Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser removal is the most common method of tattoo removal these days. Laser tattoo removal employs a special type of laser called a Q-switched laser, which uses a process called selective photothermolysis.

MedLite Q-switched laser series
are commonly used lasers
for tattoo removal of
different colored inks

These lasers have the ability of selectively targeting only the specific pigments with pulses of highly concentrated light that break the ink into tiny fragments, tissue surrounding the pigment is left intact. Also, since only light is entering the skin (and light is sterile), there is a very low risk of infection. This differs from older methods of tattoo removal that required the breaking, cutting, or abrasion of the skin.

However, this isn’t all done with just one treatment. The more treatments you have, the more the laser can penetrate to destroy the ink. Old tattoos which have only a single pigment can be removed easily after about 4-6 sessions. New tattoos, professional tattoos, and tattoos with a lot of pigment or different colors typically require several more (average can be anywhere between 8 and 20 sessions, depending on depth location and and how much ink). Be sure to get treatments from highly trained certified medical laser safety officers, specialists who have treated hundreds of tattoos. But, the more treatments you have, the more damage you do to your skin, causing painful blisters and scabs that can eventually lead to scarring. Experts in removal therapy say that technology has advanced to the point where scarring is minimal, sometimes non-existent, but this can vary depending on the situation.

Removal of a simple tattoo

Removal of a professional tattoo