What really happens when tattoo ink hits your skin? In this episode, Lisa and Mike zoom in on the histology of tattoos, unpacking how ink is deposited, why your body treats it like a foreign intruder, and how your immune system wages a losing battle to make tattoos permanent. They then shine a (literal) light on laser tattoo removal, explaining how light energy turns to heat to break ink into tiny fragments your body can clear away. Along the way, they answer listener questions, bust myths like the much-hyped R20 method, and dig into the risks behind the controversial 'glass slide technique'.

KEY TAKEAWAUS

Tattoos persist because ink particles are too large for the body's macrophages (immune cells) to carry away. The ink gets trapped inside these cells within the dermis, creating a permanent mark.

Tattoo ink exists in the skin as clumps or 'aggregates' of tiny particles. Lasers work by heating these aggregates rapidly, causing them to shatter into smaller pieces that the immune system can then flush out.

The rapid heating of ink by a laser causes the water inside the cells to boil instantly, creating a steam explosion. This mechanical force is what actually breaks apart the ink clusters.

Mike and Lisa discuss the 'R20 method' (doing multiple laser passes with 20-minute intervals) and conclude that there is little evidence to support its effectiveness over standard treatments, suggesting it may cause unnecessary trauma to the skin.

Effective tattoo removal relies on the body's lymphatic system to clear the shattered ink. Since the macrophages involved in this process live for about 30 days, rushing sessions doesn't speed up the fading - it only risks more damage.

BEST MOMENTS

"When the ink is introduced into the skin, the skin responds by saying, 'Oh my god, what the hell is this? We don't like this stuff, let's get rid of it.'"

"Tattoos fade eventually over time, because those cells die every 30 days, the ink is then re-released back into the skin, and new macrophages come along and pick up those released particles."

"Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. One millilitre of water will form 2,000 millilitres of steam. Steam is very powerful for that reason."

"We are surrounded by water. If we weren't, then laser tattoo removal would not work."

"If you have a little hot ink particles inside a macrophage surrounded by water, the ink will heat up very rapidly, in less than a nanosecond."

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.

Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.

Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining

https://mikemurphyblog.com

https://www.dermalasetraining.com

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Why Your Body Can’t Get Rid of Tattoos (and How Lasers Can)