Each tattoo is unique, naturally that is part of the reason you might have chosen it in the first place, but also the reason that you need to find a specific treatment plan for the removal of your particular tattoo, by an expert. While creating a tattoo, ink is injected into the skin; our body is ‘shocked’ by this unknown substance but because of the large size of the ink particles it is not able to flush it out; the skin in order to ensure that no damage is caused to the body, encapsulates the ink particles, and leaves a visible (from the outside only) tattoo in place. 

During removal with a laser, the laser beams which are ‘fired’ at the tattoo, are absorbed by the large ink particles and in the process shatter the large ink particles into tiny ones which are then easily discharged by the body. Before you choose to remove your tattoo, and yes, it is now possible to remove dark, large and coloured tattoos entirely, make sure that you are well informed of the possibilities and the risks that can come with improper lasers and inadequate expertise.

Laser therapy is the most common and safest method to remove coloured tattoos. There are several types of lasers of different pulse lengths and wavelengths available to do the job without the risks of scarring. 

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The newest laser tech, for instance, is based on a picosecond (as opposed to a nanosecond) thus the ink particles are pulverised 100 times faster than with older lasers and the skin has no chance to heat up, resulting in far less chances for the skin to get damaged, and as a result, scar tissue and/or discoloration in the pigmentation no longer occur. The newest laser technology, with up to three different wavelengths, is able to remove all coloured tattoos.

Unfortunately, the amount of time it takes the body to discharge the ink particles depends and differs from person to person, though on an average, this process takes eight weeks. It is also not possible to determine beforehand how many treatments will be required to remove a tattoo.

Some things to bear in mind

• The colour of the tattoo will influence how fast or slow the removal will be. Dark and red tones are generally easy to remove and bright colours, light blue and bright yellow require more treatments on average. 

• White ink has no pigment, so the colour white cannot be removed with any laser, and sometimes white ink can remain visible for a long time.

• There is a common notion that blue, green, and purple inks are very difficult to remove. However, with lasers of different wavelengths, it is possible to remove these colours entirely as well. Blues and greens often contain darker pigments thus the latest lasers use different wavelengths and are able to remove tattoos in blue, green, purple, as well as shades of teal, turquoise, lime green and even stubborn shades of black that were previously impossible to remove.

• The deeper the tattoo in the skin, the more treatments will be needed.

• The amount of ink used during tattooing, will also dictate the number of treatments required for removal.

• The quality and type of the ink will affect the treatments, as each type of ink has its own composition and reacts differently to laser treatment.

• Individual lymphatic systems are different and the process of flushing out the ink by discharge through the lymphatic system in the weeks after the treatments, differs.

• Skin type matters. In general. The lighter the skin, the easier it is to remove a tattoo and the more pigment the skin contains, the longer it will take to carefully remove a tattoo beautifully, and leave you scarless.

• Finally, there are other factors that affect the removal process such as previous scar tissue, location of the tattoo, and the age of the tattoo and health.

Tattoo removal much like tattoo creation is an art and needs a good artist. Make sure you research the options and are well informed before you press Ctrl+Alt+Del.

Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician or doctor. The Company does not vouch for or endorse any of the above content, and disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the same.