Laser Tattoo Removal: Why do certain inks not react to the laser?

Question

Curious to know why certain inks don't respond to the laser? In this case it's an all black tattoo, so it's not a different ink color rather a different spot on the tattoo. Thank you!

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Eva.  Is this one location responding more slowly?  For dark ink, it should respond every time, but in some areas of a tattoo, the ink can be placed more deeply or there may be more passes done to make the area darker.  This heavier density of ink means it would take more treatments in certain parts of the tattoo.  Hope this helps.  To see examples of before and after pictures of Los Angeles and Orange County tattoo removal patients, click the link below.

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

When black ink is placed deeply in the skin by the tattoo artist, it may be impossible for the laser light to penetrate deeply enough with enough random photons of light to be effective in breaking up the pigment so the body can process it.  It may also simply need more treatments or possibly a more powerful laser or the new PicoSure laser from Cynosure or the new Enlighten Laser from Cutera.  1064nm Light is the most deeply penetrating laser light and is an excellent wavelength for black ink.   A large spot size with a high powered laser like the QX-Max Laser From Fotona may also be more effective.

Laser Tattoo Removal: Why do certain inks not react to the laser?

Answers (2)

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