Pigmented lesions are all made of an overabundance of melanosomes in the skin. Tattoos are formed by injections of ink into the skin. The Spectrum RD 1200™ Q-switched Ruby Laser emits a short pulse of intense red light that is selectively absorbed by melanin or tattoo ink located in the epidermal & dermal skin layers. The laser energy causes the melanin or tattoo ink to fragment into smaller pigment particles that are removed by your body's immune system. Because only the melanin and tattoo ink absorbs the ruby laser energy, there is little risk of purpura or similar side effects. This laser is safe and effective, and no anesthetic is necessary.