Open AccessSimulation of laser‐tattoo pigment interaction in a tissue‐mimicking phantom using Q‐switched and long‐pulsed lasers
Author(s) -
Ahn K. J.,
Kim B. J.,
Cho S. B.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
skin research and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.521
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1600-0846
pISSN - 0909-752X
DOI - 10.1111/srt.12346
Subject(s) - laser , materials science , pulse (music) , imaging phantom , photothermal therapy , wavelength , optics , q switching , yttrium , optoelectronics , biomedical engineering , medicine , nanotechnology , physics , detector , metallurgy , oxide
Background Laser therapy is the treatment of choice in tattoo removal. However, the precise mechanisms of laser‐tattoo pigment interactions remain to be evaluated. Methods We evaluated the geometric patterns of laser‐tattoo pigment particle interactions using a tattoo pigment‐embedded tissue‐mimicking ( TM ) phantom. Results A Q‐switched ( QS ) neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser was used at settings of 532‐, 660‐, and 1064‐nm wavelengths, single‐pulse and quick pulse‐to‐pulse treatment modes, and spot sizes of 4 and 7 mm. Most of the laser‐tattoo interactions in the experimental conditions formed cocoon‐shaped or oval photothermal and photoacoustic injury zones, which contained fragmented tattoo particles in various sizes depending on the conditions. In addition, a long‐pulsed 755‐nm alexandrite laser was used at a spot size of 6 mm and pulse widths of 3, 5, and 10 ms. The finer granular pattern of tattoo destruction was observed in TM phantoms treated with 3‐ and 5‐ms pulse durations compared to those treated with a 10‐ms pulse. Conclusion We outlined various patterns of laser‐tattoo pigment interactions in a tattoo‐embedded TM phantom to predict macroscopic tattoo and surrounding tissue reactions after laser treatment for tattoo removal.