Removal of Tattoos by Q-Switched Laser

Bencini, Pier Luca; Cazzaniga, Simone; Tourlaki, Athanasia; Galimberti, M.; Naldi, Luigi

doi:10.1001/archdermatol.2012.2946

Cited by 33 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…Paradoxical darkening of tattoos can occur, particularly the light-coloured pink, tan or white-coloured tattoos, which are often used for permanent makeup. [ 46 ] This occurs due to reduction of titanium dioxide or iron oxide by the laser, turning the pigment black. Hence a small test area should be done first.…”

Section: Complications Of Tattoo Removalmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Complications of tattoos and tattoo removal: Stop and think before you ink

Khunger

Molpariya²,

Khunger

2015

J Cutan Aesthet Surg

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Tattooing is a process of implantation of permanent pigment granules in the skin. Tattoos can be decorative, medical or accidental. There has been a exponential increase in decorative tattooing as a body art in teenagers and young adults. Unfortunately there are no legislations to promote safe tattooing, hence complications are quite common. Superficial and deep local infections, systemic infections, allergic reactions, photodermatitis, granulomatous reactions and lichenoid reactions may occur. Skin diseases localised on the tattooed area, such as eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, and morphea can be occasionally seen. When used as a camouflage technique, colour mismatch and patient dissatisfaction are common complications. On the other hand, regrets after a tattoo are also seen and requests for tattoo removal are rising. Laser tattoo removal using Q-switched lasers are the safest; however, complications can occur. Acute complications include pain, blistering, crusting and pinpoint hemorrhage. Among the delayed complications pigmentary changes, hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation, paradoxical darkening of cosmetic tattoos and allergic reactions can be seen. Another common complication is the presence of residual pigmentation or ghost images. Scarring and textural changes are potential irreversible complications. In addition, tattoo removal can be a prolonged tedious procedure, particularly with professional tattoos, which are difficult to erase as compared to amateur tattoos. Hence the adage, stop and think before you ink holds very much true in the present scenario.

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Section: Complications Of Tattoo Removalmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In a large prospective study of laser tattoo removal, adverse effects were observed in only 6.2% of patients with hyperpigmentation being the commonest observed in 4.8%. [ 46 ]…”

Section: Complications Of Tattoo Removalmentioning

confidence: 99%

Complications of tattoos and tattoo removal: Stop and think before you ink

Khunger

Molpariya²,

Khunger

2015

J Cutan Aesthet Surg

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“…Smoking, the presence of colors other than black and red, a tattoo larger than 30 cm 2 , a tattoo located on the feet or on the legs, one that is older than 36 months, one with a high color density, treatment intervals of 8 weeks or less, and the development of darkening phenomenon are associated with reduced clinical response rates. [ 17 ] The Kirby-Desai Scale is a useful index to correlate with the number of treatment sessions required for satisfactory tattoo removal. It is based on six tattoo criteria - skin type, location, color, amount of ink, scarring, and layering.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Laser-tissue interaction in tattoo removal by Q-switched lasers

Barua¹

2015

J Cutan Aesthet Surg

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Q-switched (QS) lasers are widely considered the gold standard for tattoo removal, with excellent clinical results, impressive predictability, and a good safety profile. The generation of giant pulses by the method of Q-switching is responsible for the unique laser-tissue interaction that is seen in tattoo removal by QS lasers. The QS lasers work by impaction and dissolution of the tattoo pigments. Mechanical fragmentation of the tattoo pigments encased in intracellular lamellated organelles followed by their phagocytosis by macrophages is thought to be the major event in the clearance of pigments by QS lasers. A few novel techniques have been tried in recent times to hasten the clearance of tattoo pigments.

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“…In one of the largest studies of laser tattoo removal, Bencini et al4. reported that 93.8% (330/352) of the patients underwent the procedure without adverse effects.…”

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confidence: 99%