If you have an unwanted tattoo that you would like removed, looking into the Q-switched Ruby laser treatment might just be well worth your time.

The Q-switched Ruby Laser has been approved as an effective method of tattoo removal for over 10 years now. Unlike other laser treatments such as Intense Pulse Light (IPL), YAG and Alexandrite, the Ruby laser creates short pulses of high-energy red light. It is is successful because the red laser light is absorbed by the pigment of the tattoo, heating it up without exposing the surrounding skin. This process breaks the ink down into smaller particles which are attacked and removed by the body's immune system. Because the light energy is only absorbed by the ink itself, there is usually no need to worry about any long term damage to the skin.

Although the Q-switched Ruby Laser has proven to be extremely effective on most tattoos, some pigments are in fact resistant. These are usually the reds which, unfortunately, do not respond to treatment because they are invisible to the red light. Other factors may make a tattoo unresponsive to removal using this method as well. Consultation is necessary to know whether the tattoo is going to be resistant to treatment.

Although some amateur tattoos can be removed in just one session, most professional tattoos take anywhere from 5-20 sessions depending upon the size of the tattoo, saturation, color of the ink and other factors. The duration of the treatment sessions also vary. Whereas a small, black, amateur line-tattoo might take only 5 minutes to remove, a large, saturated, colored tattoo could take over an hour with the necessity for repeated sessions. Again, consultation with a Q-Ruby laser practitioner is necessary to determine just how long and how many sessions the removal of any tattoo will warrant.

The Q-Ruby laser procedure is known to be somewhat painful, although it doesn’t seem (from my experience and descriptions of the pain resulting from this laser therapy) that it could possibly be more painful than the process of getting the tattoo to begin with. Furthermore, unlike when the patient initially got the tattoo, the practitioner may give the patient a pain killer or anesthetic. Of course, as with any laser procedure, the amount of pain felt largely depends upon the amount of time the treatment takes as well as the individual’s personal pain threshold. Side effects of the ruby laser may include blistering around the treatment area and in worse cases, minimal scarring or depigmentation.

Depending upon the size and saturation of the tattoo, the price of tattoo removal will vary. Consultation with a practitioner is necessary to determine the duration and cost. For more information about the Q-Ruby laser visit the links below.