A tattoo can be removed from a subject using extracorporeal shock waves and light. The extracorporeal shook waves (ESW) can have an energy level of less than 0.27 mJ/mm2 and be administered to an unaltered tattooed region of a subject for approximately 10 minutes. A continuous, non-pulsing light of a wavelength between 400-940 nm having an energy output of about 50,000 Lux from the optical device can then be administered to the tattooed region within approximately two minute after administering the ESW at a distance of approximately 1 to 2 inches above the tattooed region for approximately 5 to 15 minutes. This allows the tattoo to be removed due to molecular vibration and molecular bond deformation which causes the bonds of the tattoo ink to break apart and be dispersed and absorbed into a body of the subject.
