Tatoo removal by laser surgery is considered to be the best method by medical professionals. New technological breakthroughs have made tattoo removal by laser surgery both safer and more effective. How it works is the laser uses intense pulses of light. These light pulses break down the pigment in the tatoo and vaporizes it. The pigments are absorbed by the body's lymphatic system. To minimize the chance of scarring during the process, professionals try to use lasers with short pulse duration. Tatoo removal is much harder on a tatoo that is applied to thin layers of skin such as the top of the foot, the ankle or a finger. Blacks, reds and dark blues are easier to remove than oranges, greens and light blues.