Does a tattoo and PMU removal laser need an aiming beam?

People often message me on social media asking whether to choose a laser with an aiming beam or whether they can manage without one.

And then they message me again asking, "How can I attach an aiming beam? I tried to save money."

I recommend buying devices with a laser aiming beam, also called a "pilot beam". A laser with a laser sight sounds a little odd, of course, but that is exactly how it is!

The 1064 nm beam of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is invisible to our eyes, and even if we could see it, as we can the 532 nm wavelength, the short pulse duration makes it impossible to guide. That is why you need an aiming beam that shows where the laser is pointed and where the pulse will land. Usually this is a red laser diode with a wavelength of 694 nm.

Ideally, the aiming beam really shows the spot where the laser will hit. Sometimes the aiming beam points at one place and the laser fires a centimetre to the left or right :) I have often come across this on not-so-good devices, too!

Why does a tattoo and PMU removal laser need an aiming beam?

First and foremost, for safety! I have seen some "specialists" boast that they work without an aiming beam and claim this shows their incredible professionalism. I very much doubt it, because showing off and deliberately increasing the risk of a procedure with a class 4 laser is not a sign of professionalism, but rather the opposite.

It's like the joke: "Mum, look, I'm riding my bike with no hands! Mum, look, I'm riding my bike with no teeth!" Only life, unfortunately, is not a joke, and patients' safety is at stake.

With an aiming beam, you can clearly see where the laser beam is pointed and control its movement!

Without an aiming beam, you have to fire test pulses and try not to lose the spot you are treating, and even experienced specialists don't always manage that.

The risk of hitting an eye increases if safety rules are broken and the client suddenly turns out not to be wearing protective glasses, and that is very dangerous!

Second, the aiming beam makes your work as a specialist more comfortable. It is simply convenient when you can clearly see where the laser is pointed and control it easily. The procedure takes less time and effort!

Fitting an aiming beam to a laser that was not designed with one is very difficult. So it is better to think ahead and check with the supplier whether the device you want to buy has a laser aiming beam, so you don't regret it later!