Tattoo Removal
As the tattoo industry continues to grow, so does the demand for laser tattoo removal services. You may be wondering how to get started in the tattoo removal industry. The first step is understanding the medical regulations in your state. If you are qualified to operate a laser, the next step is determining what quality laser equipment to purchase.
For those interested in starting their own business, this guide explains the technology behind laser tattoo removal, the types of laser wavelengths used, key factors to evaluate when purchasing a tattoo removal machine, and the typical cost of professional equipment. Understanding these elements will help you choose the best tattoo removal machine for your business.
Knowing how a tattoo removal laser works is essential when evaluating which machines provide safe and effective results. Laser tattoo removal devices generate short pulses of high intensity light directed at the tattoo pigment. These pulses break the ink into tiny particles while leaving surrounding skin tissue largely unaffected.
Once shattered, the ink particles are gradually cleared by the body’s immune system over the following weeks. With multiple sessions over time, tattoos that were once considered permanent can be significantly faded or completely removed.
Another important factor when determining the best removal equipment is wavelength, pulse duration, and spot size. Most professional lasers allow operators to use multiple wavelengths to effectively target different ink colors. The amount of power delivered in each pulse at a specific wavelength determines how efficiently the tattoo pigment can be broken apart while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
Typically, tattoo removal relies on two primary wavelengths: 1064 nm and 532 nm. Each wavelength targets different pigment colours within tattoo ink.
Investing in a laser that supports multiple wavelengths allows practitioners to treat a wider range of ink pigments across different skin tones.
Laser wavelengths exist across a spectrum. The 1064 nm wavelength falls within the infrared range and is invisible to the human eye. Wavelengths between approximately 532 and 785 nm fall within the visible light spectrum.
Wavelengths such as 755 nm and 694 nm are effective for treating green and blue pigments, while 532 nm is best suited for red and orange ink. Unlike 1064 nm, the 532 nm wavelength typically requires longer pulse durations because it produces more heat that is released into the skin.
Another major distinction in tattoo removal technology is the difference between picosecond and nanosecond pulse durations. A picosecond is 1,000 times shorter than a nanosecond. Picosecond lasers release energy in one trillionth of a second, allowing energy to be delivered extremely quickly and reducing heat exposure to surrounding skin tissue.
For this reason, many experts recommend choosing a picosecond tattoo removal machine. When combined with a highly trained laser professional, pico laser technology can remove a wide variety of permanent tattoos across many skin types.
In addition to core laser functionality, several other factors should be considered when evaluating tattoo removal equipment.
Tattoo removal equipment may be used for cosmetic tattoos, professional tattoos, or amateur tattoos. Unlike laser machines, tattoo ink itself is not regulated by the FDA.
Cosmetic ink can usually be removed but may oxidize depending on the pigment colour. Nd:YAG lasers (1064 nm) and alexandrite lasers (755 nm) are often used when treating darker cosmetic pigments such as black, gray, or brown eyebrows.
Professional tattoo ink may contain heavy metals, lipids, and other compounds that influence how easily the tattoo can be removed. The most effective wavelength typically depends on the ink colour.
Nd:YAG lasers (1064 nm and 532 nm) are often recommended for dark pigments such as black and blue or warm tones. Alexandrite and ruby lasers (755 nm and 694 nm) tend to work better for light blue and green pigments.
Amateur tattoo ink can vary widely and may include substances such as Indian ink or soot. These tattoos are typically black and are commonly treated using Nd:YAG lasers operating at 1064 nm.
The best tattoo removal machines offer multiple spot sizes. Larger spot sizes, such as 10 mm, reach deeper layers of pigment, while smaller sizes such as 3 mm target ink closer to the skin’s surface.
Many practitioners begin treatment with larger spot sizes to reach deeper pigment and gradually move to smaller spot sizes as the tattoo fades toward the surface.
When evaluating a laser system, it is also important to review operator feedback, equipment size, maintenance requirements, accessibility, cost, and technological features.
Tattoo removal lasers vary widely in price. Depending on the technology and manufacturer, machines can cost anywhere from about $100 to $200,000. The price is largely determined by the quality, reliability, and technological sophistication of the laser.
For businesses, investing in professional grade laser technology helps ensure the highest quality results for clients. In many clinics, customers can expect to spend roughly $1,000 to $2,000 for complete tattoo removal or $400 to $600 for fading prior to a cover up tattoo.
Some clinics reduce upfront costs by leasing equipment or purchasing preowned machines.
The Candela PicoWay laser sits at the top of many professional rankings and is the only laser used by Removery clinics. It uses a photoacoustic effect instead of a photothermal effect, which helps reduce the risk of skin damage.
The system includes 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths, with optional 785 nm and 730 nm attachments available.
Price range: Around $175,000
This laser uses Nd:YAG wavelengths (1064 nm and 532 nm) with an optional 694 nm wavelength to target a wide range of tattoo pigments.
The system also offers fractional treatments that stimulate collagen remodeling, making it useful for skin rejuvenation procedures.
Price range: Around $100,000
PicoSure was the world’s first picosecond aesthetic laser. It uses wavelengths of 1064 nm, 755 nm, and 532 nm and can target most tattoo pigments.
However, this laser relies on photothermal energy, meaning heat is used to break apart tattoo ink. This can increase the risk of burns or pigment changes for certain skin types.
This system uses four wavelengths (1064 nm, 532 nm, 585 nm, and 650 nm) and operates in nanosecond pulses between 5 and 10 ns.
While versatile, nanosecond lasers typically distribute more heat into surrounding tissue than picosecond lasers.
The RevLite SI is a Q switched multi wavelength laser designed for tattoo removal, acne scars, wrinkles, and pigmented lesions. It offers 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths along with adjustable spot sizes.
The Quanta Q Plus laser offers multiple configurations and optional add ons, including Q switched and Er:YAG technologies. However, many components require additional purchase.
The Neatcell handheld laser is a small portable device marketed for at home tattoo removal. It offers several light frequencies and intensity settings.
However, it is not FDA certified and does not require professional training, which raises significant safety concerns.
When selecting tattoo removal equipment, consider the overall quality of the laser, available wavelengths, treatment settings, and total cost of ownership. These factors play a major role in both treatment effectiveness and long-term business success.
“The Q switch laser also generates more heat in the tissue, which can lead to a higher risk of skin discoloration or scarring.” – Bill Kwan, MD
According to Clinical Advisory Board member and Co Chief Medical Officer Bill Kwan, MD, early tattoo removal treatments relied on Q switch lasers. While they were once considered industry standard, newer technologies have improved both safety and efficiency.
Picosecond lasers, such as the PicoWay system, allow ink particles to be targeted more precisely while reducing heat exposure to surrounding tissue. This can improve safety and may reduce the number of treatments required.
Removery utilizes the Candela PicoWay laser at locations around the world and combines advanced technology with clinical oversight from dermatology experts. Since its founding, the company has performed more than two million tattoo removal treatments.
“I expected complications removing red ink, but instead I ended up with a fully removed tattoo. The team answered every question and made the entire process comfortable.”
“I’ve had five sessions so far and my tattoo has faded significantly. The technicians are knowledgeable and always explain proper aftercare.”
“I was nervous about laser tattoo removal at first, but the team made every visit comfortable and reassuring.”
Passionate about providing safe and effective tattoo removal care? Consider applying to Removery, the world’s largest tattoo removal company. With locations across the US, Australia, and Canada, there might be the perfect position near you.
We’re on a mission to give you the most straightforward, easy and efficient laser tattoo removal experience. Your estimate will be entirely bespoke to your tattoo; the size, the colours, the ink. It won’t take long and afterwards you’ll have a plan to finally get rid of your unwanted tattoo and get back to being you.
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