Amateur Tattoos Research Articles

A STUDY TO EVALUATE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF Q SWITCHED ND:YAG LASER IN AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL TATTOO REMOVAL

Introduction: Tattooing has gain popularity since ancient time and has become increasingly popular, particularly among young people. Advances in Laser and Light based technology have revolutionized tattoo removal, using various wavelength to target various tattoo color pigments and lesser complications. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is considered the standard device of choice for laser tattoo removal. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Q switched ND YAG laser in amateur and professional tattoo removal. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, interventional single centre study carried out in dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital in western India. Total 44 patients over the period of 18 months with red, green, blue or black colour tattoo according to inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. Results: Most common age group in our study was 21-30 years (61.4%). Amateur tattoo 34 (77.3%) were much more than professional tattoo 10 (22.7%). Blue-black tattoo (93.2%) was more common than red-green (6.8%) colour tattoo. Most common reason for tattoo removal was found to be Army/ Police recruitment in 31 (70.5%) patients. In amateur tattoo at end of 10th session 93.34% had excellent to clear response while in professional tattoo it was only 20%. Conclusion: Amateur tattoos generally require six or more sessions and professional tattoos may need ten or more sessions.

Evaluation of Amateur and Professional Tattoo Removal by the Q Switched Nd:YAG Laser

Background: A tattoo is visible and permanent pigmentation of the skin secondary to the deliberate or accidental deposition of exogenous pigment within the dermis. A variety of procedures have been used to remove tattoos, such as laser therapy, surgical excision, and dermabrasion. QS laser treatment can result in good cosmetic outcomes and complete or near-complete removal of many unwanted tattoos.Objective: to evaluate the QS Nd:YAG laser effects for amateur and professional tattoos removal.Materials & Methods: The study was done on 293 tattoo lesions from 176 patients (in both genders) , there were 239 amateur tattoos (136 patients) and 54 professional tattoos(40 patients). Tattoos on a wide range of body sites (limbs, feet, face, chest, shoulders and legs) were treated. Ages were between 17- 60 years. In this work, tattoos were divided to amateur and professional tattoos. A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser system was used throughout this study. All tattoos containing black and blue pigment were treated at 1064 nm. Tattoos containing red pigment were treated at 5 32nm. Treatment was scheduled at 4-6 weeks intervals and continued until maximum clearance of the tattoo was achieved, and the number of sessions varies from one to five sessions. For assessment of degree of lightening the method proposed by Lanigan was used: grade 1, complete response (> 95% lightening); grade 2, excellent response (76–95% lightening); grade 3, good response (51–75% lightening); grade 4, fair response (26–50% lightening); grade 5, poor response (0–25% lightening).Results: Amateur tattoos were often more numerous than professional tattoos. Eighty per cent of tattoos (198 of 239) were clinically clear at the time of analysis, this included 70.7% (169 of 239) which were ? 95% clear. Overall 56.6% of amateur tattoos were clinically clear after two treatments, and 82% (110 of 134) were clinically clear after 2-3 treatments, while the clinical clearance rate was 40% after six treatments for professional black tattoos. It is anticipated that response rates will increase when tattoos at an early stage of treatment receive further treatments,and P value was (0.004) which mean that there is significant difference between two groups.Conclusion: Amateur tattoos generally require fewer treatment sessions and the response is better than professional tattoos.

Tattoo Practices in North-East India: A Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study

Background:Tattooing has become increasingly popular, particularly among young people. However, little is known about the tattoo practices in North-East India.Objectives:The primary objective of this study was to know the reasons and motivations of tattoo application and tattoo removal in individuals asking for tattoo removal. The secondary objective was to identify the demography, methods and safety of tattoo practices in these tattooed individuals.Materials and Methods:A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in 212 consecutive individuals seeking tattoo removal. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were performed for intergroup comparisons.Results:There were 178 (84%) males and 34 (16%) females. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of individuals seeking tattoo removal was 21.8 ± 4 years. The mean ± SD age of doing tattoo was 15.8 ± 3 years. Most individuals possessed an amateur tattoo (94.3%), 4.2% a professional one and 1.4% had a combination. Sewing needle was the most common instrument used for making tattoos in 51.4%. The individuals made their tattoos in an unsterile manner in 49.1%. The most common reason for doing tattoo was for fashion in 87.7%. The participants wanted tattoo removal to qualify for jobs, especially in armed forces in 49.5% and due to regret in 21.7%. Black was the most preferred colour in 37.3% followed by green in 28.3%. The fabric ink was the choice of ink in maximum number of individuals, i.e. 93.9%.Limitations:It was a hospital-based study done only on individuals seeking tattoo removal. It needs caution to generalise the findings in population. In addition, there may be recall bias in the participants.Conclusion:The tattoo was done mostly below 18 years of age in a crude unsterile way. The individuals had poor risk perceptions about various infections and complications of tattooing. There is an urgent need to caution and educate the youngsters and school-going children about safe tattooing and consequences of tattooing.

Laser tattoo removal: an overview of ink fragmentation and elimination

Laser tattoo removal is increasingly being sought by individuals for the removal of amateur, professional, cosmetic, medicinal and traumatic tattoos. Tracy Butler evaluates the effectiveness of Q-switched lasers for the eradication of tattoo ink, discusses potential treatment-related side effects and adverse events, and describes the processes of ink fragmentation and elimination

Long-term evaluation of ink clearance in tattoos with different color intensity using the 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of tattoo removal treatments using the 1064-nm Q-switched (QS) Nd:YAG laser. Today, QS lasers appear to be the most common, effective, and safest methods to treat unwanted markings. A total of 64 patients with 75 unwanted tattoos were enrolled in the study. Tattoo clearance was evaluated according to the color intensity - concentration of pigment: group I (34) - black; group II (41) - gray. Consideration included methods of tattooing and tattoo techniques. In group I, after the first treatment session the median of clearance was 30% (10-50%), while in group II, the median was 50% (40-70%). After the second treatment session, median in group I increased to 40% (30-50%). Median of group II increased to 70% (50-80%). The highest number of treatment in group I was 7. After that, the median grew to 75%, while the highest amount of treatment in group II was 5 and a median of 90% was achieved. Effects were dependent upon the amount of ink deposited in the tissue. Old amateur tattoos and tattoos containing small quantities of ink (technique: shading and lines) demonstrated the quickest and the most efficacious results. Tattoos with large quantities of ink, obtained by filling, required the greatest number of treatment sessions. The final outcome in tattoo clearing can only be assessed following treatment completion, which may in some cases take 2-3 years. Presumably, in some cases, complete clearance is impossible.

A promising split‐lesion technique for rapid tattoo removal using a novel sequential approach of a single sitting of pulsed CO2 followed by Q‐switched Nd: YAG laser (1064 nm)

Laser tattoo removal conventionally uses Q-switched (QS) lasers, but they require multiple sittings, and the end results depend largely on the type of tattoo treated. In pigmented skin, due to the competing epidermal pigment results, laser results in tattoo are slow and inadequate. To evaluate the efficacy of a combined use of ultrapulse CO2 and QS Nd:YAG (1064nm) laser in the treatment of tattoos in Indian skin. A split-lesion trial was carried out in five patients, with the left side of tattoos receiving the QS Nd:YAG (1064nm) and the right side, a sequential combination of Up CO2 and QS Nd: YAG at 6weeks interval with a maximum of six sittings. Outcome assessment was carried out by a blinded assessor using standardized photography. An assessment of physician improvement score, side-effects score, and patient satisfaction score was taken during and at the end of the study. There was a statistically significant improvement on the combination side(physician improvement score -3.7 vs. 1.87: P=0.0019) which occurred earlier with fewer sittings (1.7 vs. 6). There was no statistically significant difference in the side effects. A combination of an Up CO2 laser with QS Nd: YAG laser is a promising tool for rapid and effective removal of blue-black/blue amateur tattoo in pigmented skin.

Tattoos and sarcoidosis

We are pleased that our article[1][1] was read with keen interest. In response to Madan’s letter,[2][2] our patient’s tattoos were amateur tattoos acquired over many years via a variety of methods, and presumably pigmentary substances were used, although all tattoos were black in colour. While

Mycobacterium fortuitum cutaneous infection in an amateur tattoo

Mycobacterium fortuitum cutaneous infection in an amateur tattoo

Tattoos Can Be Removed in Fewer but Longer Laser Sessions

Removal of unwanted tattoos is usually performed with Q-switched lasers. Many treatment sessions are needed (up to 20 for professional tattoos), and the results are often incomplete. These authors studied the efficacy of using four passes in a single treatment session with long intervals between treatments. Twelve healthy white subjects with a total of 8 professional and 10 amateur tattoos were treated. Each tattoo was divided …

Decorative tattoos and reasons for their removal: a prospective study in 151 adults living in South of France

Decorative tattoos and reasons for their removal: a prospective study in 151 adults living in South of France

Laser treatment of amateur tattoos in Arabs in Kuwait: Effectiveness and safety

Background: Laser treatment of amateur tattoos on Fitzpatrick type V skin produces a considerable risk of complications because of the increased incidence of adverse pigmentary changes. The principle of selective photothermolysis predicts that the Q-switched alexandrite laser should be effective in removing tattoo ink with minimal side effects in patients with skin phototype V. Objective: To study the effectiveness of the Q-switched alexandrite (755 nm, 50 ns) laser in the treatment of amateur tattoos in Arabs in Kuwait. Methods: One hundred patients, each with multiple tattoos, were treated until total clearance. Fluences used ranged from 5 to 7 J/cm2 with a spot size of 3 mm. Clinical evaluation was performed at baseline and at each follow-up visit until dyspigmentation resolved. Results: Total clearing was observed in all tattoos after an average of six sessions. Both tattoo clearing and post-laser hypopigmentation (29%) and hyperpigmentation (38%) increased with higher fluences. Conclusion: In this prospective study, our findings suggest that the Q-switched alexandrite laser is an effective laser in removing amateur tattoos in patients with skin phototype V, but with a high incidence of pigmentary changes.

Tattooing in the Gulf region: A review of tattoo practices and response to treatment with the Q-switched ruby laser

Background: Data regarding tattoo practices in the Gulf region and response to treatment are almost non-existent in the medical literature. Objective: To study the profile of patients with permanent tattoos in the Arab world, and to evaluate their response to Q-switched ruby laser treatment. Methods: A total of 468 consecutive patients with permanent tattoos consulting us for tattoo removal were recruited in the present study. Before starting the treatment each patient was given a set of questionnaires to answer. The patients were then treated with the Q-switched ruby laser, with a time interval of 8 weeks between each laser session, until complete clearance or up to a maximum of 10 sessions. Results: A total of 292 patients out of 348 patients achieved excellent lightening to complete clearance of tattoo pigment after an average of six sittings (range 2–10 sittings). Female patients with fair complexions and amateur tattoos on the face responded best. Seventy-eight (22.4%) patients developed pigmentary changes. Conclusion: More females than males had tattoos, and at a very young age and mostly on the advice of their parents. The majority of patients wanted to remove the tattoos because of religious reasons. The Q-switched ruby laser seems to be highly effective in removing amateur blue-black tattoos in patients with colored skin.

Removal of amateur blue‐black tattoos in Arabic women of skin type (III–IV) with Q‐switched alexandrite laser

Tattoos in Arabic society used to have a cosmetic importance on the face of females. These were usually amateur tattoos done by non-professional women in the tribe. Because Islam as a religion prohibited its practice and its application, people became concerned about removing the old tattoos by any means. Nowadays, laser is considered an effective method of tattoo removal. Here, we report our experience in the removal of tattoos in Arabic women of skin type III-IV using the Q-switched alexandrite laser. Twenty female subjects aged 35-50 years from similar racial and ethnic background with amateur tattoos were treated using the Q-switched alexandrite laser. Fluence threshold was determined and a spot test was made. Q-switched alexandrite laser with a fluence range 4.0-7.5 J/cm(2) (mean 6.05) was used at 6-12-week intervals. Total treatment numbers ranged from three to six sessions (mean 4.15) with single-pulse technique application. More than 95% lightening was achieved in five patients after three to six sessions at fluence range of 6-7.5 J/cm(2) and > 75% lightening in 10 subjects after three to six sessions of treatment at fluence range of 4-7.5 J/cm(2). Pinpoint bleeding was observed in one case but no pigmentary alteration or scarring was seen. Tattoo pigment removal by Q-switched alexandrite laser is an effective method in skin type (III-IV) with minimal side effects, which gives high patient satisfaction.

Efficacy of laser treatment of tattoos using lasers emitting wavelengths of 532 nm, 755 nm and 1064 nm.

Multifunctional laser devices can be used to treat tattoos successfully. To report the efficacy of laser treatment in professional, amateur, accidental and permanent make-up tattoos from our own experience and to compare it with the literature. We retrospectively studied 74 consecutive patients with professional, amateur, make-up and accidental tattoos between June 1998 and November 2000. Patients were treated with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (wavelengths of 532 nm and 1064 nm), a Q-switched alexandrite laser (755 nm) and a variable pulse Nd:YAG laser (532 nm). Fourteen patients (19%) achieved a complete response (>95% lightening of treated tattoos), 23 (31%) an excellent response (76-95% lightening) and 21 (28%) a good response (51-75% lightening). Sixteen patients (22%) showed only a slight improvement (< or =50% lightening). Make-up tattoos and blue-black professional tattoos were most successfully treated. Multicoloured professional tattoos needed more treatments (mean +/- SD 5.7 +/- 5.4) in comparison with single-colour tattoos (3.5 +/- 2.0). The amateur tattoos needed fewer treatments (2.8 +/- 1.1) in comparison with professional tattoos. With accidental tattoos the results depended on the particles which had penetrated the skin. In contrast to literature reports, newer tattoos showed a trend to better treatment results than older tattoos. Using modern Q-switched lasers, tattoos are removed successfully with minimal risk of scarring and permanent pigmentary alterations. Even multicoloured tattoos can be treated successfully and with a low rate of side-effects.

Laser removal of tattoos.

Tattoos are placed for different reasons. A technique for tattoo removal which produces selective removal of each tattoo pigment, with minimal risk of scarring, is needed. Nonspecific methods have a high incidence of scarring, textural, and pigmentary alterations compared with the use of Q-switched lasers. With new advances in Q-switched laser technology, tattoo removal can be achieved with minimal risk of scarring and permanent pigmentary alteration. There are five types of tattoos: amateur, professional, cosmetic, medicinal, and traumatic. Amateur tattoos require less treatment sessions than professional multicolored tattoos. Other factors to consider when evaluating tattoos for removal are: location, age and the skin type of the patient. Treatment should begin by obtaining a pre-operative history. Since treatment with the Q-switched lasers is painful, use of a local injection with lidocaine or topical anaesthesia cream may be used prior to laser treatment. Topical broad-spectrum antibacterial ointment is applied immediately following the procedure. Three types of lasers are currently used for tattoo removal: Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm), Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 nm, 1064 nm), and Q-switched alexandrite laser (755 nm). The Q-switched ruby and alexandrite lasers are useful for removing black, blue and green pigments. The Q-switched 532 nm Nd:YAG laser can be used to remove red pigments and the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser is used for removal of black and blue pigments. The most common adverse effects following laser tattoo treatment with the Q-switched ruby laser include textural change, scarring, and pigmentary alteration. Transient hypopigmentation and textural changes have been reported in up to 50 and 12%, respectively, of patients treated with the Q-switched alexandrite laser. Hyperpigmentation and textural changes are infrequent adverse effects of the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and the incidence of hypopigmentary changes is much lower than with the ruby laser. The development of localized and generalized allergic reactions is an unusual complication following tattoo removal with the Q-switched ruby and Nd:YAG lasers. Since many wavelengths are needed to treat multicolored tattoos, not one laser system can be used alone to remove all the available inks and combination of inks. While laser tattoo removal is not perfect, we have come a long way since the advent of Q-switched lasers. Current research is focusing on newer picosecond lasers, which may be more successful than the Q-switched lasers in the removal of the new vibrant tattoo links.

Reasons for requesting laser removal of unwanted tattoos.

Laser removal of tattoos is not generally or readily available on the National Health Service and removal in privately run clinics is expensive. For those seeking removal of their tattoo this can create significant financial hardship. We investigated the psychological, social and financial impact of tattoos on the lives of those patients requesting laser removal. Sixty-eight patients with a mean age of 36 years participated. Twenty-seven (40%) had one tattoo, whereas eight (12%) possessed 10 or more; 54% had an amateur tattoo. Only 18% had received an explanation of the procedure or side-effects. The mean age at application of the first tattoo was 16 years; 48 (71%) were tattooed below the legal age limit of 18 years. Most tattoos were applied for the sake of fashion. The median duration of regret was 14 years before seeking removal. The main reasons for removal were enhancement of self-esteem and social, domestic and family reasons. In those patients attending for removal, most tattoos are applied impulsively and inexpensively in youth. They are often regretted for decades and create significant psychological, social and financial burdens.

The Q-switched ND:YAG laser effectively treats tattoos in darkly pigmented skin.

Laser therapy for removal of cosmetic tattoos has been proven efficacious in lighter skin. Few studies have been reported using the Q-switched neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser to treat tattoos in darkly pigmented or type VU skin, however. To report results using the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser to remove tattoos from type VI skin. Eight darkly pigmented patients had 15 amateur tattoos treated with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Treatments numbered three or four on average and were given at 8-week intervals. Results were rated by the patients and by a panel of four physicians. Eight of 15 tattoos were rated as 75-95% cleared after therapy. Another five tattoos were 50% cleared. Two tattoos were only 25% cleared, but underwent only two treatments. None of the patients reported any changes in texture of their skin post therapy. Thirteen of 15 tattoos were removed without any change in the color of the involved skin. The other two tattoos were removed with only slight lightening of the skin. When treating patients in whom there is a significant risk for keloid scarring or destruction of natural pigment as a consequence of tattoo removal, the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser appears to be an excellent choice of therapy.

Evaluation of the Nd/YAG laser for treatment of amateur and professional tattoos

Two hundred and twenty-one amateur tattoos and 27 professional tattoos were treated with a Nd/YAG laser (lambda 1064 nm and 532 nm). The response was expressed as the percentage area cleared of tattoo. Seventy-nine per cent of amateur black tattoos were > or = 75% clear after one to five treatments (mean 2) at 1064 nm. The response of professional tattoos was slower and less complete. Seventy-four per cent of black professional tattoos were > or = 75% clear after one to 11 treatments (mean 6.3) at 1064 nm. Red tattoos responded well to 532 nm and were > or = 75% clear after one to five treatments. Yellow, orange, blue and green tattoos were resistant to treatment. Side-effects included minor scarring in 1.2% of tattoos and transient pigmentary changes in 77% of patients.

Q-switched alexandrite laser treatment (755 nm) of professional and amateur tattoos

Q-switched alexandrite laser treatment (755 nm) of professional and amateur tattoos

Short-Pulsed Lasers for Treating Tattoos

The development of short-pulsed laser technology has significantly enhanced our ability to treat dermal pigmented disorders, including tattoos. Three Q-switched lasers are currently approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of tattoos: the ruby, Nd:YAG, and alexandrite lasers. Clinical experience suggests that amateur tattoos are easier to treat than professional tattoos and that certain pigments are more easily removed by certain laser wavelengths. …