Laser Tattoo technology makes use of the theory that specific wave lengths of laser light will be absorbed by various colors of ink. Some colors, like black and dark blue will absorb almost all colors while other colors only absorb a certain type of wavelengths, and thus, specific types of wavelength must be used to eliminate these colors.
Basically, the wavelength of the laser’s light needs to match the absorption spectrum of the chromophore (a chemical group able to absorb light selectively which results in the coloration of certain organic compounds in the skin).
This high energy absorption causes the ink molecules to swell and fragment into small pieces. Some of these fragments will literally fly out through the skin surface while other remaining pieces will be removed by your immune system over a period of time, usually weeks to months. The skin normally absorbs very little of this heat energy and rather destroys the ink while leaving the surrounding tissues intact. The following two lasers are currently among the most popular in the world.
Q switched YAG Laser
These lasers are used for many different purposes and typically emit light with a wavelength of 1064 nanometers, in the infrared light range. However, they are also sold at 940, 1120, 1320, and 1440 nm capabilities.
They can operate in both the pulsed (referred to as Q switched) and continuous (this method is no longer used for removing tattoos because the patient's skin was exposed to the laser continuously to the extent that scarring could happen easily). Superpulsed CO2 lasers did help alleviate some of this burning however they weren’t considered fast enough to deliver a short enough pulse that would not scar while not being powerful enough to penetrate the dermal layers to the level of the ink.
Q-switching technology changed this. It could deliver energy in a short (5-10 nano second) pulse of very high intensity energy.
This laser’s light is designed to be absorbed by both blue and black melanin (or natural pigments). It causes the melanin to be heavily fragmented - so small that the particles are able to be metabolized by your body’s lymphatic system (or be discharged or excreted from the body). The pigment mass expands quickly and causes the ink molecules to shatter. They are then absorbed by what are called phagocytes. This process causes the tattoo pigmentation to be removed without causing injury to normal surrounding tissues.
The Q-switched ruby laser
This equipment emits intense red light that passes without harm through the epidermal skin layers where it is targets specific pigments of tattoo ink. Just like the YAG, and others, its energy causes heat upon impact with the tattoo ink shattering it into tiny particles that are then absorbed by your immune system. Larger particles that are not fragmented can require additional laser sessions, often several are needed to completely remove the ink.
The ruby laser is FDA approved and although there may be some temporary skin lightening, it has not been known to affect the surrounding skin structures because the skin will not absorb the energy generated by the laser light, only the tattoo ink will. This technology is endorsed by the American Academy of Dermatology as the treatment of choice.
After the laser treatment, the area will turn white and often swells slightly. This white color will usually fade within less than an hour. A scab may form in the days following but will usually return to normal within 7 – 10 days.
In terms of wavelengths of light (as measured in nanometers) the following rules apply:
532nm – Emits a green light wavelength. It is targeted to reds, oranges and pinks.
755nm – This red laser light targets green, turquoise, lighter blues and teal.
1064nm - this invisible radiation wavelength emits infrared light attracted to black, darker blues and browns.
These lasers can be used at the same time since they will only work on the colors that they are attracted to. When considering laser therapy it is very important to understand the specific types of equipment that your practitioner needs to have and use in order to meet your particular needs and determine your success.
To learn more about tattoo laser removal treatment visit my tatoo removal cream site. You’ll also be able to read more about the growing popularity of tca tattoo removal.
