Treatment Of Tattoos Research Articles

Lentigo benigna. Removal with the Q-switched ruby laser

The Q-switched ruby laser (wave-length 694 nm, pulse duration 25 ns or 40 ns) causes selective damage to natural or artificial pigment. This laser has produced very good results in the treatment of amateur, professional and traumatic tattoos and of a number of benign pigmented lesions. We report on two patients with lentigines treated effectively with a Q-switched ruby laser.

Behandlung von Gefäßmalformationen und Pigmentstörungen an Gesicht und Hals durch gepulsten Farbstofflaser, Photoderm VL und gütegeschalteten Rubinlaser

Two new types of lasers, the pulsed dye laser and the Q-switched ruby laser, have shown good to excellent results in the treatment of vascular malformations and benign pigmented lesions of the skin. A new and very effective alternative to pulsed dye laser is the recently introduced Photoderm VL. This device is based on the use of a wide-band non-coherent intense pulsed light source which emits a continuous spectrum in the range of 515 nm to 1200 nm. More than a 1000 patients with a variety of lesions of the skin were treated by these new laser systems and the Photoderm VL. The Q-switched ruby laser (wavelength 694 nm, pulse duration 25 ns) is suitable for the treatment of benign lentigines, café-au-lait macules, seborrhoic ceratosis, tattoos, and traumatic tattoos. The pulsed dye laser (585 nm, 0,3-0,45 ms) treats nevi flammei, capillary hemangiomas, telangiectasias, xanthelasma, hypertrophic scarring, and adenoma sebaceum. In addition we present the facilities of the new Photoderm VL (515 nm-1200 nm, 0,5-20 ms) for the treatment of nevi flammei, benign hemangiomatous malformations, telangiectasias, erythrosis interfollicularis colli, hypertrophic scarring, and hypertrichosis. the Q-switched ruby laser, the pulsed dye laser, and the Photoderm VL show excellent results in the treatment of lesions of the skin, which otherwise would have been difficult to treat of untreatable. The efficiency of the laser types presented is based on the theory of selective photothermolysis. Scarring is almost never seen and hypo- or hyperpigmentation is in most cases transient.

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

Background: Several laser techniques have been proposed for the removal of decorative tattoos. The lasers that have been used most successfully are Q-switched red or near-infrared systems because of their ability to target tattoo pigment selectively with minimal risk of scarring or permanent pigmentary changes. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the clinical effectiveness of the newest Q-switched system, the alexandrite laser, in removing amateur and professional tattoos and to observe side effects. Methods: Twenty-four multicolored professional tattoos and 18 blue-black amateur tattoos were treated with the Q-switched alexandrite laser (755 nm, 100 nsec) at 2-month intervals until total clearing was achieved. The 510 nm pulsed dye laser was used to treat tattoos that contained red pigment. Results: Professional tattoos required an average of 8.5 alexandrite laser treatments for total clearance, whereas only 4.6 treatments were necessary to remove amateur tattoos. Red tattoo pigment was successfully treated with an average of two 510 nm pulsed dye laser sessions. No scarring or long-standing pigmentary changes were seen in laser-irradiated skin. Conclusion: The Q-switched alexandrite laser is highly effective in removing multicolored professional and amateur tattoos without adverse sequelae. The 510 nm pulsed dye laser was useful in eliminating red tattoo pigment.

The Use of Infrared Coagulation in Hair Transplant and Scalp Reduction Surgery

The infrared coagulator, a spin off of laser technology, has been used for more than a decade, first in Europe and then in the United States, for the in-office elimination of first and second degree hemorrhoids. Even more recently, it has been employed in the treatment and removal of unwanted tattoos. This device has been FDA approved for both anorectal and dermatologic applications. Within the last year, we have conducted a thorough study in our practice of the use and comparison of electrocoagulation, radiosurgical coagulation, and infrared coagulation during both hair transplantation and scalp reduction surgery. The infrared coagulator with its multiple-sized tips and pinpoint accuracy has proven to be superior (especially in a wet field) in providing excellent hemostasis, allowing minimal blood loss, and in allowing the clearest visual field in performing both hair transplant and scalp reduction surgery. Because no ground or antenna plates are necessary for the use of the device, it is extremely safe and effective and thus minimizes both patient risk and electrical shock. Its excellent effect in a wet field (it's used in bleeding hemorrhoids) as well as its uncumbersome size and versatility, makes it the ideal instrument for use during hair transplant and scalp reduction surgery. The device has been tested in the treatment of arteriovenous fistulas in the donor area of the scalp as well and has proved to be quite safe and effective. This paper presents a study encompassing 110 patients undergoing either hair transplant or scalp reduction surgery. Each different modality of coagulation is utilized for the various transplant or scalp reduction sessions on the same patient. Comparisons of effectiveness and postoperative complications are made. Detailed results and photographs are presented.

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. …

Q-Switched ruby laser for the treatment of pigmented lesions and tattoos

Q-Switched ruby laser for the treatment of pigmented lesions and tattoos

510-nm pulsed dye laser and alexandrite crystal laser for the treatment of pigmented lesions and tattoos

510-nm pulsed dye laser and alexandrite crystal laser for the treatment of pigmented lesions and tattoos

Alexandrite Laser Effective for Tattoos and Nevus of Ota

Two short-pulsed Q-switched lasers, the ruby and the Nd:YAG, have been developed for the treatment of dermal pigmented disorders and tattoos. A third laser of this type, the alexandrite laser (755 nm with a 100-nsec pulse duration), was recently developed. Two studies evaluate the effectiveness of the Q-switched alexandrite laser in the treatment of nevus of Ota and tattoos. In one study, seven patients with nevus of Ota were treated at 8-to-12-week intervals using fluences …

The Removal of Cutaneous Pigmented Lesions with the Q‐switched Ruby Laser and the Q‐switched Neodymium: Yttrium‐Aluminum‐Garnet Laser

The Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL) (694 nm) has been used successfully in the removal of tattoos and a variety of cutaneous pigmented lesions. The frequency-doubled Q-switched neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (QSNd:YAG) (1064 and 532 nm) has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of tattoos, however, little has been published regarding the QSNd:YAG laser in the removal of cutaneous pigmented lesions. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and side effect profile of the QSRL and the frequency-doubled QSNd:YAG lasers in the removal of cutaneous pigmented lesions, including lentigines, café-au-lait macules, nevus of Ota, nevus spilus, Becker's nevus, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma. Twenty patients with pigmented lesions were treated with the QSRL and the frequency-doubled QSNd:YAG lasers. Clinical lightening of the lesion was assessed 1 month after a single treatment. Side effects and patient satisfaction were also evaluated. A minimum of 30% lightening was achieved in all patients after only one treatment with either the QSRL or the frequency-doubled QSNd:YAG laser. The QSRL seems to provide a slightly better treatment response than the QSNd:YAG laser. Neither laser caused scarring or textural change of the skin. Most patients found the QSRL to be more painful during treatment, but the QSNd:YAG laser caused more postoperative discomfort. Both the QSRL and the frequency-doubled QSND:YAG laser are safe and effective methods of treatment of epidermal and dermal pigmented lesions.

Tattoo Removal Using the Alexandrite Laser

Until the recent development of the Q-switched lasers, it was not possible to remove tattoos without causing scarring, sometimes very disfiguring. Variations in wavelengths and pulse widths used may result in different clinical effectiveness or risks. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the alexandrite laser in removing professional and amateur tattoo pigment without adverse tissue response. We describe the clinical and histologic effects of the use of a new Q-switched laser for treatment of tattoos, the alexandrite laser (wavelength, 755 nm; pulse width, 100 nanoseconds). The results of treatment of 17 patients with professional tattoos and eight patients with amateur tattoos are analyzed. Greater than 95% removal of tattoo pigment averaged 8.9 treatment sessions. Transient hypopigmentation occurred in approximately 50% of patients, and transient textural surface changes occurred in 12%. The alexandrite laser is a safe and effective treatment modality for removal of black and blue-black tattoo pigment.

Recent advances in the use of lasers In dermatology.

A guide to laser treatment of port wine stains, tattoos and cutaneous pigmented disorders.

Q-switched ruby laser. Further observations on treatment of professional tattoos.

The Q-switched ruby laser is effective in the treatment of amateur tattoos and other pigmented lesions. Previous studies have shown that, though amateur tattoos usually respond well, professional tattoos show greater resistance to clearing. Our study evaluates the treatment of 20 patients with 28 professional (blue, green, black) tattoos by a Q-switched ruby laser with a 28-ns pulse width, and using high energy fluences up to 10 J/cm2. Responses proved to be good to excellent among these patients, who needed fewer treatments than previously reported.

Treatment of traumatic tattoos by Q-switched ruby laser.

The Q-switched ruby laser is currently used in the treatment of amateur and professional decorative tattoos. The present study documents the clinical management and follow-up of 12 subjects with traumatic tattoos treated with the Q-switched ruby laser. The results of this study indicate that an excellent clinical outcome can be achieved with substantial removal of the targeted foreign pigmented matter while potential adverse effects are significantly reduced. Hypopigmentation, which occurred in four patients (33.3 percent), was temporary and resolved spontaneously in all subjects within 6 months of laser exposure. There was no hypertrophic scarring, atrophy, or induration seen in any of the subjects treated with the Q-switched ruby laser.

TREATMENT OF BENIGN PIGMENTED EPIDERMAL LESIONS BY Q‐SWITCHED RUBY LASER

Disorders of cutaneous pigmentation are a common problem, which can cause substantial cosmetic morbidity. Traditional treatments are often ineffective and sometimes associated with further hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or scarring. Because the Q-switched ruby laser has proven useful for the treatment of tattoos and, in a small number of cases, benign disorders of the epidermal melanin, we decided to apply this modality systematically to additional benign pigmented lesions. Thirty-four benign pigmented epidermal lesions including lentigines, café-au-lait macules, and nevi spili in nine white patients were exposed to single pulses of a Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm, 40 ns pulse duration) at 4.5 and/or 7.5 J/cm2. After one treatment, substantial clearing occurred at each fluence in all lentigines and café-au-lait macules. Initial improvement was achieved in a small nevus spilus after two treatments at 4.5 J/cm2 and a larger nevus spilus after one treatment at 7.5 J/cm2 with complete removal of the junctional or compound nevi portion but no improvement in the café-au-lait portion. Complete return of the background pigment was observed by 1 year. There was no scarring. Immediately after treatment, histology revealed vacuolization of keratinocytes and melanocytes, and occasional subepidermal blisters. These findings show that while the Q-switched ruby laser may not be entirely useful for treating nevi spili, it does provide an effective treatment for lentigines and café-au-lait macules.

Lasers in dermatology.

Lasers have many applications in dermatology. Recent developments in laser technology have produced significant therapeutic advances in several areas. The introduction of pulsed tunable dye lasers has considerably improved the treatment of vascular lesions, particularly port wine stain malformations in children. A wider range of continuous-wave and quasi-continuous-wave lasers have also become available for treating vascular lesions, and their use in conjunction with automated delivery systems has improved results whilst reducing adverse effects. Increasing interest in treatment of pigmented lesions and tattoos has led to investigation of a range of high-power short-pulse lasers, and early results look very promising. However, further work is needed in all these areas to determine which lesions respond best to each laser system, and which treatment techniques are optimal.

Clinical use of the Q-switched ruby and the Q-switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm and 532 nm) lasers for treatment of tattoos.

The desire to remove tattoos has probably been around as long as their existence. Recent technological advances in lasers have finally made it possible to remove tattoos without leaving an equally undesirable scar. The purpose of this article is to review the use of the Q-switched ruby (694 nm) and the Q-switched Nd:YAG (532 and 1064 nm) lasers for effective removal of tattoo ink, with cosmetically appealing results. The Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm) effectively removes blue-black and green ink, may treat other colors less efficiently, and is frequently associated with transient pigmentary changes, including rare depigmentation. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm quickly removes black ink, as well as other colors less efficiently; pigmentary changes are much less frequent, correlating with its lower absorption by melanin. The 532-nm wavelength treats red ink effectively, but also leads to temporary hypopigmentation. Transient textural changes may be noted at all three wavelengths discussed, but scarring is rare. Q-switched lasers can remove tattoos without residual scarring. Efficacy of ink removal is dependent on the wavelength used for the targeted pigment.

Treatment of amateur and professional tattoos with the infrared coagulator

A series of patients with both amateur and professional tattoos have been treated with an infrared coagulator. Of those treated, 95% were removed to the patient's satisfaction. Tattoos above the elbow and on the shoulder tended to produce keloid scars, as did the professional ones.

Q-switched ruby laser treatment of labial lentigos

The Q-switched ruby laser causes selective damage to pigmented cells in the skin. This laser, which has a wavelength of 694 nm and a pulse duration of 40 nsec, has shown very promising results in the treatment of both amateur and professional tattoos. Less data are available on its ability to treat benign pigmented lesions of the skin. Three patients who had labial lentigos were treated with the Q-switched ruby laser, and dramatic clearing occurred after one or two treatments with a fluence of 10 J/cm2.

Treatment of traumatic tattoos with various sterile brushes

Various types of brushes are efficient for the removal of foreign material accidentally projected into the skin by explosive or abrasive trauma. To evaluate how different times between injury and treatment influenced esthetic results, we retrospectively evaluated 14 patients subjected to the brushing technique. Two groups were identified. Group I had been treated within 24 hours of injury. In group II debridement had been performed later. Cosmetic results were strikingly better in group I. Our results demonstrate that debridement of traumatic tattoos should be carried out as soon as possible to achieve favorable cosmetic results.

Q-Switched Ruby Laser Irradiation of Normal Human Skin

The Q-switched ruby laser is used for treatment of tatoos. The effects of Q-switched ruby laser pulses on sun-exposed and sun-protected human skin, as well as senile lentigines, were investigated with clinical observation, light microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. A pinpricklike sensation occurred at radiant exposures as low as 0.2 J/cm2. Immediate erythema, delayed edema, and immediate whitening occurred with increasing radiant exposure. The threshold for immediate whitening varied inversely with skin pigmentation, ranging from a mean of 1.4 J/cm2 in lentigines to 3.1 J/cm2 in sun-protected skin. Transmission electron microscopy showed immediate alteration of mature melanosomes and nuclei within keratinocytes and melanocytes, but stage I and II melanosomes were unaffected. Histologically, immediate injury was confined to the epidermis. There was minimal inflammatory response 1 day after exposure. After 1 week, subthreshold exposures induced hyperpigmentation, with epidermal hyperplasia and increased melanin staining noted histologically. At higher radiant exposures, hypopigmentation occurred with desquamation of a pigmented scale/crust. All sites returned to normal skin color and texture without scarring within 3 to 6 months. These observations suggest that the human skin response to selective photothermolysis of pigmented cells is similar to that reported in animal models, including low radiant exposure stimulation of melanogenesis and high radiant exposure lethal injury to pigmented epidermal cells.