Laser tattoo removal, an effective solution.

How does laser tattoo removal work?

The dermograph is the device typically used to perform a tattoo. It is equipped with fine needles that inject the ink into the upper part of the dermis. This ink is then seized by the macrophages. Like most cells, these have a relatively short lifespan, specifically around twenty days. However, when they die, the macrophages release the pigment particles. As these molecules are quite large, they cannot move and remain in place until new macrophages arrive.

To erase the tattoo, laser removal is performed. It involves emitting high-intensity light pulses that are absorbed by the coloured pigments of the tattoo. Different wavelengths are used depending on the ink colours. Then, when the laser's light energy penetrates the skin, it heats and fragments the ink particles into smaller microparticles. Next, macrophages, cells of the immune system, identify these particles as foreign bodies and gradually eliminate them through the lymphatic system. For the tattoo to disappear, it is necessary to carry out 5 to 7 sessions, each spaced several weeks apart. This interval allows deep pigments to rise to the surface. The number of sessions required depends on several factors including the colour, the depth of the ink, the age of the tattoo, the skin phototype, and the type of laser used.

What are the different laser tattoo removal techniques?

Various types of lasers can be utilised for tattoo removal. Here are some examples:

The Q-switched laser, a frequently used tattoo removal technique.
The Q-switched laser is a technology used for tattoo removal, which operates by fragmenting the pigment particles located in the dermis. It emits very short pulses but extremely powerful, capable of precisely targeting the pigments without burning or damaging the skin's surface. Once shattered, these particles are gradually eliminated by the immune system. In some cases, a thin crust may appear after the session, but it disappears within a few days, leaving behind clearer skin. The Q-switched laser can act on different tattoo colours depending on its wavelength, including blue-black, red, and yellow pigments.
This type of laser has several advantages: it is precise, respects the surrounding tissues, offers a quick recovery and reduces the risk of scarring. It is also effective on a wide range of colours. However, it also has some drawbacks. Tattoo removal usually requires several sessions, often between 5 and 10, spaced several weeks apart. The results can vary depending on the nature of the tattoo, the depth of the pigments and their colour, with lighter shades like yellow or green being more difficult to treat. Additionally, temporary side effects such as redness, scabs or itching may occur, and the total cost of the treatment can be high depending on the number of sessions required.
Abrasion laser: a less utilised tattoo removal technique.
The abrasion laser is a tattoo removal technique that is increasingly less used today, due to its potentially significant side effects. It works by removing the superficial layers of the skin that contain the pigment, causing a controlled abrasion of the tattooed area. This method is sometimes used as a last resort, particularly for tattoos with rare colours, or when other types of lasers, such as the Q-switched, prove ineffective. However, its main disadvantage lies in the risk of leaving visible after-effects: the skin may remain depigmented, show a difference in texture, or even develop a permanent scar. Because of these risks, the abrasion laser is now reserved for very specific cases and its use remains marginal compared to more modern, precise techniques that are better tolerated by the skin.
The picosecond laser: the latest technology.
The picosecond laser represents the latest technology in laser tattoo removal. It is distinguished by its ultra-short light pulses, even shorter than those emitted by the Q-switched laser. This speed allows for an even finer fragmentation of pigments, facilitating their elimination by the body. One of the major advantages of the picosecond laser lies in its low heat emission, which significantly reduces the risk of thermal damage to the skin. This mode of action not only improves the effectiveness of the treatment, particularly on resistant or multicoloured inks, but also increases patient comfort during the session. Less heat means less pain, less redness, and generally faster recovery. Thanks to its precision and power, this technology is particularly favoured for complex or old tattoos. However, due to its novelty, the treatment can be more costly and is not yet available in all specialised centres.

What are the side effects of laser tattoo removal?

During tattoo removal sessions, the patient may experience moderate pain. After the session, small droplets of blood may appear on the surface. Soothing and repairing creams or anaesthetics are prescribed to alleviate the pain. If the power delivered by the device is high, the tattoo removal may leave scars.

Laser treatment, although effective for tattoo removal, temporarily weakens the skin. By targeting the pigments, it generates a thermal reaction that can cause slight inflammation, a heightened sensitivity or a thin peeling. This action, although controlled, makes the skin more vulnerable for several days. For this reason, tattoo removal is not recommended for individuals with dermatological problems, such as acne or eczema, as well as pregnant women. This practice is also not advised for individuals whose skin has recently been tanned. To avoid excess pigmentation on the treated area, it is not recommended to expose oneself to the sun after the sessions. Furthermore, a tattoo less than 2 months old cannot be removed as the skin has not yet fully healed. Immediately after getting a tattoo, an inflammatory reaction is triggered: the skin is in the process of repair and cellular regeneration. Applying laser treatment at this stage could worsen existing skin lesions, disrupt the healing process, and reduce the effectiveness of the tattoo removal, as the pigments are not yet stably fixed in the dermis.