When a tattoo is applied, the machine creates micro-holes in the skin to deposit ink, forming a permanent design. The body identifies this ink as a foreign substance and encapsulates it in the dermis with immune cells. This protective mechanism ensures the tattoo remains visible, as the body’s immune system would otherwise break down the ink.

In the tattoo removal process, we rely on the body's immune and lymphatic systems to eliminate the ink particles. Lasers, such as Q-switched, Picosecond, and Nanosecond, play a crucial role in this. Q-switched lasers use powerful pulses to shatter ink particles into smaller fragments, which are then naturally expelled from the body. Picosecond lasers, with their even shorter pulse durations, further enhance this process by breaking down ink particles into even finer fragments, allowing for more efficient removal. Nanosecond lasers, though less advanced than Picosecond lasers, also effectively fragment ink but with slightly longer pulse durations. Each type of laser offers unique advantages depending on the specific needs of the tattoo removal treatment.

Ink particles in tattoos are typically large, which helps prevent their removal by the body and immune system. Laser tattoo removal employs specific wavelengths to fragment these ink particles into smaller, more manageable pieces. This process is akin to using a jackhammer to break down a large boulder into smaller fragments. Once the ink is shattered, immune cells can effectively process and transport the fragments to the nearest lymphatic nodes, where they are ultimately expelled through the lymphatic system. This gradual process of ink removal generally spans 6 to 12 weeks, depending on factors such as the tattoo's location, age, and the type of ink used.