Two key processes break up the ink – the pigment in your tattoo will absorb the energy from the laser and break apart; also, the incredibly fast pulse (6-billionths of a second!) and energy of the laser will cause the ink to shatter like a sugar cube breaking apart. Once the ink is broken down by the laser, your body responds by moving fluid to the area to help flush away the ink. This immune response will be obvious in the form of some swelling and redness in the area. Over the next few weeks, the ink will be flushed away. This doesn’t happen overnight. Removing a tattoo takes a number of sessions.