Q-switched Alexandrite Research Articles

Removal of Colored Tattoos with the Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser

The Q-switched alexandrite laser at 760 nm and 50- to 100-ns pulse duration has been shown to effectively remove blue-black as well as green, red, and mauve in seven human subjects with colored tattoos. An average of 9.0 treatments were required to completely remove the green pigment at an average fluence of 5.80 J/cm2 compared with an average of 9.7 treatments at an average fluence of 6.10 J/cm2 for red and an average of 10 treatments at an average fluence of 6.20 J/cm2 for mauve. Orange and yellow were unaffected by the alexandrite laser over a range of fluences tested.

Laser-Induced Allergic Tattoo Reactions

Q-switched ruby, alexandrite, and Nd:YAG lasers, which have become the treatments of choice for tattoos, have been associated with limited local morbidity and no systemic effects. This report describes two cases of widespread allergic reactions to tattoo pigment apparently induced by Q-switched ruby and Nd:YAG lasers. In one case, a 26-year-old woman underwent Q-switched ruby and Nd:YAG laser treatment of a multicolored decorative tattoo. Three weeks after treatment she …