Free Radiotherapy Tattoo Mark Removal in Durham

A permanent community initiative

For some people, the tiny tattoo marks used during radiotherapy are simply dots. For others, they can be a permanent reminder of a period of their life they would rather not see every day.

At Zazura Skin & Laser Clinic in Durham, we offer complimentary laser removal of permanent radiotherapy tattoo marks for people who have completed their radiotherapy treatment.

There is no charge for the consultation, patch test or eligible treatment sessions.

This isn’t a limited-time offer or promotional campaign. It is a permanent Zazura community initiative.

What are radiotherapy tattoo marks?

During some forms of external radiotherapy, very small permanent tattoo dots may be placed on the skin. These marks help the radiotherapy team position the body accurately and consistently during treatment.

They serve an important purpose during treatment, but because the marks are permanent, they can remain long after radiotherapy has finished.

Some people are completely comfortable keeping them. Others would prefer not to.

Both choices are completely valid.

For those who would like their marks removed, Zazura offers a complimentary laser removal service.

Can radiotherapy tattoo dots be removed with laser?

Permanent radiotherapy tattoo marks contain pigment within the skin. Depending on the individual mark, skin type, location and other clinical factors, laser tattoo removal may be an appropriate option once radiotherapy has been completed and the area has sufficiently recovered.

At Zazura, every person is assessed individually before any laser treatment takes place.

We will review your medical history, the location and appearance of the mark, your previous treatment and the condition of the surrounding skin.

A patch test will be performed where appropriate before proceeding with treatment.

In some circumstances, we may ask you to obtain confirmation from your healthcare team before laser treatment can begin.

Your safety always comes before removing the mark.

Who can use Zazura’s complimentary service?

Our complimentary radiotherapy tattoo mark removal initiative is available to people who have completed the relevant radiotherapy treatment and would like their permanent positioning marks removed.

The initiative is not limited to a particular type of cancer or gender.

Treatment remains subject to consultation and clinical suitability. We will never remove a positioning mark that may still be required for ongoing radiotherapy or other medical care.

If you are unsure whether your treatment has finished or whether the mark may still be needed, please speak to your oncology or radiotherapy team before considering removal.

How much does radiotherapy tattoo removal cost at Zazura?

Nothing.

If more than one suitable treatment session is required, those sessions remain complimentary.

There is also no requirement to purchase another treatment or service from Zazura.

We want to keep this simple.

• £0 consultation fee
• £0 patch test fee
• £0 treatment fee for eligible radiotherapy tattoo marks

Why are we offering it for free?

Zazura is a small, independent skin and laser clinic, and we believe there are occasions when having the right equipment and training gives us an opportunity to do something useful for somebody without turning it into a transaction.

Radiotherapy tattoo marks are tiny.

What they represent may not be.

For some people, keeping them means absolutely nothing. For others, removing them can feel like closing a chapter.

If you want to keep yours, keep them.

If you don’t, we’d like to help.

What happens at my first appointment?

Your first visit will be a private consultation rather than immediately beginning laser treatment.

We’ll talk through your medical history and previous radiotherapy, examine the tattoo mark and surrounding skin, discuss how laser tattoo removal works and explain the potential risks, expected response and aftercare.

Where appropriate, we will perform a patch test.

We’ll then advise you when treatment can safely begin.

There is no pressure to continue after your consultation.

Do I need permission from my oncologist?

Not everyone will necessarily require medical clearance.

However, previous radiotherapy can affect the skin and its response to subsequent treatments. Depending on your medical history, how recently you completed treatment, the area being treated and the condition of your skin, we may ask for confirmation from your oncology, radiotherapy or other healthcare team before proceeding.

This isn’t intended to create another hurdle. It is simply part of making sure laser treatment is appropriate for you.

Does removing a radiotherapy tattoo hurt?

Laser tattoo removal produces very short pulses of energy and can cause a brief snapping, stinging or warm sensation.

Radiotherapy positioning marks are generally very small, so treating the mark itself can be extremely quick.

We’ll explain exactly what to expect before beginning and give you appropriate aftercare advice following treatment.

How many sessions will I need?

There isn’t a universal number.

The response can depend on factors including the pigment, depth of the tattoo, location, your skin and how your body clears fragmented pigment.

Some marks may respond quickly, while others can require additional treatment.

If your eligible radiotherapy mark requires more than one session, you will not be charged for the additional sessions.

Radiotherapy tattoo removal in Durham and the North East

Zazura Skin & Laser Clinic is based in Gilesgate, Durham, making the service accessible to people across Durham and surrounding areas of the North East.

If travelling to us is difficult or you’re unsure whether your radiotherapy mark is suitable for treatment, please contact us before booking. We’re happy to answer questions before you make the journey.

Ready when you are

There is no expectation that someone should want their radiotherapy marks removed.

They may represent survival, treatment, something deeply personal, or simply three tiny dots you rarely notice.

The decision belongs entirely to you.

But if you’ve finished your treatment, the marks are no longer medically required and you would prefer not to keep them, Zazura is here when you’re ready.

No promotion. No expiry date. Just something we can do that might make a difference.