Which laser for which colors in tattoo removal? (photos)

Question

I have a multicolored tattoo that has colors including black, dark pink, purple, blue, green, orange, and yellow (see pic). I know that the picosure laser is the best laser out there but know that other lasers are more effective on different colors. If someone could tell me which colors would react better from different lasers, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi BH.  The bottom line is it's likely you will need both the q-switched Nd:yg laser for red and black as well as the dark blue.  The q-switched Alexandrite will work better for green and lighter blue.  The Orange and yellow are difficult to remove and a newer method involves fractional laser resurfacing.  Best bet would be to find an office that has all three options as you may need them.

Michael S. Mall, MD · Answer

In my opinion Picoway is the best treatment plan for all tattoo colors. Have a personal consultation with a practice highly specialized in lasers so that you receive the most appropriate treatment without major side effects.  There is little discomfort, no recovery time and little no blistering.  I hope this helps.  Best

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a multitude of ink colors in your tattoo and this may require the application of more than one laser. For tattoos, dark colors (blue, black, brown) on fair skin tend to respond best. Pastel colors and amateur tattoos may be harder to treat and may never fully clear. Picosure is effective in clearing green and blue pigment - to date.Other picosecond lasers (PicoWay) is good for red tattoos.Enlighten is a picosecond laser with a dual wavelength (532 nm and 1064 nm) and operates at dual pulse durations (picsecond and nanosecond). The 532 nm Q switched Nd YAG is best for red ink.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank
you for your question. The latest and most effective laser for tattoo removal is
the Picosure laser. With this new technology, we are able to treat multicolored
tattoos with more efficiency and less treatments. I suggest you schedule a
consultation with qualified physician to determine the best treatment plan for
you.

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

This is
actually a very interesting question and we could talk about laser and light physics for awhile. But the short answer is that different tattoo pigments absorb
different laser wavelengths to varying degrees of efficacy. This does not mean
that one laser might not do a great job at removing the tattoo and treat all
colors, but it does mean that certain lasers tend to do better with certain
colors.

ND:YAG
1064/532 nm will do black, blue, red and
orange well.

Ruby
694nm and Alexandrite 755nm lasers will treat green better than the YAG

And the
above lasers should be either Q-switched or picosecond lasers in order to work.

Which laser for which colors in tattoo removal? (photos)

Answers (5)

More Tattoo Removal Questions

Is complete removal of my new tattoo possible? Will I be left with unsightly marks? How long should I wait to begin? (Photo)

Experience removing brown ink tattoo

Is pinpoint bleeding a sign of a good treatment in tattoo removal?

Laser Tattoo Removal: If there was no frosting after treatment does this indicate the ink didn't respond to the laser?

Does Local or Topical Anaesthetic Inhibit the Performance of a Laser?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS