In which layer of the skin is ink placed for tattoo removal?

Ink is placed in the dermis layer of the skin for tattoo removal. The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and is crucial for tattoo permanency because it is dense and contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and hair follicles. When a tattoo is applied, the ink particles are injected into this layer, where they become embedded.

During the process of tattoo removal, laser treatments target these ink particles within the dermis. The laser light is absorbed by the ink, causing it to break down into smaller particles. This allows the body’s immune system to eventually clear the ink from the skin. The epidermis, which is the outermost layer, does not hold the ink, making it ineffective for tattoo retention or removal, as the ink is protected within the deeper dermal layer. The subcutaneous layer and hypodermis are further down and also not involved in the retention of the ink from tattoos. Thus, the dermis is the correct layer targeted for effective tattoo removal processes.