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Clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural evaluation of tattoos treated with three laser systems
Author(s) -
Zelickson Brian D.,
Mehregan David A.,
Zarrin Ali A.,
Coles Charlotte,
Hartwig Patricia,
Olson Susan,
LeafDavis Janette
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.1900150406
Subject(s) - laser , ruby laser , materials science , ultrastructure , pigment , dermatology , medicine , optics , pathology , chemistry , physics , organic chemistry
We examined the response of tattoo pigments treated with three commercially available lasers: Q‐switched ruby, Q‐Switched neodynium:yttrium, aluminum, garnet (Nd:YAG), and the alexandrite. Tattoos applied to hairless guinea pigs and treated with the aforementioned lasers were evaluated clinically, histologically, and ultrastructurally. Clinical evaluation showed red brown, dark brown, and orange pigment responded best to the Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm). The alexandrite laser was most effective for removing blue and green pigment, the Q‐switched ruby laser was most effective for removing purple and violet pigment, and the NdYAG laser (532 nm) removed red pigment the best. Black pig ment was lightened equally with the Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) and (532 nm) and the alexandrite laser (755 nm). No clinical scarring was observed; however, some colors turned black after treatment. Histologic and ultrastructural examination showed epidermal and dermal damage to be most evident after treatment with the Nd:YAG laser. Our study shows that certain tattoo pigments respond better to different laser systems. © 1994 WiIey‐Liss, Inc.