Tattoo Removal — Q-Switch Laser

ILK removes tattoos using a Q-switched laser, which delivers ultra-short, high-peak-power pulses that shatter tattoo ink particles into fragments small enough for the immune system to clear. The Q-switch mechanism stores energy and releases it in nanosecond bursts — the brief pulse duration means the energy is absorbed by the ink before the surrounding tissue can dissipate the heat, minimising skin damage while maximising ink fragmentation. Amateur and pigment spot tattoos typically clear in 1–2 sessions; professional tattoos require 3–5 sessions at 4–6 week intervals to allow the body to clear fragmented ink between treatments. The per-cm² pricing model provides complete transparency on treatment cost relative to tattoo size.

Q-switched laser tattoo removal at ILK uses the photomechanical (photoacoustic) principle to fragment tattoo ink particles into sub-micron fragments that can be taken up and cleared by macrophages in the skin and regional lymph nodes. Standard tattoo inks are suspended in the dermis as aggregates of particles ranging from 1–20 microns — too large for macrophages to phagocytose, which is why tattoos are permanent. The Q-switch laser emits pulses with a duration measured in nanoseconds; within this window, the ink particles absorb the laser energy, rapidly superheat, and undergo explosive fragmentation (photoacoustic disruption) into particles of sub-micron size. These smaller particles can now be phagocytosed by macrophages and transported to the regional lymph nodes for clearance. The treatment targets ink by colour because different pigments absorb different wavelengths. Black, dark blue, and dark brown inks contain carbon-based or metal oxide pigments that absorb broadly across the near-infrared and visible spectrum — making them the most responsive to the Q-switch. Yellow and pastel inks contain pigments that do not efficiently absorb typical Q-switch wavelengths, making them more resistant and sometimes requiring more sessions or an additional wavelength. The pricing at ILK is 600 Kč per cm² per session. For amateur tattoos (hand-poked with simple pigments at shallower depths) and cosmetic pigment tattoos, the ink density is lower and clearance typically occurs in 1–2 sessions. Professional tattoos with high ink density at 1–2 mm depth require 3–5 sessions; each session partially clears the ink and the 4–6 week interval allows maximum macrophage clearance before the next pulse. After each session, the treated area forms a mild blister and crust that resolves within 1–2 weeks. Sun protection of the healing area is important to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in the clearing skin.