Tattoo application, since time immemorial has been a part of many traditions of various races all over human history and the world. Tattoos tend to be permanent, unless it’s derived from henna which can come off several days after application or one of those stick-on tattoos that can be removed easily by alcohol on cotton swab.
There are many incidences of tattoos gone wrong, or people who have them eventually change their mind and decide that they don’t want their tattoos anymore. Those are some of the reasons why many individuals opt to have their unwanted tattoos removed. This procedure is defined as the complete removal of ink, whether black or multicoloured that it injected beneath the skin during tattooing.
Treatment choices
Before medical laser became the biggest breakthrough in tattoo removal, ink in skin was removed primarily through cryosurgery or freezing, and dermabrasion which are forms of invasive procedures. Inks that are of a darker color are usually the most responsive colors to the treatment, albeit there are specific devices which have various wavelengths which addresses to all the colors of the spectrum. Laser tattoo removal these days can be done to any part of the body.
How Does Tattoo Removal Work?
Tattoo removal usually adheres with the selective photothermolysis principle in which the correct wavelength is administered on the targeted area of the body. It is then absorbed by the deposited tattoo ink and breaking them down into minute particles. These particles are removed over time by the body’s natural excretion process. The surrounding tissues of the targeted area will be left untouched and there will be as little discomfort as possible for the client.
For darker pigments, it may take several sessions before the desired results are achieved. For optimum tattoo removal, the Q-switched laser is usually the most used equipment for the procedure. Enough skin cooling is needed to maximize the comfort and safety of the patient. This also allows dermatologists to administer laser energy safely. Adequate skin cooling allows 
for a lesser risk for impending side effects.
Treating darker skin would require a more stringent procedure because skin with concentrated melanin tends to be highly at risk for PIH or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.