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. 2015 Jan-Mar;8(1):9-15.
doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.155066.

Laser tattoo removal: a clinical update

Stephanie Gy Ho  1 , Chee Leok Goh  1
Affiliations

Laser tattoo removal: a clinical update

Stephanie Gy Ho et al. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2015 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

Techniques for tattoo removal have evolved significantly over the years. The commonly used Quality-switched (QS) ruby, alexandrite, and Nd:YAG lasers are the traditional workhorses for tattoo removal. Newer strategies using combination laser treatments, multi-pass treatments, and picosecond lasers offer promising results. The tattoo color and skin type of the patient are important considerations when choosing the appropriate laser. Standard protocols can be developed for the effective and safe treatment of tattoos.

Keywords: Picosecond lasers; Quality-switch lasers; Tattoo removal.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Showing good resolution of dark blue tattoo using the QS Nd:YAG laser after 5 treatment. Noticed textural changes and mild post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and silhouette of old tattoo (Photographs-courtesy of National Skin Centre, Singapore)
Figure 2
Figure 2
A multicolored tattoo treated with multiple QS alexandrite laser. Note persistence of pigment and hypopigmentation which is a complication of multiple treatment in skin of color (Photographs-courtesy of National Skin Centre, Singapore)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Black amateur tattoo on nape of neck before and after 2 treatments with 1064 nm QS Nd:YAG laser (Photographs courtesy of National Skin Centre, Singapore)
Figure 4
Figure 4
Difficult to treat multi-colored tattoo on the back, before and after 4 treatments with 755 nm QS Alexandrite laser (Photographs courtesy of National Skin Centre, Singapore)
Figure 5
Figure 5
Show multicolored tattoo partially removed with the QS Nd:YAG laser. Note persistence of green pigment which are generally unresponsive to Nd:YAG laser. (Photograph courtesy of National Skin Centre, Singapore)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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