How does a laser help in removing a permanent tattoo?

Tattoos have been a part of human culture for thousands of years. These body marks represent personal beliefs, commemorations, or artistic expression. However, for various reasons such as career changes, personal growth, or simply dissatisfaction, individuals might choose to remove their tattoos. Since tattoos are permanent, finding an effective method can be a daunting task! One of the most effective and widely used methods for tattoo removal today is laser tattoo removal. This method uses highly concentrated light energy to break down tattoo ink, allowing the body to naturally eliminate it over time. In this blog we will explore how laser tattoo removal treatment in Gurgaon works, what its types are, and its procedure, benefits and risks, if there is any.

Understanding Tattoos: Why Are They Permanent?

Before diving into how lasers remove tattoos, let’s understand why tattoos are permanent in the first place. When a tattoo is made, ink is injected into the second layer of skin, called the dermis. The dermis is more stable than the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), which sheds and regenerates continuously. Thus, when ink is injected into the dermis layer, it becomes relatively fixed in place

However, the permanence is not due to the ink itself but rather to the body’s immune response. White blood cells called macrophages attempt to engulf and remove the ink particles, but the particles are typically too large to be effectively eliminated. Some macrophages do manage to carry off a small portion of the ink, but the majority remains, resulting in a visible, long-lasting tattoo.

Understanding Procedure of Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal works by the process of selective photothermolysis. During the tattoo removal process, a focused laser light is targeted at the pigmented site without causing significant damage to the surrounding skin. Here is the complete procedure of laser tattoo removal:

1. Laser Light Targets the Ink

Lasers emit intense light beams that are specifically tuned to wavelengths absorbed by the tattoo ink. Different colours of ink absorb different wavelengths of light. For example:

• Black ink absorbs all wavelengths, making it the easiest to remove.
• Red ink absorbs green light (around 532 nm).
• Blue and green inks require different laser types, often more difficult to target effectively.

2. Ink Particles Shatter

When the laser light is absorbed by the ink, the ink particles rapidly heat and expand, causing them to shatter into much smaller fragments. This happens within billionths of a second and is largely confined to the ink particles themselves.

3. Body Removes the Fragments

Once the ink is broken down into smaller pieces, the macrophages can easily carry away the fragments through the lymphatic system. Over weeks and months, this process leads to the fading and eventual disappearance of the tattoo.

Types of Lasers Used in Tattoo Removal

Here are some of the different types of lasers used in tattoo removal:

• Q-Switched Lasers: These were the gold standard in tattoo removal for many years. They deliver high-intensity energy in short pulses (nanoseconds), minimising heat damage to the skin. Some of the common examples of Q-switched lasers according to specific nanometres are mentioned below:

1. Q-Switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm and 532 nm): Effective for black, blue, and red inks.
2. Q-Switched Ruby (694 nm): Best for green and blue tattoos, especially on lighter skin.
3. Q-Stitched Alexandrite (755 nm): Also targets green and blue inks.

• PicoSure and Picosecond Lasers: A newer technology that delivers energy in picoseconds (trillionths of a second), breaking ink particles into even smaller fragments than Q-switched lasers. These are often more effective in fewer sessions and are better for stubborn colors like green and yellow.

What to Expect During the Tattoo Removal Process

Here’s what you can expect during the tattoo removal process:

Consultation: During consultation, a dermatologist will evaluate your skin type, tone and other factors to help recommend the right laser for you! Some of the factors evaluated by the dermatologist are mentioned below:

1. Skin type and tone
2. Tattoo size, age, and color
3. Location on the body
4. Type of ink used (professional or amateur)

During the Procedure: During the procedure, here’s what happens:

1. A topical anesthetic or cooling device may be used to numb the area.
2. Protective eyewear is worn by both patient and practitioner.
3. The laser is applied in short bursts to the tattooed area.
4. Each session usually lasts between 5 and 30 minutes, depending on tattoo size and complexity.

After the Procedure: After the procedure, here’s what you can expect:

1. Redness, swelling, and blistering are common.
2. Keeping the area clean, avoiding sun exposure, and following aftercare instructions are essential to prevent infection and promote healing.

Factors Affecting the Success of Laser Tattoo Removal

Here are some of the factors influencing the success of the laser tattoo removal:

• The colour of the Tattoo

1. Black and dark blue tattoos absorb most wavelengths and are easier to remove.
2. Red and orange are moderate to remove.
3. Green, yellow, and light blue require specific lasers; thus, they are harder to remove.

• Tattoo Age:

1. Older tattoos often fade over time, making them easier to remove than newer, denser tattoos.

• Tattoo Depth and Quality

1. Professional tattoos use more ink and penetrate deeper. Thus, such tattoos require more sessions.
2. Amateur tattoos are usually more shallow and less uniform, sometimes easier to remove.

• Skin Tone:

1. Darker skin absorbs more laser energy, which can increase the risk of side effects like hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
2. In such cases, specialised techniques and wavelengths are used to minimise this risk.

• Immune System Efficiency

1. A strong immune system helps clear ink particles more efficiently.

Risks and Side Effects

Below are the mentioned risks and side effects of laser tattoo removal.

Common Side Effects

1. Pain and discomfort (like a rubber band snapping against the skin)
2. Redness and swelling
3. Blistering and scabbing
4. Temporary pigmentation changes

Common Risks

1. Scarring (rare with modern lasers and proper care)
2. Infection if aftercare instructions are not followed
3. Hyperpigmentation (light patches) or hyperpigmentation (dark patches)

Get expert consultation from the best skin specialist in Gurgaon, Dr. Niti Gaur at Citrine Clinic!

Laser tattoo removal remains one of the most effective methods of removing tattoos. However, the efficiency of the results depends upon several factors, such as the depth, quality, colour, type and age of the tattoo. Though it is typically a safe procedure, there are some risks and side effects associated with it. Examples are irritation, redness, swelling, inflammation, pigmentation changes, unsatisfactory results, etc. To minimise these risks, it is important that you get expert consultation from an expert best skin specialist in Gurgaon. If you are considering laser tattoo removal, book an appointment with the best dermatologist in Gurgaon, Dr. Niti Gaur at Citrine Clinic. For more information, book an appointment or visit citrine Clinic today!