A novel dual-wavelength, Nd:YAG, picosecond-domain laser safely and effectively removes multicolor tattoos

Eric F Bernstein, Kevin T Schomacker, Lisa D Basilavecchio, Jessica M Plugis, Jayant D Bhawalkar, Eric F Bernstein, Kevin T Schomacker, Lisa D Basilavecchio, Jessica M Plugis, Jayant D Bhawalkar

Abstract

Background and objectives: Although nanosecond-domain lasers have been the mainstay of laser tattoo removal for decades, recent disruptive innovations in laser design have introduced a new class of commercial Q-switched lasers that generate picosecond-domain pulses.

Study: A picosecond-domain, Nd:YAG laser with a KTP frequency-doubling crystal was used to treat 31 decorative tattoos in 21 subjects. Safety and effectiveness were determined by blinded evaluation of digital images in this prospective clinical study.

Results: The average clearance overall as evaluated by blinded observers evaluating randomized digital photographs was 79 ± 0.9% (mean ± sem) after an average of 6.5 treatments. Of the 31 tattoos completing treatment, 6 had evidence of mild hyper- or hypo-pigmentation by evaluation of photographs.

Conclusion: The 350 picosecond, 532 nm, and 450 picosecond 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser is safe and effective for removing decorative tattoos. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:542-548, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Keywords: laser; picosecond; pulse-duration; tattoo; treatment.

© 2015 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Cross‐polarized, digital images taken before laser treatment (A, C, E, G, I, K, M, O) and 3 months following the final treatment (B, D, F, H, J, L, N, P). Black pigment cleared extremely well, while some residual blue (F), purple (J), and green (P) pigment can be seen. Cross‐polarized photography enhances visibility of tattoos over conventional lighting or non‐polarized flash photography.
Figure 2
Figure 2
(A) Average clearances for each tattoo color treated with the 1,064 nm wavelength are shown following each of seven treatments. Black ink was the most completely removed following each treatment, followed by purple, green, and blue (error bars show sem). (B) Average clearances for red and yellow inks following treatment with the 532 nm wavelength are shown for each of seven treatments. Although red ink is typically not difficult to remove with standard Q‐switched lasers, the significant clearance of yellow ink is unusual with conventional nanosecond‐domain lasers (error bars show sem).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Differences in peak‐powers are easily seen when comparing equal fluences delivered over 5 ns as compared to 450 ps. Diameter of particle is 500 nm.

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Source: PubMed

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