Sky blue and green tattoos have gained in popularity as tattoo artists have broadened their palettes past blacks and reds.  Creative tattoo artists frequently employ these colors to enrich the appearance their tattoos.  When it comes time to remove tattoos with these colors, however, they present an extra challenge.

The industry standard q-switched laser used for tattoo removal is the Nd:YAG.  It’s wavelengths include 1064 and 532 nm.  These are great for blacks and reds but not as optimal for blues and greens since those colors don’t absorb light as well at those laser wavelengths.  The Medlite C6 comes with attachments that adjust the laser light to wavelengths absorbed by blue and green pigments, however, we found these attachments to be cumbersome, and we were less satisfied with them than we expected.
For that reason we decided to acquire another kind of tattoo removal laser just so we could do a better job of removing blue and green tattoos.   The Q-switched Ruby laser made by Asclepion that we purchased does a great job of removing blue and green tattoos.  It’s wavelength of 694 nm is better absorbed by blue and green pigments, and it is relatively fast and powerful.

Removal of blue and green tattoos with a ruby laser is not for everyone.  The 694 nm wavelength is more absorbed by melanin than the 1064 and has a tendency to lighten the skin in those areas.  This is mostly temporary but may not be a good solution in dark-skinned individuals.
Since we obtained this laser, our ability to treat blue and green tattoos has grown remarkably.  After our most recent upgrade of the laser, it is more effective than ever.

Fraxel is starting at Tattoo MD this May 19th!  Check out the Fraxel page for more information and pricing on this exciting procedure.  Fraxel is the laser procedure of choice for wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, scars, and melasma.