Comparison of a single treatment with Q-switched ruby laser and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in removing black-blue Chinese tattoos

Abstract

Background: Black and blue are two popular colors in Chinese tattooing. Two Q-switched lasers, ruby and Nd:YAG, are effective for tattoo removal. No reference with regard to a comparison of the effects and adverse reactions in Chinese individuals has been made in the literature.

Objective: To compare a single treatment of black-blue tattoos with the Q-switched ruby laser and Q-switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser.

Methods: A total of 35 Chinese patients with black-blue tattoos at the laser center of the Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were enrolled into a self-control study. Tattoos were split into two parts or two nearby tattoos on the same body part were used; one side was treated with the Q-switched ruby laser and the other with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Immediate response, treatment outcome and adverse effects were compared. The statistical significance level was set at p< 0.05.

Results: Edema and exudation were more common immediately after ruby laser treatment (p< 0.05). The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser had a significant difference in tattoo lightening versus the Q-switched ruby laser after a single treatment (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the two lasers.

Conclusion: The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is more effective at tattoo lightening for Chinese individuals. Its immediate response after treatment is slighter than the Q-switched ruby laser.