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Evaluation of the Nd/YAG laser for treatment of amateur and professional tattoos
Author(s) -
FERGUSON J.E.,
AUGUST P.J.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2133.1996.d01-1045.x
Subject(s) - clearance , amateur , medicine , laser treatment , dermatology , orange (colour) , surgery , laser , urology , optics , horticulture , history , biology , archaeology , physics
Summary Two hundred and twenty‐one amateur tattoos and 27 professional tattoos were treated with a Nd/YAG laser (X 1064nm and 532nm). The response was expressed as the percentage area cleared of tattoo. Seventy‐nine per cent of amateur black tattoos were 75% clear after one to five treatments (mean 2) at 1064 nm. The response of professional tattoos was slower and less complete. Seventyfour per cent of black professional tattoos were 75% clear after one to 11 treatments (mean 6·3) at 1064nm. Red tattoos responded well to 532 nm and were 75% clear after one to five treatments. Yellow, orange blue and green tattoos were resistant to treatment. Side‐effects included minor scarring in 1·2% of tattoos and transient pigmentary changes in 77% of patients.