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. 1998;22(2):103-8.
doi: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9101(1998)22:2<103::aid-lsm6>3.0.co;2-t.

Effective treatment of traumatic tattoos with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

A M Troilius  1
Affiliations

Effective treatment of traumatic tattoos with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

A M Troilius. Lasers Surg Med. 1998.

Abstract

Background and objective: It is well known that the Q-switched Nd:Yag (QSNd:YAG) laser works well in the treatment of blue-black tattoos and benign pigmented lesions. It is less well known that this laser can also treat traumatic tattoos after accidents.

Materials and methods: Twelve patients with traumatic tattoos were treated with a QSNd:YAG laser, 1064 nm.

Results: Gravel, mascara, high explosives, and older tattoos responded best with total clearance after 2-5 treatments. Hard materials such as asphalt, amalgam, and metal needed 6-11 treatments, and there was not always complete clearance. Transcient hypopigmentation but no scarring was seen.

Conclusion: QSNd:YAG laser treatment of traumatic tattoos is effective, atraumatic, and a good alternative to mechanical dermabrasion or other conventional therapies.

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