Laser removal works as a beam of light is slowly passed over the skin thereby reaching the epidermis. The laser beam penetrates the skin and vaporizes the ink. As a result, pigment in the tattoo is broken-up. A scab will form over the treated area of skin. Finally, the pigment is released both through the scab, and by being absorbed through the body’s own cleansing mechanism.

Different colors in the skin absorb different wavelengths, and in many cases, more than one kind of laser is required to treat a tattoo. Occasionally pigment shadows may be faintly visible after multiple treatments. The Alexandrite Laser and the Q-Switched YAG laser are used at the Core Dermatology.

The effectiveness of each treatment depends upon the density and amount of color within each area of a tattoo. The way in which a tattoo is applied effects results; professional tattoo artists usually disburse the pigment at an equal depth within the skin. When the pigment has been placed evenly in the skin the laser beam reaches more pigment making a tattoo easier to treat. A professional tattoo will require on average six to 12 treatments*, two months apart. Tattoos applied by an amateur tend to have varied depths within the skin. In this scenario more treatments or different laser beam wavelengths will be required in order to reach all of the pigment. Each laser treatment removes approximately 50 percent of the remaining pigment*.

Treatments are spaced apart to allow the body to absorb as much of the pigment as possible before proceeding to the next treatment. It is important to note that tattoo inks are not regulated, which makes it impossible for a physician to predict the extent of effort required for the removal of any given tattoo.

One of the benefits of laser tattoo removal is that treatment is usually performed without anesthesia. Patients have described the sensation as that of a small rubber band snapping on the skin. The greatest benefit is the peace of mind that comes from the removal of the unwanted tattoo.