How Q-switched Nd: YAG Lasers work

Q-switched means ‘quality-switched’ and refers to the fact that this laser targets short pulses of light energy at a tattoo which cracks open the pigments.

The Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser delivers light of specific wavelengths in ultra-short (nanosecond), and very high peak energy pulses.
These pulses are absorbed by the pigment in the tattoo and result in an acoustic shockwave. This 'photoacoustic' effect shatters the pigment particles, releasing them from their encapsulation and breaking them into fragments small enough for the body to recognise as a foreign object and natural immune system them removes the particles of ink from the body, gradually fading over the following 4 to 8 weeks.

This treatment is repeated until removal, or satisfactory fading is achieved.