Clinical experience and review of the literature suggest Q-switched laser treatment for tattoo removal.
A study, presented in the latest Skin Therapy Letter, recommends quality-switched (Q-switched) lasers for tattoo removal, as it relatively efficiently clears of the tattoo pigment and has minimal side-effects for the patient.
However, no single laser system can completely remove all types of tattoos. At best, depending on the colour used for the tattoo, practitioners can expect 75% clearance in half the cases they treat. Therefore it is recommended that practitioners set realistic goals with their patients.
Risk and tattoo removal
Many factors need to be considered when evaluating a tattoo for removal. Some risks factors associated with laser treatment are known:
- Scarring (< 5%) is highest on the chest, outer upper arm and ankle.
- Cobblestone texture seen within 2 weeks of treatment, is a sign of incipient scarring.
- Pruritus can be significant in the healing phase and minimized with topical corticosteroids.
- Hyper- and hypopigmentation can vary depending on skin phototype.
- Postoperative use of hydroquinone-containing compounds, avoidance of sun and UVA/UVB sun block can be beneficial.
Type of tattoo affects the quality of removal
Amateur tattoos generally require fewer treatment sessions than professional tattoos. Distally located tattoos are more difficult to remove, and older tattoos may or may not be easier to remove than newer ones. Lastly, if bright-coloured inks are used, the patient may need more treatment sessions.
As the data available for laser removal of solid colours is mixed, research continues to perfect tattoo removal with the development of picosecond and femtosecond laser systems.
Ref.: Mariwalla, K., Dover, J.S. 2006, ?The Use of Lasers for Decorative Tattoo Removal?, Skin Therapy Letter, vol. 11, no.5, pp. 8-11.
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