Laser tattoo removal works by using high-intensity light beams to break up the pigment colours (inks) in the tattoo, which are then removed by the body’s natural healing process.
The most popular laser machines for tattoo removal are Picosecond or Q-Switched Nd:YAG. Each machine has different wavelengths or pulse rates that can be more effective on different ink colours, due to the way different colours absorb certain light wavelengths.
Wavelengths & Ink Colours
Research has shown that different wavelengths & power levels can target different ink colours when used in Laser tattoo removal. For example, Q-Switched laser using 532nm wavelength can target red orange & purple inks – Picosecond laser using 1064nm can target black, blue & green inks.
Q-Switched Nd:YAG wavelengths:
Picosecond wavelengths:
How does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
Different lasers are used for different colours of tattoo ink. For example, black ink absorbs all laser wavelengths, making it the easiest to treat, while other colours can only be treated by selected lasers based on their specific wavelengths.
Common lasers used in tattoo removal include Q-switched Nd:YAG (for black and dark blue inks), Q-switched Ruby (for green inks), and Q-switched Alexandrite (for blue and green inks). The laser device emits short but powerful pulses of light that penetrate the skin to reach the tattoo pigment.
Natural Elimination Process:
The laser light energy is absorbed by the tattoo pigment, causing the ink particles to heat up and shatter into smaller pieces. This process is known as photothermolysis. Once the ink particles are broken down into smaller fragments, the body’s immune system can more easily remove them. The fragments are carried away by macrophages, which are cells that engulf and digest cellular debris and foreign substances.
Patient Requirements:
Complete tattoo removal typically requires multiple sessions. The number of sessions depends on various factors, including the size and colour of the tattoo, the depth of the ink, and the patient’s skin type. Sessions are spaced several weeks apart to allow the skin to heal and the body to absorb and remove the ink fragments.
Aftercare:
Post-treatment care is crucial to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. This may include keeping the treated area clean and protected from the sun. Patients may experience some side effects such as redness, swelling, blistering, and scabbing, which usually subside over time.
Factors Influencing Laser Tattoo Removal
TATTOO AGE: Older tattoos are generally easier to remove because the ink has likely faded and dispersed over time.
INK QUALITY / DEPTH: Professional tattoos with high-quality ink and deeper placement can be more challenging to remove compared to amateur tattoos.
SKIN TYPE: Skin colour and type (based on the Fitzpatrick scale) can affect the removal process and risk of side effects.
TATTOO LOCATION: Tattoos on areas with better blood circulation (like the chest) may fade more quickly than those on areas with less circulation (like the hands and feet).
Potential Risks and Side Effects
PIGMENTATION: Changes in skin colour can occur, with the treated area becoming darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) than the surrounding skin.
SCARRING: Though rare, scarring can happen if the skin is not properly cared for after treatment.
INFECTION: Proper aftercare is essential to prevent infections.
Laser tattoo removal is considered a safe and effective method for erasing unwanted tattoos, but it is important to consult with a qualified professional to understand the procedure, expectations, and potential risks.
Laser Tattoo Removal Machines
Q10 Q-SWITCH Nd:YAG Laser
Multi Application Laser Machine
Q10 Laser utilizes a range of energy frequencies – up to 1064 nanometers – along with multiple operating modes to target deeper skin layers. It also features a spot size of up to 10mm to treat larger skin areas.
READ MORE ABOUT Q10 LASER
PicoMax Pico Laser Machine
Ultra-Short-Pulse Picosecond Laser
PicoMax is a picosecond medical Laser with multiple wavelengths for treating pigmentary skin conditions and skin rejuvenation, tattoo removal, wrinkle reduction and reduction of scarring.
PicoMax operates at four wavelengths: 532nm, 1064nm, 585nm and 660nm, making it ideal for treatment of pigmentary conditions, skin rejuvenation and tattoo removal.
PicoMax offers a high peak power with the shortest pulse duration of any Pico Laser at 350ps. This Super Ultra Short Pulse delivers superior photoacoustic breakdown of pigment and the lower thermal action results is less discomfort and lower risk of side effects for patients. End results are achieved in less number of sessions.
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