You’ve outgrown your tattoo, or perhaps it never quite matched your vision. Now you’re wondering if it can be completely removed, especially if it contains vibrant colors or pastels that seem particularly stubborn.
Most tattoo colors can be significantly reduced or removed with today’s advanced laser technology, but not all colors respond the same way. Darker pigments fade faster, while brighter shades may require additional treatments.
If you’re considering color tattoo removal, understanding how different inks react to lasers can help you set appropriate expectations for your treatment. At Laser Skin Solutions Jacksonville in Jacksonville Beach, FL, Dr. Jill Lezaic and her team use state-of-the-art picosecond and Q-switched laser technology to achieve optimal results for both single-color and multicolored tattoos.
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
Laser tattoo removal targets ink particles beneath your skin with intense pulses of light energy. These pulses break the ink into tiny fragments that your body’s immune system can gradually flush away.
Each ink color absorbs certain light wavelengths better than others. Black ink, for instance, absorbs all laser wavelengths, while yellow might only respond to very specific ones. We must match the right laser wavelength to the specific color of ink in your tattoo.
This is why we offer multiple laser types at LSS Jacksonville. With over 14 years of experience and more than 10,000 tattoos treated, Dr.Jill Lezaic has assembled a comprehensive arsenal of tattoo removal lasers to address virtually every color.
Breaking Down Tattoo Removal by Ink Color
Easiest Colors to Remove: Black & Dark Blue
If your tattoo features black or dark blue ink, you’re in luck. These colors typically respond quickest to laser treatment because they absorb light energy from virtually all laser wavelengths.
Most patients with black tattoos see noticeable fading after just two to three sessions, though complete removal usually requires more treatments.
Somewhat Responsive Colors: Red & Brown
Red ink often responds surprisingly well to laser treatment. While it doesn’t absorb as many wavelengths as black ink, the right laser settings can target it effectively.
Brown ink, which is essentially a variation of red, typically responds similarly. However, some brown inks contain iron oxide, which can occasionally oxidize and darken temporarily before fading.
Both colors generally require a moderate number of sessions—usually six to 10 for professional tattoos—but the results are typically very good.
Moderately Difficult Colors: Green & Blue
Green and teal inks have historically been among the most difficult colors to remove. These pigments are stubborn because they reflect rather than absorb many common laser wavelengths.
Our PicoSure™ laser has wavelengths that specifically target these colors. While you’ll still need more sessions than with black ink (typically eight to 12), the results are significantly better than what was possible just a few years ago.
Most Stubborn Colors: Yellow, Orange & Purple
Light colors like yellow and orange present the biggest challenge in tattoo removal. These pigments reflect most laser wavelengths, making them difficult to shatter into smaller particles. Purple can be unpredictable, as it’s often a mixture of different pigments that may respond differently to treatment.
With our combination of PicoSure™ and Cutera Enlighten™ technologies, we can treat these difficult colors, though they typically require more sessions. Ten to 15 may be required for complete fading.
Nearly Impossible Colors: White & Flesh Tones
White ink and flesh-toned pigments are extremely difficult to remove with any current laser technology. These colors contain titanium dioxide, which reflects all laser wavelengths rather than absorbing them.
Even more challenging, white ink sometimes oxidizes and darkens when treated with a laser. If your tattoo contains significant white areas, we’ll discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.
How Tattoo Type Affects Color Removal
It’s not just the color that matters. The type of tattoo also affects how easily it can be removed:
Professional Tattoos
Professional tattoos contain the densest ink concentration, placed deeper in the skin. Multi-colored professional pieces typically require eight to 15 treatments, with lighter colors needing more sessions than darker ones.
Stick and Poke Tattoos
These homemade tattoos contain less ink at a more superficial level. They typically fade after just two to six treatments, regardless of color.
Cosmetic Tattoos
Permanent makeup on lips or eyebrows usually takes one to six treatments to remove. However, “organic” cosmetic inks can sometimes change color when lasered. We recommend contacting your permanent makeup artist for ink details before treatment.
Traumatic and Medical Tattoos
Traumatic tattoos (particles embedded after an injury) vary widely in removal difficulty. Medical tattoos used for radiation treatment typically contain minimal ink and require only one to two sessions.
Our Laser Technology for Color Tattoo Removal
At Laser Skin Solutions Jacksonville, we’ve invested in a comprehensive suite of laser technologies to address all ink colors:
- PicoSure™ Laser: This laser excels at stubborn colors like greens and purples, using ultra-short pulses to shatter ink more effectively
- Cutera Enlighten™ Laser: Our second-generation picosecond laser effectively treats all tattoo colors using multiple wavelengths
- Q-Switched Laser: This laser is highly effective for black and dark-colored inks, especially deep-set tattoos that require more intense treatment.
- Alex TriVantage Laser: Designed to treat light-colored tattoos such as reds, oranges and yellows, this laser works well on a variety of skin types.
With so many different tools available, we can tailor your treatment to your skin type and your tattoo’s size and color composition for the most effective results.
Benefits of Laser Tattoo Removal With Laser Skin Solutions Jacksonville
- Non-Invasive – No surgery or incisions required
- Precise Targeting – Break down tattoo pigments without damaging surrounding skin
- Customizable Treatments – Different laser wavelengths address specific ink colors
- Minimal Downtime – Most patients resume normal activities immediately
Start Your Tattoo Removal Process Today
If you’re ready to remove or lighten an unwanted tattoo, Laser Skin Solutions Jacksonville provides the latest in laser tattoo removal technology, delivering safe and effective results for nearly all pigments. We proudly serve Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about what’s possible with your specific tattoo colors.
