A laser is designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light in short bursts.  Tattoo ink is removed by using this specific wavelength of light that passes into the skin, but is absorbed by the ink.  The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to break into tiny particles that can then be removed by the body's natural filtering and immune systems.  The tattoo fades gradually over a series of treatments.  On average, professional tattoos require 3-8 treatments for full removal.  All treatments are spaced 6 weeks apart.  The number of treatments depends on a number of variables.  (For example: body placement, type of ink, colour, etc.)