Successful Treatment of Cosmetic Eyebrow Tattoos in Fitzpatrick III‐IV With Picosecond (1,064, 532‐nm) Neodymium‐Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser With a Perfluorodecalin‐Infused Patch: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives Nanosecond Q‐switched lasers have been used for the removal of traditional and cosmetic tattoos. Picosecond lasers utilize pulse durations of 10−12 and provide more efficient clearance of tattoos. Safe and effective removal of tattoos is especially important in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face. We report four patients with skin types (III–IV) who have had successful removal of eyebrow tattoos with the picosecond (1,064‐, 532‐nm) laser using a perfluorodecalin‐infused patch (PFD). Study Design/Materials and Methods Patients with eyebrow tattoos underwent treatment with dual‐wavelength picosecond Nd:YAG laser at 1,064‐nm with a 3 mm spot size and fluence of 4–4.6 J/cm2. The 532‐nm wavelength was also used during treatment #1 (patient 2 only) with a 4 mm spot size and fluence of 0.5 J/cm2. Patient 1 had a total of three treatments (6–8 weeks apart). The remaining patients, each had only one treatment. Patients were photographed prior to treatment and subsequently at each follow‐up. Results Immediately following each laser treatment, only mild and transient localized erythema and edema was observed. Some epidermal crusting was noted for 3–5 days following each treatment. Eyebrow hair growth was not affected and no adverse events were reported. There was 75% clearance in patient 1 after three treatments over a period of 2.5 months, 75% clearance in patient 2 after one treatment, 90% clearance in patient 3 after one treatment, and 100% clearance in patient 4 after one treatment. Conclusions The 532‐ and 1,064‐nm wavelength of the picosecond Nd:YAG laser was safely used to clear brown and black ink eyebrow tattoos in four patients, three of whom were skin type IV, and one of whom underwent eyebrow tattoo via microblading, a novel and popular technique for cosmetic tattoos. The use of picosecond laser provides several treatment advantages to Q‐switched laser when treating eyebrow tattoos. In our experience, it required less number of treatments and lower fluences. This, along with use of the perfluorodecalin‐infused patch resulted in excellent outcomes for our patients with no significant side effects. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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