The use of lasers for decorative tattoo removal

Abstract

As the incidence of tattoo placement continues to increase, so does the demand for tattoo removal, with more than 10 million people in the US alone with a tattoo. Used in an appropriate clinical setting, Q-switched lasers provide relatively efficacious clearance of decorative tattoo pigment with minimal side-effects. We present our clinical experience along with literature findings on decorative tattoo removal and the important issues practitioners should consider in the management of tattoos.