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. 2015 Jan-Mar;8(1):16-24.
doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.155068.

Optimising laser tattoo removal

Kabir Sardana  1 , Rashmi Ranjan  1 , Sneha Ghunawat  1
Affiliations

Optimising laser tattoo removal

Kabir Sardana et al. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2015 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

Lasers are the standard modality for tattoo removal. Though there are various factors that determine the results, we have divided them into three logical headings, laser dependant factors such as type of laser and beam modifications, tattoo dependent factors like size and depth, colour of pigment and lastly host dependent factors, which includes primarily the presence of a robust immune response. Modifications in the existing techniques may help in better clinical outcome with minimal risk of complications. This article provides an insight into some of these techniques along with a detailed account of the factors involved in tattoo removal.

Keywords: Laser; tattoo removal; techniques.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Variables that affect tattoo removal. The normal process involves fragmentation followed by phagocytosis and transport via the lymphatics. Each step (a-e) plays a role and thus the variations in results are enormous. The colour and mix of tattoo colour is probably the most important determinant in laser application for tattoo. (Not Drawn to Scale)
Figure 2
Figure 2
The various pigment colours are depicted inset and correspond to the absorption spctrum of the wavelengths
Figure 3
Figure 3
A schematic diagram highlighting techniques to enhance tattoo removal. (a) The laser beam gets attenuated by the epidermis and the dermis due to epidermal and dermal scattering (b) Topically applied clearing agents can help in reducing the dermal scatter and enhance results. They can be placed either on the skin or intradermally (c) Epidermal ablation is another effective tool for enhancing results by eliminating epidermal scatter
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