If you are a pro tattooist or looking to make your way in the tattoo aesthetics field then this guide is for you. It is related specifically to the purchase of laser tattoo removal machines. To make this a viable and long-term purchase, you need to consider a lot of factors. This would then allow you to make an informed decision.
A lot of tattoo enthusiasts make a striking comparison between laser and rotary tattoo machines. Both have their pros and cons and they differ based on the application and expertise of the tattoo artists. Rotary is more desirable for fine detailing with metals, while the latest laser machines are quite versatile in tackling the ever-growing demands of tattoo buffs.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Laser Tattoo Removal Machine
The laser tattoo removal equipment varies considerably from one product to the other based on its capabilities, specifications, and features. The following are the most critical features that you must consider to shortlist the best tattoo removal laser product for your studio:
Purpose
This is the first factor that may considerably alter your cost. A laser tattoo removal machine could be multi-purpose. Apart from tattoo removal, you may also consider using the same for pigmentation and other skin conditions.
You may get the specialized machine for tattoo removal only as well, which will be comparatively cheaper. In either case, you need to fully ensure that the machine is rigorously tested for performing effective tattoo removal which of course will be its primary use.
Q-Switched Laser Technology
Q-switched is a highly preferred technology by tattoo experts. It employs a quick and powerful pulse for shattering the ink without causing any harm to the skin or any scarring. The Q-Switched laser technology is further divided into the following two types:
Passively Q-switched
It produces an energy pulse to remove tattoo ink but it does not offer the high-performance potential of the larger laser system. They are usually smaller, portable, and economical for limited tattoo needs.
Actively Q-Switched
Every pulse produced through an actively Q-Switched tattoo removal machine usually has a length of 6000 picoseconds for the peak power. This is considerably higher than what we can get from the passively Q-switched laser systems. Such high peak power is desirable for the removal of the most stubborn, large size, and other difficult-to-remove tattoo inks.
Peak Power
Power is a key factor in achieving the desired quality of tattoo removal using laser machines. There can be a few laser machine systems that are good enough to ensure reasonable fading in the first few treatments. However, they might not have sufficient capacity or power to break the toughest of tattoo inks from scratch, which usually has its hold deep within the dermis.
Therefore, to tackle this problem, it is critical to consider peak power when considering a laser tattoo removal machine for purchase. For understanding peak power, it is actually about pulse energy and width.
So, the smaller the width of the pulse, the greater will be the production of energy with higher peak power. The higher peak power facilitates tattoo experts for removal of ink at much higher fluences with no compromise on the spot size of the treatment.
Wavelengths
Tattoos with different colors, done by different tattoo kits, absorb distinct energy wavelengths. It means the practitioners need to switch between varying wavelengths of energy for their removal. This key factor will considerably impact the selection of your laser machine.
The most versatile wavelengths to be considered are 532 nm and 1064 nm. The 532 nm wavelength is suitable for treating orange, red, pink, and some other brighter inks. On the flip side, 1064 nm is considered good to treat blue, black, and the other darker colors.
Laser Maintenance
The most sophisticated actively Q-Switched machines look for regular maintenance to perform at their best level. Such devices have very delicate optical and technical components. Periodic cleaning is warranted for these components along with ensuring their alignment and calibration.
If this is not properly ensured then you will notice performance deterioration over time. As a buyer, it is important to shortlist a laser device for purchase where the manufacturer could provide you with ongoing service. This service must be continued even after the expiration of the warranty.
FDA Clearance
As per USA law, these tattoo removal machines come under medical equipment and they must be regulated by FDA. A product that is FDA-approved is safe for use as it adheres to all the given safety and effectiveness guidelines by FDA.
In Conclusion
As a tattoo expert, you have made the right decision of equipping your tattoo studio arsenal with a laser removal machine. Buying such a machine involves a simple but highly critical process.
Within the laser removal equipment world, you will find a range of products that complicates the buying process.
There might be some products that are suitable for treating a diverse range of tattoos while others could be more specialized machines to tackle a specific need.
Therefore, the requirement is to pick one based on your needs. Then, critical factors like Q-Switching, peak power, wavelength, maintenance, and support should be considered.
