Laser tattoo removal strategies: Part II: A review of the methods, techniques, and complications involved in tattoo removal.

The rising global popularity of cosmetic and corrective tattoos has concurrently led to an increased demand for their removal. While in the past, methods like surgical excision, chemical destruction, and dermabrasion were employed, lasers have emerged as a reliable and effective tool for tattoo removal. Increasing technological options and combination treatment strategies have raised the importance of understanding the various approaches to laser tattoo removal along with their respective clinical impact. This CME aims to describe the multifaceted aspects of laser tattoo removal, including the method selection, application principles, and safety considerations. Furthermore, it addresses the factors considered when selecting the most suitable laser to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.

Retrospective clinical evaluation of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser safety and efficacy in tattoo removal: A new perspective on the Kirby-Desai scale.

BACKGROUND: With nearly 50% of the population in the United States, Italy, and Sweden tattooed with at least one tattoo, the demand for its removal has risen by 32% since 2011. Traditional removal methods, such as Q-switched (QS) laser-based tattoo removal, can be lengthy, requiring up to 20 sessions. AIM: This study presents a retrospective clinical evaluation of seven short-pulsed QS, dual-wavelength Nd:YAG laser, as an efficient alternative, that can potentially reduce the number of sessions needed as calculated by a founded scale. METHODS: The QS modality delivers high-intensity pulses in four wavelengths, ideal for removing multicolored tattoos, of which two were used. We studied 11 patients who underwent 3-8 treatments (average 5.09) every 2-3 months. Each tattoo was assessed using the Kirby-Desai scale, considering the following factors: location, Fitzpatrick skin type, ink amount, layering, scarring, tissue changes, and tattoo color. Follow-ups were conducted after 6 months and at 4-5 years following last session. RESULTS: The long-term follow-up presented a significantly higher tattoo removal efficiency than the short-term follow-up (p < 0.001), indicating a sustained process of ink breakdown and elimination. Notably, the actual number of treatments were significantly lower than that predicted by the Kirby-Desai scale (average 5.09 vs. 9.9, p < 0.001). No severe adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the QS Nd:YAG laser offers a safe and effective alternative for tattoo removal, requiring fewer treatments than initially expected.

A Prospective Open-labeled Study of Tattoo Removal with Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Utilizing the R0 Technique and Correlation with Kirby-Desai Scale.

INTRODUCTION: The Q-switched Nd: YAG (QSNY) laser is considered the standard device of choice for laser tattoo removal. Newer concepts such as R0 , R20 methods aided in faster clearance of tattoos. The Kerby-Desai scale [KD scale] has been proposed to predict the approximate number of sessions needed for tattoo clearance. OBJECTIVE: To access the efficacy of R0 technique for tattoo removal in skin types IV to VITo evaluate the Kerby-Desai scale and its correlation to the number of sessions actually required for tattoo clearance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with single colored amateur were treated using modified R0 technique and the number of sessions were corelated with Kirby Desai scale. RESULTS: We found that R0 method require significantly less sessions than predicted by KD scale. CONCLUSION: Tattoo removal with the R0 technique using PFD allows faster clearing of tattoos and significantly cuts down the total treatment duration needed for tattoo removal.