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.

Laser Types

• Ruby lasers: 694 nm Q-switched ruby lasers have a pulse duration of 40 ns. Their radiation is particularly suitable for removing dark tattoos (black, blue, green). Due to the low absorption in blood and water, there are hardly any undesirable side effects in blood vessels or other tissue. The ruby laser is also used to remove benign pigments.
• Nd:YAG lasers: These lasers are used in two different wavelengths: At 1,064 nm, Q-switched lasers with a pulse length of 8 ns affect black and blue tattoos. The wavelength is halved to 532 nm by the addition of a frequency-doubling crystal to destroy red color pigments. With a dye, a wavelength of 585 nm can be achieved (dye laser), with which light blue pigments can be effectively removed.

Most dermatological laser systems combine different Q-switched lasers with up to four wavelengths to remove tattoos of different colors.