Share This Post

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

A tattoo can remind people of a regrettable decision, an event that they’ve put in their past, or a phase of their life they’ve moved beyond. Whatever your reasons, we can help you fade or remove your unwanted tattoo. 

REAL RESULTS

*Individual Results May Vary

Explanation of Different Tattoo Removal Methods

There are several ways to remove a tattoo, each with its pros and cons.

Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal uses focused light to break down ink particles under the skin. The body’s immune system then clears these particles over time. This method is the most common and typically requires multiple sessions.

Dermabrasion

A surgical tool is used to sand off the top layers of skin. This removes the tattoo but often leaves a scar.

Chemical Peels

An acid solution is applied to peel away the skin layers containing the tattoo ink. This method is less precise and can also lead to scarring.

Surgical Excision

The tattooed skin is cut out, and the remaining skin is stitched together. This method works best for small tattoos but always results in a scar.

Tattoo Removal Creams

These over-the-counter products are advertised as a simple solution, but they rarely work well. These creams can cause irritation and don’t usually deliver the desired results.

Among these, laser removal is the most effective and carries the least risk of scarring.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Laser tattoo removal works by sending pulses of laser energy into the skin, where they come into contact with the particles of tattoo pigment. The energy from the laser breaks apart the pigment without harming the surrounding skin. The body will remove these smaller pieces of pigment over time. 

Using the Enlighten™ triple-wavelength laser, we can remove more ink colors on more different skin tones 40% faster than any other device. This device uses incredibly fast picosecond and nanosecond pulses that prevent the laser energy from disturbing the skin. 

Detailed Explanation of Laser Technology

Laser tattoo removal relies on advanced technology to target and break down ink particles in the skin.

Q-Switched Laser

Q-switched lasers are commonly used because they deliver powerful, short bursts of energy. These pulses heat the ink particles, causing them to shatter into smaller pieces. The body then gradually removes these fragments.

Wavelengths Matter

Different ink colors absorb different wavelengths of light. For example, black ink absorbs all wavelengths and is easier to remove, while colors like green or blue require specific wavelengths to break down.

Picosecond and Nanosecond Lasers

These lasers offer even more precision by delivering energy in incredibly short bursts, minimizing damage to surrounding skin while effectively breaking up the ink.

Using the right laser and wavelength makes tattoo removal safer and more efficient. This targeted approach reduces the number of sessions needed for complete removal.

What is Laser Tattoo Removal Like?

We will apply a numbing cream to the treatment area to make sure you feel comfortable during the process. You may feel a sensation of heat when the laser pulses. A small tattoo may only take five minutes to treat, while a larger one will take longer.

What Results Will I See After Laser Tattoo Removal?

Results will vary from one person and one tattoo to another. The laser’s ability to break up the pigments depends on several factors. Old tattoos, for example, have usually migrated closer to the surface of the skin as time passes, while new tattoos will be deeper in the dermis. 

Color also plays an important role in tattoo removal. The tattoo pigment has to absorb the energy of the laser for the laser to break it apart. Dark ink colors like black and blue will remove more easily than bright colors since bright colors do not absorb as much laser energy. 

You may see anything from the complete disappearance of the tattoo to a faded but still visible result. Each tattoo is different. Some may require as few as two to three sessions, while some require six to eight, or more. The Enlighten™ works up to 40% faster than other lasers, so you can finish your tattoo removal in fewer treatments, which saves time and money. 

Factors Affecting Treatment Success

Several factors influence how well laser tattoo removal works and how many sessions you might need.

Ink Color

Darker colors like black and blue absorb laser energy better and are easier to remove. Lighter colors, such as yellow and green, are more challenging and require specialized lasers.

Skin Type

People with lighter skin often see faster results because the contrast between the skin and ink allows for more effective laser targeting. The Fitzpatrick Skin Scale is commonly used to assess skin type and predict outcomes.

Tattoo Age

Older tattoos are usually easier to remove because the body has already started breaking down the ink over time. Newer tattoos might require more sessions since the ink is deeper in the skin.

Tattoo Depth

Professional tattoos are often deeper in the skin and require more sessions than amateur tattoos, which are usually closer to the surface.

Health and Lifestyle

A healthy immune system helps clear ink particles more effectively. Smoking or poor health can slow down this process, leading to more sessions.

These factors combined determine how many sessions are needed and how successful the removal will be.

Is There Any Downtime After Laser Tattoo Removal?

You may notice redness or minor blistering on the skin, but you should have little to no downtime and can return to all your regular activities. Protect the treated area from the sun while it heals. This method of tattoo removal is the safest and most effective around.

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal?

Most people with an unwanted tattoo are good candidates for tattoo removal. People who take blood thinners or are pregnant should not have this treatment. The Enlighten™ makes laser tattoo removal faster and more comfortable, making it the laser of choice for this treatment. 

Number of Sessions and Timeline Expectations

The number of sessions required for laser tattoo removal varies based on several factors.

Tattoo Size

Larger tattoos naturally require more time and sessions to fully remove, as more ink needs to be broken down.

Tattoo Color

Dark colors like black and blue might need fewer sessions, while colors like green or yellow could take more time due to their resistance to laser energy.

Ink Depth

Professional tattoos, which are deeper, often need more sessions compared to amateur tattoos that are closer to the skin’s surface.

Tattoo Age

Older tattoos may require fewer sessions since the body has already begun to break down the ink over time.

On average, most people need between 6 to 12 sessions, spaced about 6 to 8 weeks apart. This time allows the body to clear away ink particles between treatments, ensuring the best results.

Each session lightens the tattoo progressively, but complete removal can take several months, or even a year, depending on the tattoo’s characteristics.

"Best of the Best"
Multi-Award-Winning

med spa magazines
FACE Beauty Science | Oakland County MI

Take the Next Step – Request an Appointment

To learn more about laser tattoo removal – and if it’s right for you – schedule an appointment by visiting FACE Skincare~Medical~Wellness online or calling 1 (248) 621-8162.

FACE Skincare~Medical~Wellness is a multi-award-winning beauty and wellness clinic founded by skin expert Holly Cutler, also known as The Skin Saint, and named as “one of the most advanced Med Spas in the country” by Forbes magazine.

 

More To Explore