Abstract
Tattoos have existed and have been used as an expression of art by man for ages-and so have the techniques to remove them. Lasers based on the principle of selective photothermolysis are now being used to remove black as well as colorful tattoos with varying successes. The commonly used lasers for tattoo removal are the Q-switched 694-nm ruby laser, the Q-switched 755-nm alexandrite laser, the 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser, and the 532-nm Nd:YAG laser. Newer techniques and methods are evolving in tattoo removal with lasers. Choosing the right laser for the right tattoo color is necessary for a successful outcome. Our review aims to understand the principles of laser tattoo removal and their applications for different types and colors of tattoos. The review also highlights the complications that can occur such as dyspigmentation, allergic reactions, epidermal debris, ink darkening, and so on, in this process and how to prevent them.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 619-627 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Lasers in Medical Science |
| Volume | 25 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Sep 1 2010 |
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Keywords
- Ink darkening
- Lasers
- Q-switched alexandrite laser
- Q-switched ruby laser
- Tattoos
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Dermatology
Cite this
Lasers for tattoo removal : A review. / Choudhary, Sonal; Elsaie, Mohamed L.; Leiva, Angel; Nouri, Keyvan.
In: Lasers in Medical Science, Vol. 25, No. 5, 01.09.2010, p. 619-627.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Lasers for tattoo removal
T2 - A review
AU - Choudhary, Sonal
AU - Elsaie, Mohamed L.
AU - Leiva, Angel
AU - Nouri, Keyvan
PY - 2010/9/1
Y1 - 2010/9/1
N2 - Tattoos have existed and have been used as an expression of art by man for ages-and so have the techniques to remove them. Lasers based on the principle of selective photothermolysis are now being used to remove black as well as colorful tattoos with varying successes. The commonly used lasers for tattoo removal are the Q-switched 694-nm ruby laser, the Q-switched 755-nm alexandrite laser, the 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser, and the 532-nm Nd:YAG laser. Newer techniques and methods are evolving in tattoo removal with lasers. Choosing the right laser for the right tattoo color is necessary for a successful outcome. Our review aims to understand the principles of laser tattoo removal and their applications for different types and colors of tattoos. The review also highlights the complications that can occur such as dyspigmentation, allergic reactions, epidermal debris, ink darkening, and so on, in this process and how to prevent them.
AB - Tattoos have existed and have been used as an expression of art by man for ages-and so have the techniques to remove them. Lasers based on the principle of selective photothermolysis are now being used to remove black as well as colorful tattoos with varying successes. The commonly used lasers for tattoo removal are the Q-switched 694-nm ruby laser, the Q-switched 755-nm alexandrite laser, the 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser, and the 532-nm Nd:YAG laser. Newer techniques and methods are evolving in tattoo removal with lasers. Choosing the right laser for the right tattoo color is necessary for a successful outcome. Our review aims to understand the principles of laser tattoo removal and their applications for different types and colors of tattoos. The review also highlights the complications that can occur such as dyspigmentation, allergic reactions, epidermal debris, ink darkening, and so on, in this process and how to prevent them.
KW - Ink darkening
KW - Lasers
KW - Q-switched alexandrite laser
KW - Q-switched ruby laser
KW - Tattoos
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=77956186021&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s10103-010-0800-2
DO - 10.1007/s10103-010-0800-2
M3 - Article
C2 - 20549279
AN - SCOPUS:77956186021
VL - 25
SP - 619
EP - 627
JO - Lasers in Medical Science
JF - Lasers in Medical Science
SN - 0268-8921
IS - 5
ER -