How Does Tattoo Removal Work?

Why did you get your tattoo? Everyone has a personal reason for the ink they display on their body. It could be to honor a loved one, carry a memory, tell a story, or show the world your allegiance to a cause. 

What happens when those feelings change, and you want to undo your tattoo? Whether you’ve outgrown a design or want to make space for new ink, tattoo removal has come a long way. 

Dr. Robert Topham and our team at Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics in Holladay, Utah, specialize in advanced tattoo removal methods using the cutting-edge enlighten™ laser system. Here’s an inside look at how this technology works and why it’s our go-to solution for tattoo removal.

How lasers remove tattoos 

When you get a tattoo, the artist injects ink into your dermis (the second layer of your skin). Despite your skin’s natural healing process, the ink particles remain trapped in this layer, creating the design. 

Tattoo removal lasers, like the enlighten system, target these ink particles specifically, leaving the surrounding skin intact.

Here’s how the process works:

• The enlighten laser emits energy at a specific wavelength
• This energy heats the ink particles, breaking them into tiny fragments
• Over time, your immune system flushes out the fragmented particles, fading the tattoo

Most tattoos consist of multiple layers of ink. During the removal process, lasers need to target these layers one at a time, meaning you can expect to undergo multiple sessions. 

To estimate how many sessions you’ll need, Dr. Topham uses the Kirby-Desai scale, a medically recognized scoring system. This scale evaluates factors such as:

• Your skin type
• Colors in the tattoo
• Ink density
• Scarring present in the tattooed area
• Health status
• The tattoo’s age

This comprehensive scoring system allows for a more accurate treatment plan tailored to your unique tattoo and skin profile.

How many sessions also depends on: 

• Tattoo size: larger tattoos require more sessions than smaller ones
• Ink colors: dark colors absorb laser energy more easily than greens or yellows
• Age of the tattoo: older, faded tattoos are easier to remove
• Quality of tattoo application: professional, uniform tattoos are easier to remove

Our standard tattoo removal process involves treatments spaced about 6-8 weeks apart so your skin can heal,, and your body can process the broken-down ink.

The enlighten laser system advantage

At Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics, we use the enlighten laser system because it’s packed with state-of-the-art features that deliver superior results, including:

Picosecond-speed pulses

The enlighten laser operates in picoseconds (trillionths of a second) to shatter ink particles into ultra-small fragments, which are easier for your body to clear away.

Three wavelength options

Unlike standard lasers, the enlighten system has three wavelengths (532 nm, 1064 nm, and 670 nm), making it more effective on multi-colored tattoos, including stubborn colors like blue and green.

Customizable settings

Adjustable pulse duration, spot size, and energy levels allow our team to treat a broader range of skin and tattoo types safely and effectively.

Dr. Topham uses this advanced device to tailor every treatment plan, ensuring that each session is as precise and effective as possible.

Does tattoo removal hurt?

The experience varies from person to person. Many describe the sensation as similar to having a tattoo applied — a manageable discomfort. We offer topical anesthetics during the procedure when needed to keep you comfortable.

Here’s what the process entails:

1. We clean the area and may apply an anesthetic 
2. We calibrate the enlighten laser based on your skin type and tattoo characteristics
3. We guide the laser over the tattoo as it emits energy pulses to break down the ink

After each session, you might notice some temporary redness, swelling, or minor bruising; this is normal. You should avoid direct sun exposure to protect the treated area during the healing process, which typically takes about 6-8 weeks, after which you can schedule your next session if required.

Removing a tattoo is a highly personalized process, and choosing the right professional is crucial. Dr. Topham brings years of dermatology and tattoo removal expertise to every session. Whether you’re in Salt Lake City, Holladay, or nearby areas in Utah, we can safely remove your tattoo.

Call Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics to book your first session today.