Laser tattoo removal refers to the non-invasive removal of tattoo pigments using Q-switched lasers.
Tattoo consists of thousands of particles of tattoo pigment/ink suspended in the skin. While normal human growth and healing will remove small foreign particles from the skin, tattoo pigment particles are permanent because they are too big to be removed.
Laser treatment causes tattoo ink/ pigment particles to heat up and break down into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces of tattoo ink are then absorbed by the body over the course of several weeks. The result is that the tattoo is lightened over time.
Complete laser tattoo removal requires number of treatment sessions, typically spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart.
Yellow, red, green and fluorescent inks are more challenging to treat.
Blue, black and darker colored inks can be removed more completely.
Thanks to new technology, laser removal of tattoos is safe and effective.
