Page 103 - An Introduction to Laser Tattoo Removal

Chapter 2 – Fundamentals of Laser Tattoo Removal v1.0
For these reasons it is very difficult to advise patients on how many treatments they will require, or how long their overall treatment will take. Likewise, the time between treatment sessions will be different for different people.
This is very much dependent on the individual! We don't all wear the same sized shoes!!
Using an Nd:YAG Laser – choosing the wavelength
Most Nd:YAG lasers will provide the option of two wavelengths – 1064 and 532nm. Many people “assume” that the colour they are looking at, is the colour they think it is!! Many times, it is not! Most perceived colours will be a combination of a number of ink colours, making it impossible to ‘guess’ the actual ink colours. Watch this video which explains how this works.
Consequently, using a Nd:YAG laser, I suggest the following approach for all new tattoos:
1. Begin all treatments with the 1064nm wavelength, regardless of ink colour.
2. When your client comes back for their second session, closely inspect their tattoo(s) and
look to see if some colours have not responded well to the treatment.
3. At this point you may choose to try the 532nm on those colours rather than the
1064nm. (Other wavelengths are available.)
4. If, however, the inks look like they are responding well, continue with the 1064nm
wavelength.
5. However, each time your client returns, check their response. You might find that some
colours react well in the early stages, but may require the 532nm at a later stage.
6. Remember, some colours may change as a result of being irradiated by laser energy. It is
not unusual for some colours to go darker, and others to change completely!
Don’t forget that the 532nm cannot penetrate as deeply into the skin as the 1064nm wavelength. Hence, it may not have the desired results on deeper inks, and is more likely to cause unwanted damage in the epidermis due to the higher melanin absorption!
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Chapter 2 LEVEL A Laser Tattoo Removal
© The Laser-IPL Guys, 2021