How Laser Tattoo Removal Works
HOW LASER TATTOO REMOVAL WORKS
Laser tattoo removal uses targeted laser energy to break tattoo ink into smaller particles that your body gradually clears over time.
WHY DOES TATTOO INK STAY IN YOUR SKIN?
Tattoo pigment is placed beneath the surface of the skin. While tattoos can naturally fade over time, much of the pigment remains in the skin, which is why tattoos can stay visible for years.
Why Ink Stays
Your immune system can clear some tattoo pigment over time, but much of the ink remains trapped in the dermis, which is why tattoos can stay visible for years.
WHAT DOES THE LASER ACTUALLY DO?
Laser energy targets tattoo pigment and breaks the ink into smaller particles. Your body’s immune system gradually clears those particles, causing the tattoo to fade over time.
1
TARGET
Laser energy is directed at tattoo pigment.
2
BREAK DOWN
Laser pulses break the ink into smaller particles.
3
CLEAR
Your immune system gradually clears the fragmented pigment.
4
FADE
The tattoo becomes progressively lighter.
WHY DOES TATTOO COLOR MATTER?
Different ink colors absorb different wavelengths of laser light. This means the wavelength used for treatment depends in part on the colors in the tattoo.
SOME COLORS ARE HARDER TO REMOVE
Black and dark blue generally respond more readily than colors like green, yellow, and white.
DIFFERENT INK COLORS
DIFFERENT WAVELENGTHS
CUSTOMIZED TREATMENT
WHY IS TATTOO REMOVAL DIFFERENT FOR EVERY TATTOO?
Tattoo removal happens gradually, and the number of treatments varies from person to person. Your tattoo’s size, ink colors, and other characteristics can affect how it responds, while the time between sessions lets your skin heal and the tattoo continue fading.
INK COLOR
Different pigments respond differently to laser wavelengths.
Learn more about the technology
TATTOO SIZE
Size can affect the length and number of treatments.
Plan for treatment
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSE
Treatment and progress are evaluated individually.
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Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS
How does laser tattoo removal work?
Laser energy breaks tattoo ink into smaller particles that the body’s immune system gradually clears over time, causing the tattoo to fade.
Where does tattoo ink go after laser removal?
Laser treatment breaks tattoo pigment into smaller particles, which are gradually cleared by the body’s immune system.
Why does laser tattoo removal require multiple treatments?
Tattoo removal happens gradually. Multiple treatments are generally required, with time between procedures to allow the skin to heal. The number of treatments depends on factors including tattoo size and color.
Does tattoo color affect laser tattoo removal?
Yes. Different ink colors absorb different wavelengths of light. Dark blue and black generally respond more readily, while colors including green, yellow, and white can be more difficult to remove.
Can laser tattoo removal completely remove a tattoo?
Yes, complete removal is possible, but it is not guaranteed. Factors like tattoo color, saturation, density, skin type, and individual immune response can all affect the outcome of tattoo removal.
What happens to my skin between laser tattoo removal treatments?
The skin is given time to heal between treatments while the tattoo removal process continues over time. The FDA states that laser tattoo removal treatments are separated by several weeks to allow the skin time to heal.
Removing Ink. Restoring Confidence.
Start with a free consultation and a personalized evaluation of your tattoo.