Short answer? Sometimes.With all the advancements made in laser technologies over the years, many of the newer lasers can remove even the most stubborn tattoo inks, including all colors. Because there isn't a single laser that can remove all the different tattoo colors, different tattoo ink colors require different lasers.
A Rainbow of Lasers for a Rainbow of Tattoo Colors
Clients can choose from a number of lasers when considering laser tattoo removal. The most common types of lasers used in the industry are:
The Nd:YAG Laser
The Nd:YAG laser 532 nm is designed to treat brighter colors like red, orange, and yellow, while the Nd:YAG 1064 primarily treats black ink. It is the gold standard for laser tattoo removal. . In fact, the Nd:YAG laser 1064 nm has the deepest penetration, meaning that it carries the least risk for hypopigmentation.Other wavelengths such as the Ruby, Alexandrite etc can fade blues, greens and other colors; however, no one laser can consistently, fully remove these colors. If your tattoo is a combination of different colors, then you'll most likely require multiple treatments and wavelengths to fade it effectively. Interested in laser tattoo removal for your multi-colored tattoo, but don't know much about the process or how it works? We're here to help!
Laser Tattoo Removal Is a Simple and Straightforward Process
Laser tattoo removal works by targeting pigment colors in the skin's dermis, the layer of skin between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissues. Light beams radiated by the laser are absorbed by tattoo pigments, which then fragment. The body then absorbs and eliminates the pigment fragments.
Your First Laser Tattoo Removal Session
Before a laser tattoo removal session, your medical professional will determine which type of laser to use and how many treatments you'll need. The number of required treatments is based on the tattoo's age, size, type, and pigment depth. What happens during a laser tattoo removal treatment? Before the session starts a medical professional will apply an anesthetic cream, and you'll be given protective eye gear to wear, along with a cooling device. The medical professional will then gently place a handpiece against your skin and deliver laser pulses to the tattoo pigment. With each laser pulse, most people experience a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against their skin. The amount of laser pulses depends on the tattoo's size, but most treatment sessions only last a few minutes.You may experience minor bleeding, redness, swelling, and blistering for several hours or days following treatment. The next several weeks may see the treated area flaking, peeling, and scabbing. Handle the treatment site gently. While the site is healing, you should avoid sun exposure and public swimming pools. Once the body has metabolized the broken up ink particles (usually 8-12 weeks), you can undergo additional sessions.
Expect Results, Even with Neon-Colored Tattoos
Laser tattoo removal is the only safe and effective method to remove unwanted tattoos. After a series of successful laser treatments, most tattoos are well faded if not gone. Keep in mind, however, that how fast your tattoo disappears depends on its color pigments, depth, and age. But even stubborn cases aren't hopeless. Though colors such as yellow, green, or light blue are more difficult to remove, they can certainly be faded. The same goes for ink that rests deep within the dermis.The good news is that technology just keeps on getting better. Newer laser technologies such as the Nd:YAG can now effectively treat even the most stubborn ink colors.
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