Why is it Important for Tattoo Removal Lasers to be Q-Switched?
Q-switched lasers have become the standard for laser tattoo removal. Q-switching is a shutter-like mechanism that allows only super short (nanoseconds) bursts of laser light to be emitted. These super-rapid bursts of energy cause fracturing within tattoo particles yet generally do not transmit enough heat to the skin to cause damage to surrounding normal tissue. Lasers used for most other cosmetic purposes, such as laser hair removal, laser resurfacing and skin tightening all generally have much longer durations of light transmission. Although this is fine for their usual indications, such lasers cause too much collateral damage in tattooed skin. The effect with a non-Q-switched laser treatment of a tattoo is similar to burning off the tattoo and may even be successful after one treatment but has the unfortunate side-effect of a deep scar. The end result therefore, is usually worse that the original tattoo. This is the reason you can’t get laser hair removal over tattooed skin.
Tattoo MD uses only Q-switched lasers in our tattoo removal procedures. We use the Medlite C6 and the Asclepion Rubystar which are both nano-second lasers. If you are considering a tattoo removal procedure elsewhere, make sure that q-switched lasers will be used.
