Q-Switched 1064/532 nm Laser with Nanosecond Pulse in Tattoo Treatment: A Double-Center Retrospective Study

Abstract

Tattoo removal is a well-established procedure in dermatology. Lasers represent the gold standard in the management of this condition nowadays. In this study, we report our experience on the use of a Q-switched nanosecond source. A total of 52 patients were consecutively enrolled in performing tattoo removal at Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro and Tor Vergata University of Rome. Black and blue tattoos were treated with a 1064 nm laser, with a pulse duration of 6 ns and a fluence up to 10 J/cm2, while colored tattoos were treated with sessions of 532 nm laser, with a pulse duration of 6 ns and a fluence up to 5 J/cm2. Up to nine treatments with a minimum interval of 8 weeks between each session were performed. A six-month follow-up visit assessed patient satisfaction (Visual Analogue Scale). Overall clinical result was assessed with a clinical evaluation by two blinded dermatologists using a 5-point scale, comparing pictures before treatment and at follow up. A total of 52 patients were included and analyzed: 30 females (57.7%) and 22 males (42.3%). Mean age was 43.7 ± 12.7 years. According to Fitzpatrick’s skin classification, 16 individuals (30.8%) were type II, 15 (28.8%) were type III, and 21 (40.4%) were type IV. Most of the treated tattoos were carried out by professionals. The mean number of sessions required to obtain a result was 4.6 ± 2.5, and the final tattoo removal rate was 60% or higher, with 51.9% of the patients reporting highest satisfaction scores Q-Switched 1064/532 nm laser may be considered today as the gold-standard treatment for tattoo removal. Our results confirm literature findings of the safety and effectiveness of these devices.

Immune Response in Laser Tattoo Removal: A Systematic Review

“…Cannarozzo et al conducted a comprehensive investigation in their sixth study, which further explores the application of Q-switched nanosecond sources in the context of tattoo removal. 17 The findings of this study provide additional evidence that supports the safety and efficacy of these sources for the goal of tattoo removal. The significance of employing appropriate techniques and parameters in order to attain optimal outcomes in tattoo removal using these devices is examined by the writers.…”

Picosecond Q-Switched 1064/532 nm Laser in Tattoo Removal: Our Single Center Experience

“…The QS Nd: YAG laser is reported as the optimal tattoo removal device because it can obtain excellent cosmetic results with minimal skin damage, low scarring risk, and low incidence of hypopigmentation [17,18]. A two-month interval between sessions permits the removal of tattoo pigmented particles via the phagocytic cells, and it is necessary before carrying out any other session or procedure [19,20]. Red ink is more frequently associated with long-term reactions, including granulomatous and pseudolymphomatous phenomena or morphea-like lesions and vasculitis.…”

Comparative Study of Q-Switched Erbium Doped Fibre Laser with SWCNT-PVA Saturable Absorber of Different Ratios

“…Compared to the active technique that requisites an external modulator, for instance, a mechanical, acousto-optic, or an electro-optic modulator to trigger a pulse by modulating the cavity losses, passive Q-switched fibre lasers have been an object of research due to its easy and straightforward accessible operation, determining stability which alludes to sophisticated accomplishments by the implementation of saturable absorbers (SA) [11][12][13][14][15]. One of the most significant discussions in passive Q-switched fibre lasers is its self-starting feature of spontaneously rectifying the losses in the cavity to attain a high repetition rate with nanoseconds short pulses periphrastically [16,17].…”