Laser treatment is the most modern technique for tattoo removal; at the present time this seems to offer the most effective removal with the minimum of scarring.

Lasers produce concentrated, high-energy light which penetrates the skin and heats the pigment used to make up a tattoo. This heating process is very intense and localised to the pigment which has absorbed the laser light. The process fragments the pigment into small particles which are removed by the body’s scavenger mechanisms. The various colours of tattoos absorb various wavelengths of light; the degree to which the light energy is absorbed by a particular colour will determine how effective a laser is at removing the pigment. Because lasers produce light of a particular wavelength different lasers are more or less effective for different tattoo pigments. Depending on the colours in the tattoo more than one laser might be used for optimal colour removal.

Lasers commonly used for tattoo removal are Q-switched Nd-YAG, Ruby and Alexandrite lasers. “Q-switching” means that the laser delivers a very high amount of energy but for a fraction of a second; this minimises the risk of scarring of the skin. The procedure for laser removal of a tattoo varies from 15 - 45 minutes depending upon the tattoo size and type of tattoo ink. More than one session may be required, even for a small tattoo. Professional tattoos place the pigment at an even depth through the dermis of the skin - the laser light can reach the pigment relatively easily and uniformly; these tattoos are usually easier to treat than amateur tattoos; however, 5 or 6 treatments still may be needed. Treatments are usually separated by 4 - 6 weeks.

The laser treatment itself can be carried out without anaesthesia; the procedure produces some discomfort, usually reported as feeling as if the skin has been flicked with a rubber band. If this is too unpleasant the skin can be “numbed” before the procedure with a special anaesthetic cream (EMLA).

The laser device is housed in a machine 2 -3 feet high and has a probe on the end of a mechanical arm (a little like a dentist’s drill). There is a pen-shaped attachment on the end of the arm from which the laser light is emitted. The doctor, any attendants and the patient have to wear protective glasses to protect the eyes from stray laser light. When the laser is operated there is a clicking or cracking noise and a sting felt on the skin. The laser light is applied to the area being treated in a series of short pulses.

Length of Operation

Laser removal of tattoos typically takes 15 - 45 minutes per session. More than one session may be required.