Laser tattoo removal works by targeting pigment colors in the skin's dermis, which lies between your outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the tissue beneath. The tattoo pigments absorb the laser's beam and then fragment into tiny pieces, allowing your body to absorb and eliminate them. Your body then absorbs these fragments and eliminates them.

The most common type of laser used in tattoo removal, the Q-switch, produces light pulses of extremely high peak power. Several types of Q-switch lasers exist, and each one targets a different color spectrum at different wavelengths. Because Q-switch lasers are so precise and intense, tattoo pigments fragment instantly, and the surrounding tissue is left undamaged.

Laser tattoo removal can fade and remove most tattoos safely and effectively. In general, older tattoos that have darker pigments tend to be easier to remove. Newer professional tattoos that have bright, colorful pigments will permanently fade but may not fully remove. Patients who don't smoke and follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen tend to achieve faster results.

Yes, though it may yield different results. In general, older tattoos that have darker pigments tend to be easier to remove. Newer professional tattoos that have bright, colorful pigments will permanently fade but may not fully remove.

You'll need several treatments before you'll notice a significant difference. The number of treatments you'll need depends on the amount and type of ink used and how deeply it sits. Keep in mind it takes a minimum of eight weeks between treatments for your body to absorb the pigment residue.

It depends on the size, depth, and color of the tattoo, but most patients start to see fading within a couple weeks after their first treatment. Keep in mind that multiple treatments are typically needed to achieve the desired result, with a minimum of eight weeks between each.

Depending on the color and age of the tattoo, laser tattoo removal can produce dramatic results after multiple sessions and often removes all or almost all of the tattoo entirely.

Before the treatment starts your clinician will apply an anesthetic cream, and you'll be given protective eye gear to wear. The clinician will then hold the handpiece and cooling device close to your skin and deliver rapid laser pulses to the tattoo pigment. With each laser pulse, most patients experience a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against their skin. The amount of laser pulses depends on the tattoo's size, but most treatment sessions only last a few minutes.

Prior to a laser tattoo removal treatment, you'll want to avoid sun exposure for four weeks beforehand. You may be instructed to discontinue taking aspirin and ibuprofen, since they may cause you to bruise after your treatment. Make sure to follow all pre-care instructions your clinician gives you.

You may experience minor bleeding, redness, swelling and blistering for several hours or days following treatment. Over the next several weeks, you may notice the treated area flaking, peeling and scabbing. Handle the treatment site gently. While the site is healing, you should avoid sun exposure and public swimming pools. Tell your clinician if any side effects bother you and are not subsiding.

It is very rare for patients to scar from laser tattoo removal treatments. But if a tattoo already features pre-existing scarring, that will remain.