What is Tattoo Removal?
Painting of the human body goes back to the beginning of recorded history, and thus the removal of unwanted tattoos has probably been around that long as well.   The variety of techniques used to apply tattoos is staggering; the source of the ink, where on the body the tattoo is applied, colors and designs used, even the depth into the skin can vary dramatically.  Thus the approach that the practitioner faces to remove tattoos must take into account that every person and every tattoo that is unique.

Treatment Options
Before the advent of the medical laser, common techniques included cryosurgery, dermabrasion or excision.  As people (and their tattoos age), tattoos fade and become even harder to treat.  As lasers became widely available for a range of dermatological conditions, many different lasers were tried to remove tattoos.  As mentioned above as tattoos vary widely, a laser that is able to treat a wide range of colors, intensity, and depths was needed.  It was found that lasers that produce a very short pulse through Q-Switched technology are most effective.

Are Q switched lasers effective to treat tattoos?
The Q-Switched Laser has become the gold standard treatment for across all colors of tattoo removal. By creating a very short high energy pulse, the tattoo ink is thermo-acoustically broken up into minute particles that the body can readily absorb.   As the laser attacks the tattoo, a light grey "frosting" appears on the tattoo, a signal that the appropriate energy was applied and the removal process will begin.

As the industry grows, so do the number of devices on the market. Not all devices are created equal and successful outcome depends on a variety of factors.  The Spectra with its high power output and variety of dye hand pieces from Lutronic has become a gold standard for removing tattoos.

How does Lutronic's Q-Switched laser work?
Removal of tattoos depends on the principle of selective photothermolysis; when the proper wavelength is applied the ink absorbs the energy preferentially, causing it to break down. The body's natural healing processes remove broken down pigment over time. Surrounding tissue is largely unaffected, but not entirely spared, so tattoo removal is typically uncomfortable for patients. Numerous sessions are required to maximize results.

The Q-switched laser is the most commonly used device for tattoo removal.  Modulation of treatment parameters allows users to customize treatment based on the condition and skin type of the individual patient, to maximize results as well as manage patient comfort and the potential for side effects.   The 1064nm wavelength Nd:YAG is recognized as the safest choice for the treatment of darker skin types , however, special care must be taken due to the increased potential for burning or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

What sets SPECTRA apart?
Consistent pulse width and high peak power, no worry about loss of power on larger tattoo's

  • Effective clearance on all tattoo pigment colors (black, red, dark and light blue, green, and more)1064, 532, 585, 650 nm
  • Fast – short 5-10 ns pulse widths combined with large spot size options ensure quick treatments
  • Autosensing spot sizes ranging from 0.8 mm – 8 mm
  • Uniform beam profile
  • Versatile system provides additional treatment options including pigment, melasma, fine lines, acne scars and other treatments for rejuvenating skin