is a parameter which deserves a high degree of respect and caution, and we use it carefully to get the response you want without causing unwanted side effects. It’s easy to perform these procedures badly.

For more diffuse signs of sun damage we recomend our Erbium CoolPeel laser facial.

Can you get rid of my pigmentation?

Probably. Fairly light coloured lesions often respond in a single treatment. Darker sun damage may take more sessions.

Will my pigmentation come back again?

Possibly. It is common for darker pigmented lesions to reoccur again to some extent a few weeks after treatment, but they will come back lighter than before and will respond further to additional treatments.

Pigmented lesions are symptomatic of cumulative sun damage and are common amongst people who live an outdoor lifestyle. Further sun exposure is likely to cause more pigmented lesions. The best way to prevent against them is to use SPF sunblock and hats 

Can you treat me when I have a sun tan?

Unfortunately not. If we try to remove excess melanin in your pigmented lesions when you have extra melanin in the surrounding skin from a sun tan, there is a risk we could leave lighter patches. We need you looking pasty.

I have darker areas around my mouth and cheeks that appeared during pregnancy. Can you make these go away?

This sounds like melasma. It’s complex to treat and requires a combined approach of topical treatment and laser. We can help, but we would refer you to a friendly aesthetic nurse to manage the topical treatment side of things. Get in touch for more information.

I have an Asian or othe non-caucasian skin type and have some darker areas on my face I would like addressed. Can you help?

This is a very specialised area for a Highland clinic. There are operators who make it their life’s work to address this concern using a variety of techniques. They tend to be glamorous lady doctors and operate in major urban areas. We would respecfully decline to treat these cases as being outwith of our skillset.

Does it hurt?

There is a bit of discomfort intrinsic in any laser procedure, but this treatment is definitely very mild. We use the laser at a very superficial level to target excess pigmentation on the surface of your skin. A sensation akin to being gently flicked with a rubber band is commonly described.

How long does it take to heal after treatment?

Recovery generally takes 1 to 2 weeks. The treated area will immediately go much darker than before, and so will look worse before it looks better.

This darker area is mostly denatured melanin which forms a slight crust on the surface of your skin. This should be allowed to flake away in its own time revealing lighter skin underneath.