The go-to laser for most tattoo removal practitioners is a ND:Yag laser such as 3D Nanosure because it can produce the most versatile wavelengths. The 1064nm wavelength is the powerhouse for treating black, blue and other dark colours while the 532nm wavelength effectively removes red, orange, pink and other bright colours. These two powerful wavelengths work together to completely remove 95% of tattoos.

Successful tattoo removal is best used with a Q-switch laser – this procedure is the production of powerful nano second light pulses that shatters tattoo ink without harming the surrounding tissue. The nano second delivery gives a better result of tattoo removal as a longer delivery of pulses can leave a negative image of the tattoo after the treatment course.

The Q-switch laser is delivered over the tattoo, following the design and the energy is selectively absorbed by the colour (chromophore) in the tattoo. This creates heat and shatters the ink into tiny particles. The body’s immune system then picks up these shattered particles and takes them through the lymphatic system over the following days and weeks, causing fading of the tattoo.

The clinical end point is the tattoo ink turning white – these white spots will fade within approximately 2 days resulting in reduced visibility of the tattoo after every treatment.