How Does A Laser Remove A Tattoo?
Lasers have become the standard treatment for tattoo removal because lasers offer a low risk, highly effective alternative to remove the tattoo with minimal side effects. Lasers remove tattoos by emitting short pulses of intense light that are selectively absorbed by the tattoo pigment. Each tattoo pigment, such as black, blue, red, green, and others, absorbs a specific wavelength of light. This laser light energy causes the tattoo pigment to fragment into tiny particles which are then removed by the body’s own immune system. Years of research have figured out which wavelengths of laser light are the safest and most effective to best remove unwanted tattoo ink. The laser light selectively targets the pigment of the tattoo while at the same time not causing damage to the surrounding skin. The laser used at Brandeis Medical Center removes a variety of tattoo pigments including black, blue, red, yellow, orange and green.
