Tattoo removal

Tattoo removal: photomechanical breakdown of ink particles

Tattoo removal is based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, applied to ink particles in the skin. Short, powerful laser pulses are absorbed by the ink pigments, which are then fragmented into smaller particles. These particles are subsequently cleared by the immune system, causing the tattoo to fade gradually.

Effectiveness depends on pulse length, power, wavelength and the colour of the ink. Modern picosecond lasers deliver energy in extremely short pulses — a thousand times shorter than nanosecond systems — fragmenting ink particles more effectively with less heat transfer to the surrounding tissue.

Choosing a technology: picosecond versus Q-switched

Picosecond lasers such as the PicoSure Pro and the Picoplus are the current standard for multicoloured tattoos and stubborn shades. Thanks to multiple wavelengths, they can treat a broad colour spectrum, including blue, green and yellow — colours that are harder for Q-switched systems to target.

Q-switched Nd:YAG systems remain relevant for dark ink (black, dark blue) and for treatments on darker skin types, where the risks of pigmentation problems with picosecond systems need to be weighed more carefully.

The ETHEREA-MX® offers picosecond technology via the handPICO applicator as part of a broader multifunctional platform, giving practices the option to combine several indications from a single investment.

The practice perspective

Tattoo removal takes multiple treatment sessions and patient guidance over time. The faster fragmentation of picosecond systems can reduce the number of sessions needed compared with classic Q-switched treatments — an argument that matters as much for the patient experience as for practice efficiency.

Medi-Invest helps you choose between these systems based on your target group, skin type profile and the tattoo types you want to treat — including clinical training and technical support after purchase.