Laserase Bolton is urging people to use professional clinics for tattoo removal following reports that home tattoo removal kits have left victims with severe burns.

A BBC Inside Out investigation found that a growing number of people are buying do-it-yourself tattoo removal kits online which contain banned acids that are likely to seriously damage the skin.

According to the investigation, tests conducted at the University of Birmingham found that kits contained two banned products, hexachloroethane, which was once used in smoke grenades, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA), used for wart removal.

One victim said she was left with a “hole” in her arm and with no feeling in that area after using one of the kits. She said it felt like someone had poured something flammable on her arm, lit it then poured a kettle on it.

Julie Kershaw, Clinic Manager at Laserase Bolton, said: “We are asking people to think twice before purchasing home tattoo removal kits, as they could prove to be extremely harmful, and besides, they are unlikely to get rid of your tattoos.

“Tattoo removal is a skilled procedure and anyone thinking of having tattoos removed should consult a qualified doctor or nurse at a registered clinic for their own peace of mind.”

Laserase Bolton, in the grounds of the Royal Bolton Hospital, is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and has been carrying out safe, effective and professional tattoo removal for over 20 years. It has removed over 10,000 tattoos and all of its practitioners are qualified doctors and nurses.

Julie added: “It might be tempting to order a cheap kit online, but you don’t know what’s in it and it’s likely to do you more harm than good. Tattoo removal at Laserase Bolton starts from as little as £40 depending on the tattoo and, most importantly, you know that you are in safe hands when you come to us.”

Laserase Bolton uses the Q Switched Ruby Laser for tattoo removal, which is medically acknowledged as the laser of choice for tattoo removals. It is a safe treatment and there is no link with any skin disorder or any increased risk of skin cancer.

Treatment times vary from five minutes for a small tattoo to up to an hour or more for large or multiple tattoos. The number of treatments also varies depending on the size, colour and complexity of the tattoo, particularly how deep the ink goes.

Julie Kershaw said: “At Laserase Bolton we invite all our clients to come in for a free consultation before treatment so that we can discuss treatment options and give you an idea of the treatment length and cost.”