Tattoos no longer have to be permanent. The Q-switched laser light is absorbed by the ink in the tattoo. The energy breaks the ink into tiny fragments. Following your treatment your body’s natural immune system will go to work absorbing and removing the ink fragments.
The Laser Tattoo Removal Procedure
A few hours before the laser tattoo removal procedure begins, it is recommended that acetaminophen be taken to help minimize discomfort. Just before the procedure begins, the patient is given protective eyewear to protect his or her eyes from the laser. A topical anesthetic is then applied to the skin. The tattoo removal specialist then tests the skin’s response to the laser to determine the most effective approach, and intense nanosecond pulses are sent from the Q-switched laser to the skin.
The length of the tattoo removal session depends on the size of the tattoo. A topical antibiotic and a bandage are then applied. Patients are advised to keep the skin around the tattooed area dry, and to treat it as if it were sunburned.
How Laser Tattoo Removal Works
Laser tattoo removal relies on light energy to break down ink particles deep within the dermis layer of your skin.
During treatment, ultra-fast pulses of laser light pass through the top layers of skin and are selectively absorbed by the tattoo ink. This energy creates a photoacoustic effect that shatters the dense ink pigment into tiny, microscopic particles. Over the following 6 to 8 weeks, your body’s natural lymphatic system filters and flushes these broken-down ink particles out of your system.
With each session, the laser penetrates deeper layers of ink, progressively fading the tattoo until it is no longer visible or light enough for a seamless cover-up.
Results And Risks Of Laser Tattoo Removal
Depending on the complexity of the tattoo, removal results vary. Tattoos with black ink may be eliminated within six treatment sessions, while more complicated tattoos might require ten or more. Although they rarely occur, there are certain side effects associated with laser tattoo removal. They include hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, infection and permanent scarring.
Key Factors That Impact Your Treatment Plan
No two tattoos are identical. During your initial consultation, our aesthetic specialists evaluate several factors to determine how many sessions you will need:
| Factor | What It Means for Your Results |
| Ink Color & Type | Black and dark blue pigments absorb laser wavelengths most effectively and fade quickest. Greens, bright blues, and yellows require specialized wavelengths and additional passes. |
| Tattoo Depth & Age | Professional tattoos placed deep in the dermis take longer to clear than amateur or faded older tattoos. |
| Location on the Body | Areas with strong circulation (like the chest, neck, and arms) flush ink particles faster than lower extremities like ankles or feet. |
| Skin Type & Health | Healthy circulation and a strong immune system speed up the flushing process between sessions. |