The science

How Does Tattoo Removal Work?

If you're wondering how tattoo removal works, you're not alone. Laser tattoo removal has become the gold standard for erasing unwanted ink, and the science behind it is both fascinating and effective. Whether you're considering full removal or lightening a tattoo for a cover-up, understanding the tattoo removal process can help you make an informed decision. Tattoo removal works utilizes advanced laser technology to break down ink particles beneath your skin, allowing your body to naturally eliminate them over time. Unlike older methods that could damage skin, modern laser tattoo removal is safe, precise, and delivers impressive results.

The Science Behind Laser Tattoo Removal

To put it simply, laser tattoo removal does what your body is unable to: break down those larger particles of ink. Removal lasers produce a high-intensity light that targets tattoo ink particles directly, without harming surrounding skin tissue. Tattoo ink absorbs this laser’s energy and shatters into those desired smaller pieces. After your session finishes, your immune system begins removing those particles from your system gradually. Your tattoo will begin to lighten and disappear until it’s fully gone. Over the past few years, tattoo removal technology has advanced dramatically. Modern laser systems can now target ink particles with unprecedented precision, making complete removal possible for most tattoos. The key to understanding how tattoo removal works is recognizing that it’s a gradual process—your body does much of the heavy lifting once the laser breaks down the ink. Advanced laser technology targets ink particles directly, without damaging surrounding skin tissue. With a successful tattoo removal, your skin will look just like it did pre-tattoo

How Tattoos Work: Understanding the Ink

Modern lasers work at a frequency that can avoid your top layer of skin and hit these large particles of ink directly. When it hits them, they break into smaller pieces. Once these particles get small enough, your body can flush them away naturally until the tattoo is gone. The laser tattoo removal process requires multiple sessions, usually spread out every 6-8 weeks. This is because your body needs time to process and eliminate ink particles after every session. Most tattoos require between 8 and 12 treatments for complete removal. Each time a layer of ink is removed, the tattoo gets lighter. This process does not destroy any of the normal surrounding skin tissue. Your tattoo is harmlessly dissolved over time. Here’s how tattoo removal works step-by-step:

Lasers shoot high-intensity light through your top layer of skin, directly hitting the larger particles of tattoo ink.

The tattoo ink absorbs this energy, shattering it into smaller pieces.

These smaller pieces are taken away by your immune system over time, resulting in your tattoo gradually fading.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work? Explained by an Expert

A laser targets the tattoo ink, breaking the particles into smaller pieces. Because of the laser’s wavelength, this process can be completed without harming your skin. Once the ink particles are small enough, your body naturally removes them, causing the tattoo to fade. This process is repeated over an average of 8 to 12 sessions until all removable ink is gone. While the science behind it, as explained by Joshua Weitz, MD, is complex, the process itself is quite straightforward.

All your questions answered

We advise all of our clients to research laser tattoo removal as much as possible. The more you know about the process the more comfortable you’ll be with the whole experience.

Tattoo Education

An integral part of the laser’ function (and safety) involves wavelength. Certain wavelengths target specific colors of ink, making this an important aspect of a successful and safe removal. When the proper wavelength settings are applied, they focus solely on the ink particles and ignore the surrounding skin tissue.

How safe is tattoo removal?

With our advanced laser technology and clinical expertise, tattoo removal at Removery is 100% safe. We have performed over 2 million successful treatments since our inception.

Laser tattoo removal timeline

There are a number of different factors that affect how long it takes to completely remove a tattoo: the size, age, color(s), and ink depth.

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We know how it works, let us help remove your tattoo

Every tattoo is different, from the size and age to the inks and colors used. All of this affects how long full tattoo removal will take, or if it’s possible at all. We can easily quote you the cost of your tattoo removal at a complimentary consultation.Please fill in this form and we’ll call you to set up your appointment.

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