Lasers (Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation) have become the standard treatment for tattoo removal because they offer a bloodless, low risk, effective alternative with minimal side effects. Each procedure is done on an outpatient basis in a single or series of visits. Patients may or may not require anaesthesia depending of their personal prefference.

As early as the 1960s, lasers had been developed for industrial uses. When researchers developed lasers that emitted wavelengths of light in short flashes called pulses, medical use became viable. These lasers can effectively remove tattoos with a very low risk of scarring, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The type of laser used to remove a tattoo depends on the tattoo's pigment colours. (Yellow and green are the hardest colours to remove; blue and black are the easiest.)

The three lasers developed specifically for use in tattoo removal use a technique known as Q-switching, which refers to the laser's short, high-energy pulses:

• the Q-switched Ruby,
• the Q-switched Alexandrite,
• the Q-switched Nd: YAG, the newest system in this class of lasers and particularly advanced in the removal of red, blue and black inks

How Do Lasers Remove Tattoos?

Lasers work by producing short pulses of intense light that pass harmlessly through the top layers of the skin to be selectively absorbed by the tattoo pigment. This laser energy causes the tattoo pigment to fragment into smaller particles that are then -removed by the body's immune system. The body's scavenger cells then collect and remove the ink particals over the following 4-5 weeks. 

Researchers have determined which wavelengths of light to use and how to deliver the laser's output to best remove tattoo ink. The laser selectively targets the pigment of the tattoo.

Lasers work by directing energy toward ink in the skin with highly concentrated colour light beams. These laser beams break up ink particles into tiny fragments which are later cleared up by the body’s scavenging cells. This process of fragmenting the ink particles requires numerous sessions depending on the depth of the ink level. The procedure is bloodless and no incisions are made. The laser selectively targets the pigment of the tattoo without damaging the surrounding skin. With deeper penetration of the skin and multiple sessions however, the heat generated by the lasers may cause some discomfort and possible blister formation. Laser technology is so refined, the chance of scarring is very low perhaps as little as a .02% chance. The key is proper aftercare of the treated area.