Lettering tattoos require a large amount of dye to clearly define the letter shapes. Due to the high ink volume, they are generally more difficult to remove than other tattoos.
This article explains where the laser stops penetrating during lettering tattoo removal, and how the R-Zero Technique used at Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon addresses this issue.
The Condition of Tattoos with High Ink Volume
Lettering tattoos, due to their high ink volume, tend to require more removal sessions and a longer overall period. This is because there is a limit to the amount of pigment that can be removed in a single session.
The overall treatment flow can be found in the Tattoo Removal Treatment Guide.
The Moment the Lasered Area Turns White
When a tattoo removal laser is applied, the treated area turns white. This is due to the formation of tiny air bubbles inside the skin.
In this whitened state, no matter how strong the laser is applied from above, the laser will not penetrate further.
How these air bubbles, or "bubbles," are handled determines when the next laser application can be performed.
The R20 Technique: Waiting for 20 Minutes
One method to eliminate these bubbles is the R20 Technique, which involves waiting for about 20 minutes. During this waiting period, the bubbles subside, allowing for subsequent laser application.
Why the Waiting Method Was Difficult to Apply
To apply a tattoo removal laser to one area three to four times, including the waiting time, it would take at least an hour. This made it difficult to apply to tattoos like lettering, which require many laser applications.
How the R-Zero Technique Handles Bubbles
The R-Zero Technique is a recently developed method. After laser application, when white bubbles appear, Yonsei Star Dermatology's special method is used to remove them.
- The laser can be applied immediately after bubble removal.
- Repeated application 3-4 times is possible.
- Up to four applications can be done in one session.
The equipment configuration is detailed in the R-Zero Pico-Frectat Tattoo Removal Guide, and other methods are described in Nd:YAG Tattoo Removal.
Comparing the Two Methods Side-by-Side
| Item | R20 Technique | R-Zero Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Bubble Treatment | Wait for about 20 minutes | Removed by a separate method |
| Next Application Time | After waiting period | Immediately |
| Time for 3-4 Applications | At least an hour | Within one session |
Lettering tattoo removal, due to the high ink volume, can take many sessions and a long time. The R-Zero Technique is a method used to shorten this period, and there may be individual differences in the speed of progress and the number of sessions required.
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Authored and Medically Reviewed by Chief Director Dr. Lee Sang-joo (Dermatologist) Graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine · Ph.D. in Medicine, Yonsei University Graduate School of Medicine Resident in Dermatology at Severance Hospital · Current Adjunct Professor, Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine View Medical Staff Profile
First Published: 2025-01-15 · Last Reviewed: 2026-07-29
This article contains general medical information and is not a substitute for individual diagnosis and treatment. Results and recovery progress may vary by individual.