For a long time, tattoos were considered irreversible. This is no longer the case: In selective photothermolysis, the color pigments are shattered using laser light.
Laser treatment with selective photothermolysis is currently considered the most efficient method for tattoo removal. A short laser pulse is absorbed by the color pigments of the tattoo. Due to the high energy density, the pigment is blown up, and the remains are disposed of via the body’s immune system.
For successful tattoo removal, pulsed or Q-switched lasers are necessary. Their wavelength depends on the absorption behavior of the color pigments.
Most dermatological laser systems combine different Q-switched lasers with up to four wavelengths to remove tattoos of different colors.