High power Q-switched 1064 nm / 532 nm Nd:YAG Laser in tattoo removal: A systematic review

Assessing the efficacy of a 100 ps Nd:YAG laser for tattoo removal in a minipig model

Using a minipig model, we evaluated the efficacy of the 100 ps Nd:YAG laser in the removal of tattoo pigments, specifically blue, green, red, and yellow. We observed distinct pigment responses to 532/1064 nm wavelengths at various energy settings. Through a combination of clinical, spectroscopic, and histological methods, we found the 532 nm wavelength to be most effective in disrupting all colors, with notable results for green and yellow at 0.4 J/cm2 and red at 0.72 J/cm2. The 1064 nm wavelength reduced pigment in yellow (1.51 J/cm2), green (1.35 J/cm2), and blue (1.11 J/cm2) tattoos, but was surpassed by the 532 nm in efficiency. Our data underscores the crucial interplay between pigment traits and laser settings in tattoo removal. We advocate for tailored treatment strategies, integrating pigment hue and laser wavelength, to enhance removal outcomes.

Retrospective clinical evaluation of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser safety and efficacy in tattoo removal: A new perspective on the Kirby-Desai scale

BACKGROUND

With nearly 50% of the population in the United States, Italy, and Sweden tattooed with at least one tattoo, the demand for its removal has risen by 32% since 2011. Traditional removal methods, such as Q-switched (QS) laser-based tattoo removal, can be lengthy, requiring up to 20 sessions.

AIM

This study presents a retrospective clinical evaluation of seven short-pulsed QS, dual-wavelength Nd:YAG laser, as an efficient alternative, that can potentially reduce the number of sessions needed as calculated by a founded scale.

METHODS

The QS modality delivers high-intensity pulses in four wavelengths, ideal for removing multicolored tattoos, of which two were used. We studied 11 patients who underwent 3-8 treatments (average 5.09) every 2-3 months. Each tattoo was assessed using the Kirby-Desai scale, considering the following factors: location, Fitzpatrick skin type, ink amount, layering, scarring, tissue changes, and tattoo color. Follow-ups were conducted after 6 months and at 4-5 years following last session.

RESULTS

The long-term follow-up presented a significantly higher tattoo removal efficiency than the short-term follow-up (p < 0.001), indicating a sustained process of ink breakdown and elimination. Notably, the actual number of treatments were significantly lower than that predicted by the Kirby-Desai scale (average 5.09 vs. 9.9, p < 0.001). No severe adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the QS Nd:YAG laser offers a safe and effective alternative for tattoo removal, requiring fewer treatments than initially expected.