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A continuously variable beam‐diameter, high‐fluence, Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser for tattoo removal: Comparison of the maximum beam diameter to a standard 4‐mm‐diameter treatment beam
Author(s) -
Bernstein Eric F.,
Civiok Jennifer M.
Publication year - 2013
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.22203
Subject(s) - laser , fluence , optics , beam (structure) , materials science , laser beams , nuclear medicine , biomedical engineering , medicine , physics
Background Laser beam diameter affects the depth of laser penetration. Q‐switched lasers tend to have smaller maximum spot sizes than other dermatologic lasers, making beam diameter a potentially more significant factor in treatment outcomes. Objective To compare the clinical effect of using the maximum‐size treatment beam available for each delivered fluence during laser tattoo removal to a standard 4‐mm‐diameter treatment beam. Method Thirteen tattoos were treated in 12 subjects using a Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser equipped with a treatment beam diameter that was adjustable in 1 mm increments and a setting that would enable the maximally achievable diameter (“MAX‐ON” setting) with any fluence. Tattoos were randomly bisected and treated on one side with the MAX‐ON setting and on the contralateral side with a standard 4‐mm‐diameter spot (“MAX‐OFF” setting). Photographs were taken 8 weeks following each treatment and each half‐tattoo was evaluated for clearance on a 10‐point scale by physicians blinded to the treatment conditions. Results Tattoo clearance was greater on the side treated with the MAX‐ON setting in a statistically significant manner following the 1st through 4th treatments, with the MAX‐OFF treatment site approaching the clearance of the MAX‐ON treatment site after the 5th and 6th treatments. Conclusions This high‐energy, Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser with a continuously variable spot‐size safely and effectively removes tattoos, with greater removal when using a larger spot‐size. Lasers Surg. Med. 45:621–627, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.