Tattoo Removal Is Insane

Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell • 2025-12-12T15:00:02Z • 12:54 • intermediate • Health

Lead

Have you ever regretted a tattoo? You're not alone! With 25 million people in the US feeling the same way, the booming world of tattoo removal is more relevant than ever.

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Quiz

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Q1. What percentage of people with tattoos regret them?

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Q2. What is the main reason tattoos remain permanently in the skin?

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Q3. What type of laser is needed for red ink tattoos?

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Q4. What happens to the ink particles when they are hit by the laser?

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Q5. How many sessions does laser tattoo removal usually take?

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Vocabulary

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permanently

/ˈpɜrmənəntli/

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Definition

In a way that lasts or remains unchanged indefinitely.

Example

Once the ink is injected, it is permanently embedded in the skin.

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anatomy

/əˈnætəmi/

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Definition

The branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms.

Example

Understanding the anatomy of the skin is crucial for effective tattoo removal.

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electromagnetic

/ˌɪlɛktroʊmæɡˈnɛtɪk/

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Definition

Relating to the interrelation of electric currents or fields and magnetic fields.

Example

Lasers operate using electromagnetic radiation to target ink particles.

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macrophages

/ˈmækroʊfeɪdʒɪz/

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Definition

Large white blood cells that are part of the immune system and help to engulf and digest cellular debris and pathogens.

Example

Macrophages play a vital role in cleaning up the remnants of the tattoo after removal.

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vaporizes

/ˈveɪpəˌraɪzɪz/

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Definition

Converts into vapor or steam, typically by heating.

Example

The intense heat from the laser causes the ink to vaporize almost instantly.

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carnage

/ˈkɑrnɪdʒ/

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Definition

The killing of a large number of people or the destruction of a large amount of something.

Example

The laser treatment turned the tattoo into a mountain range of carnage beneath the skin.

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