Grevelink 1996  Title: Laser treatment of tattoos in darkly
pigmented patients: efficacy and side effects.
Author: Grevelink JM, Duke D, van Leeuwen RL,
Gonzalez E, DeCoste SD, Anderson RR
Journal: J Am Acad Dermatol 1996 Apr;34(4):653-6
PMID: 8601656, UI: 96176732
Affiliated institution: Dermatology
Laser Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA.
Cited in:
BACKGROUND: Many modalities for the treatment of tattoos and
pigmented lesions produce a greater risk of complications in Fitzpatrick
types V and VI skin because of an increased incidence of adverse
pigmentary changes and keloidal scarring. In fair-skinned persons
Q-switched lasers have proved effective in removing pigmented
lesions and tattoos without scarring. OBJECTIVE: This study was
conducted to determine the efficacy and effects of Q-switched
lasers on a small series of darkly pigmented patients with tattoos.
METHODS: Four patients of Ethiopian origin with facial and neck
tribal tattoos were treated with both the Q-switched ruby and
Nd:YAG lasers. One black woman with a multicolored tattoo on the
mid chest was treated with the Q-switched ruby laser. RESULTS:
Clearing of all lesions was seen. The treatments did not result
in scarring or permanent pigment changes other than the ones intended.
CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that in darkly pigmented patients,
Q-switched laser treatment of tattoos can be performed successfully.
The longer wavelength Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is recommended when
removing tattoos in darker complected persons. A test treatment
is advised before treatment of large skin areas.
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