Advisory Board Our Mission Advertise Patient Reviews
Home How Tattoos Work Laser Removal Choosing a Doctor FAQ's Find a Doctor
Patient Education
Find a Tattoo
Removal Specialist
 
Before & After Photos
Who's Behind
Your Laser?
...it matters
[Learn Why]
The Patient’s Guide is the most respected online publication providing information about tattoo removal. Our mission is to provide you, our reader, with unbiased, scientifically accurate information about tattoos, as well as potential treatments.
>>More About the Patient's Guide

Types of Lasers
  • Q switched lasers most effective
  • Multiple wavelengths often required

Laser Technology Used
  • Laser Technology Used
  • Different Colors, Different Wavelengths
  • Common Q-switching Lasers

    • The safest and most effective lasers for tattoo removal use Q-switching technology: extremely short pulses of high intensity laser light. The speed of each pulse (which is measured in nanoseconds, or billionths of a second) enables the laser to more accurately target and dissolve the microscopic granules of tattoo ink.

    Different Colors, Different Wavelengths

    Different Q-switching lasers emit different wavelengths of light. Each wavelength targets a specific range of pigment colors. If a color within the range is not found, the wavelength simply passes through the skin or reflects off of it. But if a target color is found, the light becomes absorbed by the pigment and is quickly converted into heat. The heat fractures the pigment into tiny particles, which are gradually flushed away by the body's lymphatic system. The surrounding skin remains unharmed. Black and other dark pigments are the easiest to target-and thus remove-because they absorb all the wavelengths.

    Common Q-switching Lasers

    The three most commonly used Q-switching lasers are the Q-Switch Nd YAG, the Q-switched Ruby, and the Q-switch Alexandrite. Each has a different wavelength and thus targets a different range of tattoo ink colors.

    Because tattoos often include a wide range of pigments and because those pigments are made from a wide range of materials, matching a laser to a given color can be difficult. That's why multiple treatments are usually needed to remove a tattoo. It's also why you want to make sure your dermatologist has Q-switching lasers with different wavelengths.
     Find Tattoo Removal Specialists
     
     
    Videos
    Dr. Eric Bernstein explains the different types of lasers used in removing tattoos.
    Ask The Doctor
    Q: How does laser tattoo removal work?
    Lasers are used to target and remove the pigment in a... [Read More]
    Q: How effective is laser treatment?
    Laser treatment is widely viewed as the gold standard for... [Read More]
    Q: Is it true that some colors are harder to remove than others?
    Yes this is true. Black is the easiest color to remove due... [Read More]
    Tattoo Removal Specialists
    Not Your Location?
    Search for specialists near you.
    Zip Code:
     
    How Did Treatment
    ChangeYOUR
    87% Life?
    of reviews werePositive
       (61 reviews)

     My Tattoo has Faded a Ton

    I wanted to get rid of the tattoo I had on my ankle so I dis...[more]
    Virginia Beach, VA Jan 07, 2011

     Results Are Great!

    I wanted to remove the tattoo I had on my arm for a few year...[more]
    Portland, OR Dec 14, 2010

     Pleased So Far

    Had a large black tattoo on my lower forearm about 6 in by 3...[more]
    Columbus, OH Dec 14, 2010
    Write a Review
    Patient Education: Home | How Tattoos Work | Why are they Permanent? | What Are The Ink Types? | Laser Tattoo Removal | Treatment Process | Types of Lasers | Creams & Home Removal | Choosing a Doctor | Questions for Your Doctor | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
    Find a Doctor: Find a Tattoo Removal Specialist Near You | Search by City/State
    Reviews/Feedback: Write a Review | Give us Your Feedback | Terms of Use | Review Guidelines
    About Us: Patient's Guide Mission Statement | Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Statement | Advertising Policies

    The PatientÂ’s Guide does not guarantee, endorse or recommend any of the physicians included in the Find-A-Doctor service.