Laser Tattoo Removal: Wavelength Matters

Jim Trenholm • October 24, 2017

[x_custom_headline type=”center” level=”h1″ looks_like=”h2″ accent=”true”]The power of Syneron Candela’s PicoWay laser to remove unwanted ink and pigmentation from skin lies in its three wavelengths.[/x_custom_headline]

How does laser tattoo removal work?

The laser emits light energ y in pulses in a specific and predetermined wavelength in order to shatter the ink pigment into the tiny particles. The particles are then absorbed and disposed of through the body’s natural processes. With the PicoWay’s pulse duration so fast it is measured in picoseconds. The particles can be broken into smaller pieces and faster. Other tattoo removal lasers on the market use nanosecond technology. In which have a pulse rate measured in nanoseconds (one billionth of a second). PicoWay’s faster pulse rate also allows the patient to feel less of the energy. Thus resulting in a more efficient and comfortable session.

 

To successfully remove a tattoo with any laser technology, the ink must be able to absorb light. Different objects reflect and absorb different wavelengths of light. If you have a red tattoo, every other colour successfully absorbs into the ink. The red reflects, thus creating the appearance of red to the human eye.

What does the wavelength determine?

The PicoWay Laser is able to treat a wider variety of tattoo colours and skin tones. Since it operates on a three wavelength system. Never before has a tattoo removal laser been able to combine such fast pulsation with three wavelengths: 785nm, 532nm and 1064nm. The wavelengths determine which colour is targeted during the session.

Wavelengths are the key to safely and effectively removing unwanted ink, as different laser wavelengths are needed to remove different ink colours. PicoWay Laser tattoo removal is based on light absorption — different pigments of your tattoo are able to better absorb different wavelengths.

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As mentioned, if treating a red tattoo every colour besides red is absorbed into the tattoo. So, to treat a red tattoo you’ll need to use a laser wavelength that isn’t red. Think of the RoyGbiv color spectrum: red, orange, yellow, green, indigo, violet are all colours whereas black is an amalgam of all color and white is the absence of color. The relationship between wavelengths and targeting specific colors is essential for proper tattoo clearance. For a tattoo to be effectively removed. Your practitioner will need multiple laser wavelengths in order to achieve complete clearance. The more absorbed the laser is into your ink, the better results you will see.

What colours do the three wavelengths target?

[x_image type=”thumbnail” float=”left” src=”https://unthink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Unthink-wavelength-layers.jpg”alt=”Tattoo Ink Depths Information Unthink inc” title=”Tattoo Ink Depths Information Unthink inc” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover”]

1064nm — Primarily for black ink and dark tattoos. This is arguably the most popular wavelength used in laser tattoo removal as black is the most common ink colour used in tattoos.

785nm — This is the newest wavelength and is exclusive to PicoWay . The 785nm removes a variety of shades in the blue and green family.

532nm — Successfully removes warmly toned inks such as red, orange, yellow, violet and brown.

The PicoWay Laser pulses are a billionth of a second (that’s a decimal and 12 zeros and then a number!!) which is 1000 times faster than traditional Q-switched laser technology. With its ability to remove tattoo colors from across the spectrum. The PicoWay Laser technology was the obvious choice for Jim, founder of Unthink Inc. and we believe it should be the obvious choice for you too.


Want to see the difference PicoWay Laser’s multiple wavelengths can make in your tattoo removal success?  Book your free consultation  with Unthink Inc. today!

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