TATTOO REMOVAL. HOW LASER WORKS
Laser light acts selectively on pigments, causing very little damage to the surrounding skin. The pigments are fragmented in smaller particles that are then absorbed by the macrophages, the cells responsible for the elimination of foreign substances. They are later permanently eliminated by the organism through lymphatic drainage.
EQUIPMENT USED IN THE REMOVAL OF TATTOOS
Since each colour of inks absorbs light in different ways, each colour should be treated with the wavelength appropriate to its removal:
• To eliminate black, the ideal laser is Neodymium-Yag Q-Switched that emits a wavelength of 1064Nm, although Alejandrita at 755Nm can also be useful.
• For the elimination of blues and greens and their derived tones, the laser of choice is the Alejandrita Q-Switched.
• For the elimination of reds and yellows, the most appropriate laser is the Q-Switched which emits a wavelength of 532Nm.
Instituto Medico Laser makes use of a broad range of laser units to cover the specific needs of each tattoo.
DUAL AFFINITY LASER FOR TATTOOS AND PIGMENTED LESIONS
IML has included the Dual Affinity laser system to its technical range. It consists of a powerful Q-Switched Neodymium-Yag laser suitable for the elimination of tattoos and pigmented lesions.
Affinity enables working with different wave lengths and spot sizes, personalising treatment for each tattoo or pigmented lesion given that each colour requires a different type of light. When the tattoos are composed of several colours, treatment is more complex and ink from the more complex colours can remain:
• 532Nm wave length: ideal for the elimination of lighter tattoos as well as red-inked ones and freckles.
• 1068Nm wave length: recommended for the elimination of dark tattoos and resistant pigmented lesions such as the Nevus of Otta and Ito or Civatte’s syndrome (poikiloderma).
Affinity also works at high energy levels and treatment time is reduced.