Removal of a tattoo using several different pigments requires the use of several different laser wavelengths. Each color requires a laser wavelength that matches that of the color. In addition, some pigments may change color with laser treatment, requiring additional treatments using lasers with appropriate wavelengths.
Laser Wavelength
Color
1064 nm
755 nm
694 nm
532 nm
black
X
X
X
blue
X
X
X
green
X
X
red
+/-
X
yellow
+/-
X
orange
+/-
X
Pigments containing titanium trioxide or ferric oxide may darken after treatment, requiring additional treatments using a laser with a longer wavelength.
Q-switched lasers are usually used for tattoo removal.
Wavelength
Suitable Q-Swtiched Laser
1064 nm
neodymium yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG)
755 nm
alexandrite
694 nm
ruby
532 nm
neodymium yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG)
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