In laser tattoo removal, how does the laser remove the ink?

I don't get how the laser bleaches out the tattoo. Where does the ink go?

Answers from doctors (3)


Brooklyn Laser Tattoo Removal, Inc.

Published on Mar 22, 2016

The laser energy is absorbed by the ink and it heats up super fast and shatters ink particles into tiny pieces. Most of our lasers presently operate at 6,000 picoseconds and are independently adjustable for spot size and power intensity. The weeks and months following treatment, the body will remove the broken ink through the lymphatic system.

Some people prefer blasting the heck out of the tattoo with much more energy, which results in blistering and more internal epidermal damage. This is thought to help remove the ink faster. However, because taking this approach can lead to scarring, we only do this when people wish and are aware of the risks. But we have had ink removed in 1-3 times with normal energy levels without blistering or excessive pain.

By using supportive methods (e.g., eating a nutritious diet and drinking lots of water) to help the lymphatic and immune systems, the ink is removed faster and more gently than using extra laser power. There is also less risk to the patient.

We use three different lasers with wavelengths that treat all colors of tattoo ink. Some laser machines use dye packs, which reduce the power. The result: there is trouble with their effectiveness and removing all the ink. This is the reason some report needing many treatments on blue and green ink--the lasers are ineffective.

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Answered by Brooklyn Laser Tattoo Removal, Inc.

The laser energy is absorbed by the ink and it heats up super fast and shatters ink particles into tiny pieces. Most of our lasers presently operate at 6,000 picoseconds and are independently adjustable for spot size and power intensity. The weeks and months following treatment, the body will remove the broken ink through the lymphatic system.

Some people prefer blasting the heck out of the tattoo with much more energy, which results in blistering and more internal epidermal damage. This is thought to help remove the ink faster. However, because taking this approach can lead to scarring, we only do this when people wish and are aware of the risks. But we have had ink removed in 1-3 times with normal energy levels without blistering or excessive pain.

By using supportive methods (e.g., eating a nutritious diet and drinking lots of water) to help the lymphatic and immune systems, the ink is removed faster and more gently than using extra laser power. There is also less risk to the patient.

We use three different lasers with wavelengths that treat all colors of tattoo ink. Some laser machines use dye packs, which reduce the power. The result: there is trouble with their effectiveness and removing all the ink. This is the reason some report needing many treatments on blue and green ink--the lasers are ineffective.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Celibre Medical Corporation

Published on Mar 22, 2016

When your tattoo was placed, the ink particles are of a size that is larger than the body's immune system can remove. During laser treatment, the high energy and heat associated with the treatment fragment the large ink particles into smaller ones. These smaller ink particles can be removed by the body's immune system.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6574_1439482812.jpg
Answered by Celibre Medical Corporation

When your tattoo was placed, the ink particles are of a size that is larger than the body's immune system can remove. During laser treatment, the high energy and heat associated with the treatment fragment the large ink particles into smaller ones. These smaller ink particles can be removed by the body's immune system.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Celibre Medical Corporation

Published on Dec 08, 2009

In laser tattoo removal, the ink is removed by heating it up to the point where it degrades. A laser is a very powerful light. When used on the tattoo, the light heats up to the ink to the point where it breaks it down. The ink is then be carried away by the blood.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6573_1439482825.jpg
Answered by Celibre Medical Corporation

In laser tattoo removal, the ink is removed by heating it up to the point where it degrades. A laser is a very powerful light. When used on the tattoo, the light heats up to the ink to the point where it breaks it down. The ink is then be carried away by the blood.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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