Can macrophages engulf more than just 1 particle of ink at a time, or is it one macrophage per ink particle?

I know that the Picosure laser breaks the ink into smaller particles and by doing so, the body can remove them faster. Can macrophages engulf more than just 1 particle of ink at a time, or is it one macrophage per ink particle?

Answers from doctors (2)


Brooklyn Laser Tattoo Removal, Inc.

Published on Feb 24, 2016

Research is not definitive. Latest research says nanosecond speed lasers are more effective on larger ink particles. A great 6ns laser is within 15% of a picospeed laser in terms of effectiveness at the same power levels, but the ns laser has higher power levels and larger usable spot sizes for better deep penetration.

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Answered by Brooklyn Laser Tattoo Removal, Inc.

Research is not definitive. Latest research says nanosecond speed lasers are more effective on larger ink particles. A great 6ns laser is within 15% of a picospeed laser in terms of effectiveness at the same power levels, but the ns laser has higher power levels and larger usable spot sizes for better deep penetration.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


McGuiness Dermatology

Published on Jan 25, 2014

You are correct, in that the Picosure laser does break down tattoo ink pigment into much smaller particles than any other tattoo removal laser. Smaller particles can be engulfed more easily by your bodies cells, and removed much faster. This is a major reason why treatment of tattoos with the Picosure generally takes about half the number of treatments of any other laser. If the ink particles are much smaller, then your bodies cells may indeed be able to engulf more than one particle.

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Answered by McGuiness Dermatology

You are correct, in that the Picosure laser does break down tattoo ink pigment into much smaller particles than any other tattoo removal laser. Smaller particles can be engulfed more easily by your bodies cells, and removed much faster. This is a major reason why treatment of tattoos with the Picosure generally takes about half the number of treatments of any other laser. If the ink particles are much smaller, then your bodies cells may indeed be able to engulf more than one particle.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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