Tattoo Removal

The advent of Q-Switched lasers has permitted the removal of most tattoo inks with a very low risk of scarring. The Nd:YAG laser is the newest system in this class of lasers. This laser can significantly lighten or remove many tattoo inks, and is particularly advanced in the removal of blue, black and red inks. The Nd:YAG laser removes tattoo ink with the energy of light. 

Just as natural sunlight is made up of light wavelengths of many colors, a laser is a device which is designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light. These wavelengths are either absorbed, reflected or simply passed through the skin but is absorbed by the ink. The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to destruct, where it is then removed by the body's natural filtering systems.

Medical research has taught us which wavelengths of light to use and specifically how to deliver the laser's output to best remove tattoo ink. The Nd:YAG uses a light wavelength which passes through skin, but is absorbed by most inks. YAG laser also delivers the light in very short, high intensity pulses from maximum ink destruction. The use of this specific combination of wavelength and rapidly pulsed light results in minimal damage to the skin while providing maximum tattoo ink removal.

Palomar Q YAG 5 System

The Palomar Q YAG 5 System is a high-powered laser that removes unwanted tattoos and pigmented lesions (sunspots, freckles, etc.).  It emits a highly focused beam of laser light, which passes harmlessly through the outer layer of the skin and is absorbed primarily by the tattoo ink or the excess pigment with the lesion.

As the light is absorbed, it is quickly absorbed, it is quickly converted to heat.  The sudden rise in temperature with the treatment target fractures the ink or pigment into tiny particles.  Tattoo ink fragments are carried away by the lymphatic system, while pigmented lesions are naturally shed from the skin one to two weeks after treatment.