Laser tattoo removal works by using focused light energy to break down tattoo ink particles into smaller fragments. These fragments are then naturally eliminated by the body’s immune system over time, causing the tattoo to fade. The process is considered non-invasive and more effective than older methods like excision or salabrasion.
How it works:
1. Targeting the ink:
- Laser tattoo removal utilizes specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the tattoo ink, but not by the surrounding skin.
- This selective absorption causes the ink particles to heat up rapidly.
2. Fragmentation of ink:
- The rapid heating of the ink particles causes them to shatter into smaller pieces due to photothermal and photomechanical effects.
3. Body’s elimination process:
- The smaller ink particles are more easily engulfed and processed by the body’s immune system, primarily through macrophages (a type of white blood cell).
These macrophages carry the fragmented ink particles away from the treated area, often through the lymphatic system, ultimately leading to their removal from the body.
4. Gradual Fading:
- This process of fragmentation and elimination happens gradually over a series of laser treatments.
- The tattoo will fade with each session as more ink particles are removed.
Key points about laser tattoo removal
Non-invasive: Laser tattoo removal is generally a non-invasive procedure, meaning it doesn’t involve cutting or breaking the skin.
Safer than older methods: Laser tattoo removal is considered safer and less likely to cause scarring compared to techniques like excision or chemical peels.
Multiple sessions: Typically, multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart are required to achieve complete removal.
Color specificity: Different laser wavelengths are used to target different ink colors, with some colors being more difficult to remove than others. White ink is impossible to remove. Yellow ink is also very challenging to remove.
Individual results vary: The number of sessions and the degree of fading can vary depending on factors like ink color, tattoo age, individual’s skin type, and tattoo density.