Rethinking ink? If you are no longer in love with the tattoo as you once were, laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective way to get the job done. In this guide, weโll walk through the best laser types for tattoo removal to help you choose the most effective and painless option.
Though all the lasers are helpful, efficient, and effective, when it comes to tattoo removal, not all lasers are created equal. Before you willingly want to get that old tattoo removed, itโs essential to know everything about lasers.
In this blog, weโll examine the best laser types for tattoo removal and talk about their advantages and drawbacks to help you choose the right one according to your skin type.
A Comprehensive Guide on the Best Laser Types for Tattoo Removal
Here are the best laser types for tattoo removal. Letโs break it all apart in plain, honest language with no hype, fluff, just clarity.
1. Q-Switched Nd: YAG
This type of laser is considered the gold standard for tattoo removal due to its versatility and effectiveness in removing a wide range of tattoo colours. It emits high-energy pulses in nanosecond (billionth of a second) duration, targeting black and dark blue ink effectively and safely shattering the ink particles without damaging the surrounding skin.
The Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser is a versatile workhorse, excellent, and remarkably effective at removing dark, stubborn tattoo inks, such as black, blue, green, and red, which can be challenging to remove with other laser types.
Why are Q-Switched Nd: YAG lasers still popular?
- Versatility: It can effectively remove many ink colours, including stubborn ones such as red, black, blue, and green.
- Safety: It is extensively studied and proven safe for tattoo removal, without damaging the surrounding skin, minimising the risk of scarring and other complications.
- Suitable for all skin types: Effective for all skin types, including darker skin tones, without causing adverse effects.
- Minimal side effects: It causes minimal side effects, and the downtime is usually shorter-lived.
At Bianco Beauty, we use a wide range of technologies for laser tattoo removal, including Pico and Q-switched, providing bespoke treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs.
2. PicoSecond (Pico) Lasers
This newer type of laser emits ultra-short pulses in picoseconds (trillionths of a second). It effectively removes many tattoo colours and is known for removing tattoos in fewer sessions than other lasers.
Hereโs what makes Picosscond Laser the best choice:
- Effective on Stubburn Pigments: Effective at clearing challenging tattoos, like blue and green inks, which are often resistant to Q-Switched lasers.
- Faster Results in Fewer Sessions: It breaks down ink particles into finer particles and fragments than traditional lasers, reducing the total number of treatments required.
3. Q-Switched Ruby
This laser emits red light and is most effective for removing tattoos with red, orange, and pink inks. However, it is less commonly used nowadays because of its limitations for removing other tattoo colours and its potential to cause damage to the surrounding skin, compared with newer lasers.
Key strengths and drawbacks of Q-Switched Ruby Laser:
- Effective for Specific Lessons: It shows excellent results on age spots, freckles, and birthmarks.
- Limited for Darker Skin: It increases the risk of hypopigmentation in darker skin as compared to other lasers
4. Q-Switched Alexandrite
This laser emits green light and is more effective at removing green, blue and black ink colours, but can be more prone to pigment changes in darker skin. It is known for its fast treatment speed but is less effective at removing red, orange, and yellow tattoos.
Here are some of the drawbacks of Q-Switched Alexandrite:
- Not suitable for darker skin types
- Limited effectiveness on specific ink colours
- Multiple sessions required
- Causes temporary side effects
- Higher risk of pigmentary changes
Why Choose Bianco Beauty for Laser Tattoo Removal
At Bianco Beauty, we understand that every tattoo and every client is unique. Thatโs why our experienced practitioners take the time to provide a comprehensive consultation before beginning any treatment.
Hereโs what sets Bianco apart:
- Advanced Pico Laser Technology for faster, more effective ink breakdown
- Nd: YAG laser systems designed specifically for darker skin tones
- Personalised consultations to assess tattoo type, skin response, and expectations
- Safe, hygienic clinical environment with trained laser specialists
- Tailored treatment plans that adjust as your tattoo fades
The Bottom Line
The truth is, the best laser types for tattoo removal only work well when the hands guiding them are skilled. Technology matters, but expertise matters more. If youโre looking for the best Laser Tattoo Removal in London and want clarity instead of confusion, Bianco Beauty is here to help.
We offer professional consultations, advanced laser systems, and realistic treatment plans designed around you, not just your tattoo.
Get in touch with Bianco Beauty today to book your consultation for the safest and most effective laser tattoo removal.
FAQs on Best Laser Types for Tattoo Removal
Is the Pico laser better than the Q-switched laser for tattoo removal?
Yes, pico lasers break ink into finer particles, leading to faster fading and fewer sessions, especially for coloured or stubborn tattoos.
Can all tattoo colours be removed with lasers?
Most colours can be faded or entirely removed, but lighter shades like yellow and white may require advanced Pico technology and more sessions.
How many sessions are usually required?
Most tattoos need 6-10 sessions, spaced several weeks apart. Factors like ink density and skin type play a significant role.
Is laser tattoo removal safe for Indian skin?
Yes, when performed with the right laser (like Nd: YAG or Pico) and by trained professionals who understand melanin-rich skin.