 | This article needs more reliable medical references for verification or relies too heavily on primary sources, specifically: Several sections have medical claims that need more thorough sourcing. (November 2023) |  |
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 “Rethinking Ink”, Distillations Podcast Episode 220, Science History Institute |
Tattoo removal is the process of removing an unwanted tattoo. The process of tattooing generally creates permanent markings in the skin, but people have attempted many methods to try to hide or destroy tattoos.
The standard modern method is the non-invasive removal of tattoo pigment using Q-switched lasers.[1] Different types of Q-switched lasers are used to target different colors of tattoo ink; depending on the specific light absorption spectra of the tattoo pigments. Typically, black and other darker-colored inks can be removed completely using Q-switched lasers, while lighter colors, such as yellows and greens, are very difficult to remove. Success depends on a wide variety of factors including skin color, ink color, and the depth at which the ink was applied.[2][1]
Recent research has investigated the potential of multi-pass treatments and the use of picosecond laser technology.[3][4][5]
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
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Distillationswas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Goh, CheeLeok; Ho, StephanieGY (2015). "Laser tattoo removal: A clinical update". Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 8 (1): 9–15. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.155066. PMC 4411606. PMID 25949017.
- ^ Kossida, Theodora; Rigopoulos, Dimitrios; Katsambas, Andreas; Anderson, R. Rox (February 2012). "Optimal tattoo removal in a single laser session based on the method of repeated exposures". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 66 (2): 271–277. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2011.07.024. PMID 22036610.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
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