What happens to a tattoo when you decide forever is too long? Tattoo removal is achieved through a series of laser treatments, typically 4-10 sessions. Laser-based treatments heat the tattoo pigment to temperatures up to 572ยบ F, causing ink particles to break apart. While many assume the ink simply fades in the face of the laser’s light, the reality is a bit more complicated. When the laser hits the skin, the energy that’s absorbed by the pigment is converted to heat and the chemical bonds inside the pigment begin to break down into smaller pieces, similar to when glass shatters. As the laser’s heat penetrates the skin, it creates an inflamed wound. The healing process requires the immune system to dispatch specific white blood cells called macrophages to engulf/remove the fractured pigment particles, as they are recognized as foreign matter and the source of the inflammation. Meanwhile, the lymphatic system recognizes any remaining disintegrating ink as waste and expels it through sweat, urine or feces. The exact exit strategy of your tattoo depends on the metals and minerals in the ink. Basically, the ink will get metabolized through either your sweat glands, kidney or liver, which means you’re literally sweating, peeing or pooping out your tattoo’s ink particles. Black inks are typically made with iron, while yellow inks are made with cadmium. This chemical composition determines the type of laser needed to remove the offending ink. The colors that are easiest to remove include black, brown and blue. Areas of the body with the most circulation are easier to treat, while those with low circulation — like the fingers and toes — are typically more difficult to break down.
