How is the Q -switched Ruby Laser different to other lasers used for tattoo removal?
The Ruby laser produces extremely short pulses of high-energy, red light. This light is absorbed strongly by particles of tattoo pigment but not by the surrounding skin. The tattoo pigment particles heat up and break down into smaller particles; these minute particles are targeted by the body’s own immune system and removed. Because the energy is selectively absorbed by the tattoo pigment, surrounding tissues are not usually affected and there is usually no lasting damage to the skin. I have seen other ‘light treatments offered for tattoo removal, what are these? In some cases Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) systems are advertised for tattoo removal. These systems were designed to target melanin in hair follicles for hair removal and differ from lasers in producing a wide range of wavelengths in the red end of the spectrum rather than a single frequency. In addition, these systems are not Q-switched and more energy is absorbed and accumulates in the skin tissue than is the case with the Rub
