Successful treatment of cosmetic mucosal tattoos via Q-switched laser.

BACKGROUND: Tattoo removal using Q-switched lasers is well established in the medical literature, but it is not clear how tattoos on mucosal membranes should be treated because of their infrequent presentation. OBJECTIVE: To report successful cosmetic tattoo removal using Q-switched laser irradiation on the oral mucosal surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three men with cosmetic tattoos on the orolabial mucosa of the lower lip sought permanent removal. Each patient received treatments using a Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser to the desired endpoint. RESULTS: Treatment of the affected area with the Nd:YAG laser resulted in clearing of the pigment without scarring. CONCLUSION: Q-switched laser treatment is a safe and very effective means of removing cosmetic mucosal tattoos on the inner lip and should be considered the criterion standard treatment option.