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

Luigi Bennardo,Federica Tamburi,Giovanni Cannarozzo,Eugenio Provenzano,Cataldo Patruno,Steven Paul Nisticò

doi:10.3390/app11209712

Luigi Bennardo, Federica Tamburi + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/app11209712

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Abstract

Background: Tattoo removal is becoming increasingly popular, and Q-switched lasers represent the gold standard in the treatment of this condition. In this study, we report our experience with a new Q-switched picosecond laser device, evaluating its effectiveness and safety. Methods: A total of 34 patients asking for tattoo removal were consecutively enrolled in this open study. The clinicians decided on operating settings based on the Fitzpatrick phototype, the type of tattoo, and the tattoo location. A maximum of seven sessions, with a minimum interval of eight weeks between each session, were performed. At the six month follow-up visit following the last treatment session, patient satisfaction was assessed using a visual analogue scale and two dermatologists evaluated the aesthetic outcome based on pictures taken before and after treatment. Results: A total of 34 patients were included and analyzed: 17 females (50%) and 17 males (50%). The mean patient age was 43.6 ± 11 years. Participants’ Fitzpatrick skin type ranged from II to IV. The mean number of treatment sessions performed was 3.3 ± 2.0 per patient. Over 40% of patients showed complete removal of the tattoo, with most of the patients indicating satisfaction with the treatment. Conclusions: The Q-switched 1064/532 nm laser may be considered the gold standard treatment for tattoo removal. Picosecond pulses seem to guarantee fewer sessions and excellent results when compared to other laser systems in tattoo removal.

Highlights

Tattoos are becoming more and more diffuse in the general population as a sign of individualism [1]
Patients taking gold-based medications, immunosuppressants, and/or anticoagulants, those who were pregnant, those previously affected by skin malignancies, those who had experienced strong sun exposure within the previous three weeks, those previously treated with other tattoo removal or exfoliation procedures, and those suffering from diseases associated with the Koebner phenomenon were excluded from the study
Q-Switched lasers have been on the market for numerous years; the technology and pulse duration have been modified during this time, and the picosecond pulsed laser is considered the gold standard in tattoo removal [25,26]

Summary

Introduction

Tattoos are becoming more and more diffuse in the general population as a sign of individualism [1]. In the 1960s, with the advent of laser technology, Laub et al introduced the use of ruby lasers to remove human tattoos, and the applications of various laser technologies on tattoo treatments emerged gradually from on to using ablative lasers, such as CO2 or Erbium-based devices [4–6]. These lasers may induce superficial tissue destruction. Tattoo removal is becoming increasingly popular, and Q-switched lasers represent the gold standard in the treatment of this condition. Conclusions: The Q-switched 1064/532 nm laser may be considered the gold standard treatment for tattoo removal. Picosecond pulses seem to guarantee fewer sessions and excellent results when compared to other laser systems in tattoo removal

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Discussion

Conclusion