Which type of laser is typically used for tattoo removal?

The Nd:YAG laser is commonly used for tattoo removal due to its ability to penetrate the skin at varying depths, which is essential for targeting different ink colors. This laser operates at a wavelength of 1064 nm, which allows it to effectively break down dark pigments such as black and blue inks. Additionally, the Nd:YAG laser can also be adjusted to a shorter pulse width, specifically at 532 nm, to target lighter colors like red and orange tattoos.

This versatility makes the Nd:YAG laser particularly effective in breaking down the tattoo ink into smaller particles that the body can subsequently eliminate. The selective photothermolysis principle, which governs laser tattoo removal, utilizes the specific absorption characteristics of the tattoo pigments, enhancing the effectiveness of this laser type.

Other lasers listed may not be as effective for tattoo removal. The CO2 laser is primarily used for skin resurfacing rather than for treating tattoos. The Ruby laser, while effective for certain colors, particularly green and blue, is less favored compared to the Nd:YAG due to its limitations with certain ink shades. The Argon laser is more typically used in ophthalmology and is less effective for tattoo removal because of its inability to penetrate deeper skin layers as effectively as the Nd:YAG laser.