Laser Tattoo & Permanent Makeup Removal

Laser tattoo removal using three complementary laser systems: the Candela GentleLASE (alexandrite, dual skin cooling), Quanta System Ultralight EVO (multi-wavelength) and Q-Switch YAG laser (multiple wavelengths for varied pigment types). Each laser flash shatters ink particles into microscopic fragments that the lymphatic system clears over time. At Artmedica Clinic Prague the multi-laser approach covers a broad spectrum of tattoo ink colours and permanent makeup pigments, including eyebrow and lip liner micropigmentation. Anesthetic cream is available for comfort.

Laser tattoo removal exploits the photomechanical effect of very short, high-energy laser pulses to fragment ink particles that are too large for the body's immune cells to remove naturally. Tattoo ink is introduced into the dermis as particles of 0.1–10 micrometres — large enough that they defeat phagocytosis and remain permanently trapped in dermal fibroblasts and macrophages. Laser pulses delivered in nanoseconds or picoseconds at wavelengths absorbed by the ink pigment heat the particles so rapidly that they undergo photoacoustic fragmentation — shattering into sub-micrometre fragments. These smaller particles are then small enough to be taken up by macrophages and transported via the lymphatic system, gradually clearing from the skin over six to twelve weeks between sessions. At Artmedica Clinic Prague three laser systems are used in combination, selected according to the ink colours present in the tattoo. The Candela GentleLASE alexandrite laser at 755 nm is particularly effective for dark blue and black inks as well as green — wavelengths absorbed strongly by these pigments. The Q-Switch Nd:YAG operates at 1064 nm (for black/dark inks with deeper penetration) and can also generate 532 nm (frequency-doubled — effective for red and orange pigments) via a second-harmonic crystal. The Quanta System Ultralight EVO extends multi-wavelength coverage and includes Ruby at 694 nm, which is particularly effective for green and blue-green inks that the YAG misses. This multi-platform approach means Artmedica can treat the full spectrum of ink colours, including multi-colour tattoos that challenge clinics with only a single laser system. For permanent makeup (eyebrow microblading, lip liner, eyeliner) the situation differs from cosmetic tattoos: the pigments used in micropigmentation are often iron-oxide based and may paradoxically darken on first Q-Switch exposure due to a reduction reaction. MUDr. Adamcová assesses permanent makeup cases carefully and may test a small area first to observe the pigment's response before treating the full zone. Sessions are spaced eight to twelve weeks apart to allow full clearance of the previously fragmented particles before the next treatment. Complete removal of most black/dark tattoos requires three to ten sessions depending on ink density, depth, age and colour. A topical anaesthetic cream can be applied before treatment; without cream the sensation is described as repeated snapping similar to a rubber band. Post-treatment the skin is cooled; minor blistering in the first 24 hours is normal and heals rapidly.