Laser tattoo removal is a procedure that uses laser technology to break down tattoo pigments in the skin. The laser emits short bursts of light energy, which are absorbed by the tattoo ink particles, causing them to fragment into smaller pieces. The body’s immune system then gradually removes these smaller ink particles.
The Nd:YAG laser is one of the most commonly used lasers for tattoo removal. It is named after the Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet crystal that acts as the laser medium. The Nd:YAG laser is versatile and can target a wide range of ink colours, making it highly effective for tattoo removal. It operates at two primary wavelengths: 1064 nm and 532 nm.
1. 1064 nm wavelength: This wavelength is particularly effective for removing darker inks, such as black and blue, as well as some shades of brown. It penetrates deeply into the skin and can target the pigment without causing significant damage to the surrounding tissue.
2. 532 nm wavelength: This wavelength is more effective for targeting lighter colours, such as red, orange, and yellow. It is absorbed more readily by these pigments, breaking them down more efficiently.
By switching between these wavelengths, the Nd:YAG laser can address almost the full spectrum of tattoo colours, although some colours like light greens and turquoise may still be challenging to remove completely. The laser’s ability to switch wavelengths is a key advantage, allowing practitioners to tailor the treatment to the specific colours in a tattoo.
