Lighter colors such as turquoise, greens, yellows and fluorescents are often difficult to remove because they provide very little contrast between a tattoo and the surrounding skin. The science behind this is fairly straightforward. Lasers operate according to certain color spectrums. This allows ink pigments corresponding to the color spectrum to absorb the lasers’ energy, causing the pigments to fragment. The body’s immune system absorbs the pigment particles, resulting in gradual fading of the tattoo. Unfortunately, lighter tattoo colors tend to be on the border, or even outside of, a laser’s targeted color spectrums. This makes it difficult for the laser to target the pigment.
Traditional lasers generally cannot remove lighter ink colors. But newer laser technologies, such as the PicoSure (Q-switch) laser, can obliterate even the most stubborn tattoo colors. They do this using photomechanical energy. Lasers like the PicoSure “explode” the pigment without affecting the surrounding tissue. This explosion fragments ink, enabling tattoos to fade faster.
Other factors also influence a laser’s ability to remove tattoos. Newer tattoos, for example, are more difficult to remove because the pigment is highly concentrated in the skin’s dermis. Amateur tattoos may also be more resistant to removal because the ink pigments are typically not evenly distributed across the skin.
Why LaserAway?
We’ve committed over a decade to helping people of all skin types discover their best skin ever, with over 3 million treatments performed and new locations opening every month! We use state-of-the-art technology for maximum results, our clinics are supervised by board-certified, industry-leading dermatologists, and our treatments are implemented by registered nurses, nurse practitioners or physician associates who undergo one of the most comprehensive training programs in the business. Our mission is to make our clients feel beautiful by providing the best and most effective aesthetic treatments in the nation in a friendly, relaxed environment.
Ready to invest in yourself? Schedule a free consultation today by filling out a request form or calling the LaserAway staff at (855) 233-9134. Our nurses look forward to making sure your service and skin are as smooth as possible!
