Laser Tattoo Removal
How it works
To understand how tattoo removal works, first, you need to have an idea of how tattoo ink is embedded into the skin. Using a tattoo machine, tattoo ink is injected into the dermis – the second layer of skin.
The tattoo ink becomes permanent as the fragments injected into the dermis are too large for your body to break down. They can, however, reduce in size over time, which is what leads to tattoos fading and sometimes taking on a “blurred” appearance.
Laser Tattoo Removal Explained
Did you know that the word LASER is actually an acronym? which stands for – Light Amplified by Simulated Emission Radiation. Light from a laser machine is collimated (travels in one direction with little diversion) It is monochromatic (one colour wavelength/frequency to target your tattoo inks precisely) and coherent (able to move in waves which as 'in phase' in both time and space). Laser is designed to Generate short, high intensity pulses of light into the dermis of the skin, where the tattoo sits. These pulses travel every nano Second (thats 0.00000000001 of a second) Understanding these functionsof a laser machine, as a technician you can use specific wavelengths to target specific areas and colours in the skins surface.
The Ink Breakdown Process
Different ink colours respond to different wavelengths, absorbing the light into the pigment breaking it down. This light exchange causes a thermal reaction, heating and combusting the ink rapidly into smaller particles.This process causes a “frosting” effect on the skin, which is the breakdown of carbon from the ink and the releasing of carbon dioxide from the dermis.These particles are then eliminated from your body via your bodies natural kick ass immune system (white blood cells and lymph nodes) excreting them out of your body through your ordinary everyday functions. (sweat, urination and excretion)