The main types of lasers used for tattoo removal are Q-switched lasers and the newer picosecond lasers. Both work by delivering extremely short, high-intensity pulses of light that shatter tattoo ink particles so the body's immune system can remove them.
Here's a breakdown:
Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm & 532 nm)
1064 nm: Targets dark colors like black, dark blue, and green.
532 nm: Targets brighter colors like red, orange, and some yellows.
Most common and versatile option for professional tattoo removal.
Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser (755 nm)
Effective for blue, green, and turquoise pigments.
Sometimes used when Nd:YAG struggles with certain shades.
Q-Switched Ruby Laser (694 nm)
Good for green, blue, and black inks.
Less common today due to higher risk of pigment changes in darker skin tones.
Picosecond Lasers (e.g., PicoSure, PicoWay)
Use ultra-short pulses (picoseconds instead of nanoseconds) for more efficient ink shattering.
Can remove tattoos faster and with fewer sessions, especially for stubborn colors.
✅ Industry trend: Many clinics now use dual-wavelength picosecond lasers or a combination of Q-switched and picosecond for optimal results across all ink colors.
