Tattoo Glossary — L
Laser Removal
A medical procedure that uses laser energy to break down tattoo pigment into particles small enough for the body's immune system to eliminate.
In detail
Laser removal requires multiple sessions (typically 5-15+) and is most effective on black ink. Colour pigments respond differently — greens and blues are harder to remove. The process can be painful and costly. Partial removal is often used to prepare skin for cover-up work.
See also
Cover-up
A tattoo designed to conceal or transform an existing tattoo. Requires careful design to disguise the original work effectively.
Pigment
The colouring agent in tattoo ink. Different pigments have different properties — some are more stable in skin, some are brighter, some fade faster. Black is the most stable.