How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Laser tattoo removal works by using high-intensity light beams to break down the ink particles in unwanted tattoos. The laser targets the tattoo pigment, causing the ink to fragment into smaller particles. This process is called photo-thermolysis. The ink particles break into tiny fragments that are small enough for the body’s immune system to handle. The body’s lymphatic system gradually removes the ink particles from the skin over time.

How Tattoos Are Embedded in the Skin

Tattoos are embedded in the skin by injecting ink into the dermis, the second layer of the skin, using a needle. Once deposited, it becomes trapped between collagen fibres and within cells known as fibroblasts.

The ink particles are too large for the body’s immune system to completely break down, so the ink remains in the dermis long-term.

The Technology Behind Laser Tattoo Removal

Types of Lasers Used in Tattoo Removal

The type of laser used depends on the colour of the tattoo ink and the individual’s skin type. The most common lasers used for tattoo removal are Q-switched lasers and picosecond lasers, which produce short bursts of high-energy light. These lasers are effective in targeting tattoo ink without causing significant damage to the surrounding skin.

Q-switched lasers: These are traditional lasers used for tattoo removal. They emit pulses of light in nanoseconds, and they work well on most ink colours.

Picosecond lasers: A newer technology that delivers energy in even shorter bursts (picoseconds), allowing for more effective breaking up of ink particles, especially stubborn colours.

How Different Wavelengths Target Specific Colours

The laser emits a highly concentrated light beam, which passes through the skin and is absorbed by the tattoo ink. Different ink colours absorb different wavelengths of light. For example:

Black ink absorbs all wavelengths and is the easiest to remove.

Colours like red, yellow, and green require different laser wavelengths to break down, making them more difficult to treat.

What Happens During a Laser Tattoo Removal Session?

Pre-Treatment Preparation

Before laser tattoo removal, follow these key pre-treatment steps:

Avoid sun exposure: Stay out of the sun and use sunscreen on the tattooed area for 2-4 weeks to prevent burns or pigmentation issues.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated and support healing.

Avoid tanning: No tanning beds or self-tanners leading up to laser tattoo removal treatment.

Do not use active skincare products: Refrain from using creams or lotions on the area, especially ones containing retinoids or acids as they may make the skin sensitive.

Shave the area: If needed, shave the tattooed area the day before treatment to ensure better access for the laser.

Avoid smoking: Smoking can reduce circulation and healing, so it’s best to avoid it.

These steps help ensure safer and more effective tattoo removal.

Step-by-Step Laser Treatment Process

The laser tattoo removal process at Medaesthetics is carefully designed to ensure a safe, comfortable, and effective experience for every patient. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect:

1. Patient Assessment and Evaluation

We begin with an in-depth consultation where a specialist evaluates the tattoo and discusses the patient’s goals. This step involves assessing key factors such as tattoo size, colour, location, age, and the individual’s skin type. The specialist will also review the patient’s medical history to ensure there are no contraindications to treatment.

2. Creating a Personalised Treatment Plan

Based on the initial assessment, a customised treatment plan is devised. This plan considers the patient’s budget, schedule, and unique tattoo characteristics. It includes an estimate of the number of sessions required and an explanation of the expected results, empowering the patient to make an informed decision.

3. On the Day of the Procedure

The procedure itself is a multi-step process, ensuring comfort and precision at every stage:

Consent and Documentation

Before starting, the patient will complete consent forms and any necessary documentation. This step ensures that the patient fully understands the procedure, potential outcomes, and aftercare requirements.

Clinical Photography

Photographs of the tattoo are taken to document progress. These photos allow patients to track the gradual fading of their tattoo over the course of their treatments.

Application of Numbing Cream

To minimise discomfort, a strong numbing cream is applied to the tattooed area. This cream is left to work for about 30 minutes, ensuring the area is sufficiently desensitised before the laser treatment begins.

Local Anaesthetic Injection (Optional)

For patients with lower pain tolerance or tattoos in particularly sensitive areas, a local anaesthetic injection can be administered upon request.

Laser Treatment

The laser treatment itself involves the use of advanced Q-switched or picosecond lasers to target the ink particles. The process is precise and efficient, with the laser delivering rapid pulses of light that fragment the ink for natural elimination by the body.

Cooling or Freezing Air Application

During the treatment, a cooling device or freezing air is applied to the skin to further reduce any discomfort and prevent overheating of the treated area.

Topical Recovery Cream or Ointment Application

Once the treatment is complete, a soothing recovery cream or ointment is applied to the treated area. This helps to calm the skin and promote healing.

Discharge Paperwork and Follow-Up Appointment

Patients are provided with detailed aftercare instructions and discharge paperwork. A follow-up appointment is scheduled to monitor progress and plan subsequent sessions as needed.

This structured approach ensures that every patient receives tailored care, optimal results, and the support needed throughout their tattoo removal.

Sensations During Treatment

During laser tattoo removal, most people experience sensations that can vary from mild discomfort to more intense pain, depending on factors such as skin sensitivity, tattoo location, and the type of laser used. Here’s what to expect:

Stinging or Pinching: The laser pulses feel similar to snapping a rubber band against the skin.

Heat: The treated area may feel warm or hot due to the energy from the laser breaking down the ink particles.

Prickling or Tingling: Some experience a tingling sensation as the laser penetrates the skin.

Factors Influencing Sensation

Tattoo location: Areas with thinner skin or more nerve endings (e.g., wrists, ribs) may feel more sensitive.

Tattoo size and colour: Larger tattoos or those with difficult colours may require more intense laser treatments.

Pain Management

Does laser tattoo removal hurt? That is a question we hear often at Medaesthetics.

Cooling devices or numbing creams are often used before or during the session to reduce discomfort.

Ice packs may also be applied immediately after treatment to soothe the area.

Though sensations vary, most describe the discomfort as tolerable and brief, with each session lasting only a few minutes depending on the tattoo’s size.

Factors That Influence the Success of Laser Tattoo Removal

Tattoo Characteristics

Ink colour: Black ink is the easiest to remove, while bright colours like green, yellow, and turquoise are more difficult.

Skin Tone and Type

Darker skin tones can pose more challenges since the laser may also affect the natural skin pigment (melanin).

Health and Lifestyle Factors

Health and lifestyle factors that affect laser tattoo removal include:

Skin Health: Hydrated, healthy skin heals faster. Sun exposure or skin conditions can slow recovery and increase risks.

Immune System: A strong immune system helps remove ink particles. Compromised immunity or chronic illnesses can slow the process.

Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol, and poor diet reduce effectiveness by impairing circulation and immune function.

Physical Activity: Regular exercise improves circulation and ink removal, but avoid strenuous activity right after sessions.

Overall Health: Younger, healthier individuals generally see better results, while medications or age may slow healing.

Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare

After each session, the treated area may be red, swollen, and sensitive. Proper post-treatment care is essential to avoid complications:

Cooling the area immediately after the laser tattoo removal procedure.

Keeping the treated area clean and applying an ointment or healing cream.

Avoiding direct sun exposure to prevent hyper-pigmentation or scarring.

Risks and Limitations of Laser Tattoo Removal

Can All Tattoos Be Completely Removed?

Not all tattoos can be completely removed through laser tattoo removal, though many can be significantly faded or nearly erased. Several factors determine the success of tattoo removal:

Factors Influencing Tattoo Removal Success

Ink Colour

Black ink is the easiest to remove because it absorbs all laser wavelengths.

Lighter colours like yellow, green, and turquoise are more difficult to remove because they absorb less laser energy and may require more laser tattoo removal sessions or different laser wavelengths.

Tattoo Age

Older tattoos are often easier to remove because the ink has naturally broken down and faded over time.

Newer tattoos may take longer to fully remove.

Tattoo Depth and Quality

Professional tattoos tend to penetrate deeper into the skin and have more concentrated ink, making them more challenging to remove.

Amateur tattoos are often more superficial and may be easier to eliminate.

Skin Tone

Lighter skin tones tend to have more effective results since the laser can target the ink without affecting skin pigmentation.

Darker skin tones can pose a challenge as the laser may also affect the skin’s natural pigment, increasing the risk of hyperpigmentation or scarring.

Tattoo Size

To remove a larger unwanted tattoo completely requires more sessions and may be harder to fully erase.

Body Location

Tattoos on areas with good blood flow (like the chest) tend to respond better than tattoos on extremities (like hands or feet), where circulation is lower.

Immune System

A strong immune system helps the body eliminate the broken-down ink particles more effectively, influencing how well and how quickly a tattoo can be removed.

Potential Side Effects and Complications

While laser tattoo removal is generally safe, there are some potential side effects:

• Redness, swelling, and blistering in the treated area.
• Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, where the skin becomes darker or lighter in colour.
• Scarring, though rare, can occur if the skin does not heal properly or after improper aftercare.

Alternative Tattoo Removal Methods (and Why Lasers Are Superior)

Dermabrasion

How it works: A rotating device is used to sand away the top layers of the skin where the tattoo ink resides.

Best for: Older or faded tattoos.

Pros: Can remove ink over multiple sessions.

Cons: Painful, can cause scarring, and has longer healing times.

Chemical Peels

How it works: Acidic solutions (like trichloroacetic acid) are applied to the tattoo to peel away skin layers over time.

Best for: Small tattoos.

Pros: Relatively inexpensive.

Cons: Often ineffective for deep or colourful tattoos and can cause scarring or skin irritation.

Surgical Excision

How it works: The tattooed skin is surgically cut out, and the remaining skin is stitched together.

Best for: Small tattoos.

Pros: Complete removal in one session.

Cons: Leaves a scar and is not suitable for large tattoos.

Saline Tattoo Removal

How it works: A saline solution is tattooed into the skin, which draws out the ink as the area heals.

Best for: Small tattoos or lightening tattoos for cover-ups.

Pros: Can lighten tattoos over time.

Cons: Multiple sessions required, and results can be unpredictable.

Tattoo Removal Creams and Home Remedies

How it works: These over-the-counter creams claim to fade tattoos over time by breaking down ink in the skin.

Pros: Non-invasive and affordable.

Cons: VeryLimited effectiveness (if any); often do not penetrate deep enough to significantly fade tattoos.

While laser tattoo removal remains the gold standard, surgical excision or dermabrasion can be alternatives for specific cases. Non-invasive options like creams and chemical peels generally have poor results, especially for professional or deep tattoos. Always consult a professional to choose the safest and most effective method.

Need Laser Tattoo Removal? Reach Out to Medaesthetics Today

If you’re looking to erase an unwanted tattoo and make room for clear, smooth skin, Medaesthetics is here to help. Our expert team uses the latest laser technology, tailored for each client’s unique skin type and tattoo characteristics, to ensure safe and effective results. Whether it’s black ink or tricky colours, we’ve got the solutions to fade away your ink with precision. Ready to get started? Contact Medaesthetics today for a consultation, and let us guide you to tattoo-free skin.