The efficacy and the adverse reactions of laser‐assisted tattoo removal – a prospective split study using nanosecond and picosecond lasers

Wolfgang Bäumler · Christian Breu · B. Philipp · Birgit Haslböck · Mark Berneburg · Katharina Theresia Weiß

13 citations0/0 files storedJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology

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Tattoo and Body Piercing Complications Laser Material Processing Techniques Dermatologic Treatments and Research

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Laser pulses with nanosecond duration (NSL) have been the golden standard to destroy the pigment particles in skin. It is still controversially discussed whether picosecond pulses (PSL) are superior for tattoo removal. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and the adverse reactions of nanosecond and picosecond laser pulses in a comparative study. METHODS: The prospective study included 23 subjects with 30 black or coloured tattoos, which were split into two halves treated with either a new PSL (532, 1064 nm) or standard NSL (694 nm). The lasers were applied at regular time intervals of 4 weeks for up to eight treatments. Tattoo clearance (primary endpoint), pain and adverse reactions (secondary endpoints) were appraised by physicians, blinded observers, and by subjects. The extent and duration of adverse reactions were additionally assessed by using a questionnaire and photo-documentation after each treatment session. RESULTS: The tattoo clearance appeared to be more effective for PSL compared to NSL but without statistical significance (P > 0.05). Pretreated tattoos responded better to laser treatments than previously untreated tattoos. Subjects felt significantly less pain with PSL than with NSL (P < 0.001). Transient adverse reactions were statistically less pronounced lasting shorter for PSL as for NSL, especially blistering, pruritus, and burning sensation. Hypopigmentation appeared after NSL treatments only, whereas hyperpigmentation was caused by both lasers. No scarring was detected with either laser. CONCLUSIONS: Both laser systems enable acceptable clearance of most tattoos in the present study. PSL cause less collateral skin damage as compared to NSL.

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References

1998Comparison of Responses of Tattoos to Picosecond and Nanosecond Q-Switched Neodymium:YAG Lasers 2018Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal 2010Incidence of Health Problems Associated with Tattooed Skin: A Nation-Wide Survey in German-Speaking Countries 2012Treatment of Tattoos With a Picosecond Alexandrite Laser 2000Q-switch laser and tattoo pigments: First results of the chemical and photophysical analysis of 41 compounds 2012Successful and Rapid Treatment of Blue and Green Tattoo Pigment With a Novel Picosecond Laser 2002Laser‐tattoo removal—a study of the mechanism and the optimal treatment strategy via computer simulations 2010Lasers for tattoo removal: a review

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