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Laser

Laser Tattoo Removal

Pico/nanosecond laser to shatter ink particles

Duration
15-60 min (varies by area size)
Downtime
5-10 days
Sessions
6-15 sessions (4-8 wk intervals)

About This Treatment

Uses Q-Switched Nd:YAG (1064nm/532nm) or picosecond lasers to shatter tattoo ink particles through photoacoustic effect. Fragmented particles are cleared by macrophages.

1064nm targets black/blue ink; 532nm targets red/orange. Picosecond lasers achieve higher clearance in fewer sessions than nanosecond Q-Switched.

Mechanism of Action

Short-pulse laser selectively absorbed by ink particles causes rapid thermal expansion and photoacoustic shattering. Nanosecond pulses create mechanical stress waves; picosecond pulses generate stronger pressure waves for finer fragmentation. Cleared via lymphatic system.

Indications

Tattoo removalGeneral indication (see detailed description)

Expected Results

80-95% clearance of black ink in 6-12 sessions. Color tattoos may need 10-15+ sessions. 4-8 week intervals. Picosecond lasers achieve comparable results in ~30% fewer sessions.

Clinical Evidence

Kirby W, Desai A, Desai T, et al. (2009)
The Kirby-Desai Scale: a proposed scale to assess tattoo-removal treatments. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
Clinical improvement was reported in this study (see original paper for details).
Izikson L, Farinelli W, Sakamoto F, et al. (2010)
Safety and effectiveness of black tattoo clearance in a pig model after a single treatment with a novel 758 nm 500 picosecond laser. Lasers Surg Med
Clinical improvement was reported in this study (see original paper for details).

Risks & Side Effects

Pain (rubber band snapping sensation), blistering, crusting, transient PIH. Scarring risk (especially at high fluence). Complete removal may not always be achievable.

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