PI-WIKI-PHYS-11 · Laser Physics · reviewed 2026-10-26
Poli's Laser Tattoo Removal Wiki: Selective Photothermolysis
Critical numbers
PrincipleSelective Photothermolysis (Anderson & Parrish, 1983)
1064 nm Nd:YAG TargetBlack, dark grey, dark blue ink
532 nm Nd:YAG TargetRed, orange ink
755 nm Alexandrite TargetBlue, cyan, green ink
Q-Switched Pulse Duration6–10 nanoseconds
Picosecond Pulse Duration300–750 picoseconds
Pigment TRT (50–300 nm)~10 nanoseconds
Fragmented Particle SizeSub-micron, phagocytosable by macrophages
Localised Thermal Delta> 300°C at pigment particle surface
Fluence Range2–10 J/cm² (skin type and colour dependent)
Minimum Session Interval6–8 weeks (lymphatic clearance rate)
Test Spot IndicationFitzpatrick III+ (any wavelength)
Do not
- Using 532 nm on Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin at standard fluences
- Re-pulsing an area while it is still frosted
- Treating white or skin-tone tattoo inks without warning of paradoxical darkening
- Treating active infections
- Insufficient session intervals
- Not disclosing the number of sessions required
Applicable standards
- European Union — EU MDR 2017/745
- United States — FDA 21 CFR Part 1040, Performance Standards for Laser Products
- ASEAN & Asia-Pacific — Thailand FDA